Most common 2007 Toyota Matrix problems
Share of the 96 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Toyota Matrix complaints by model year
Best Matrix years: 2012, 2011, 2008. Years to avoid: 2003, 2009, 2005, 2006. Compare all years →
2007 Toyota Matrix recalls (2)
Engine and engine cooling
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 corolla and corolla matrix vehicles. The engine control module (ECM) for the subject models equipped with the 1zz-fe engine and two-wheel drive May have been improperly manufactured.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the production number of the ECM and replace the ECM if necessary. This service will be performed free of charge.
Equipment › Other › Labels
Gulf states Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold between September 1, 2005 and June 2, 2008 without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.
Remedy: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual.
What 2007 Toyota Matrix owners say
Air bags all 36 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Toyota Matrix. While stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle engine seized without warning. The vehicle restarted and while driving less than 10 MPH, the speedometer read 20 MPH. The failure recurred multiple times. The contact mentioned that smoke started emitting from under the hood, as well as, the right passenger seat. The contact heard a loud abnormal noise. The contact stated that the engine sounded like it was going to start on its own and then the windshield wipers activated and the dashboard lights flashed. The firemen arrived and unplugged the battery. A report was filed by the fire department. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and then was taken to the dealer for investigation. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Toyota Matrix. While the vehicle was exiting a parking garage and waiting at a toll booth, it suddenly accelerated out of control and crashed into another vehicle and a retaining wall. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. There were minor injuries, which required medical attention. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000. Updated 04/19/17
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Matrix. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an engine misfire, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
I was driving home from work when I noticed the door light was on the display console in my car. I was at a red light and checked to see if my door was open, it wasn't, the door light remained on. I continued driving, but smelled plastic burning. I looked down, saw orange flickers and realized my car was on fire. The fire was burning in the drivers side dash, it was contained behind a small storage compartment. I tried desperately to put the fire out, threw water and left over soda on it, but I think I actually made it worse. I screeched into a gas station, put the fire out, and called 911. The fire department came out and said I did everything right. I am now having difficulty getting my car into a body shop. The insurance company I am with has yet to tow the vehicle and now I find it is costing me out of pocket expenses, due to my insurance not rolling over to cover a rental. …
Speed control & acceleration
On the morning of 12/16/2016, while in the parking garage where my wife works, she stopped to back into a parking spot and the car suddenly accelerated forward and would not respond to vigorous braking nor the emergency brake. The car hit a concrete wall, the air bag deployed, and she was injured (numerous fractures to date). We have seen the words 'brake override' and 'sudden unintended acceleration' in cases against Toyota. There were no floor mats in the car. We bought this car in the first week of oct 2016, so it was only approx 75 days in our possession. The dealership could never get us in contact with the previous owner (about unrelated questions) and never mentioned any possible issue with the car. They gave me a carfax, but there was no mention of the sua issue. We feel Toyota or someone should be responsible for this happening. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Toyota Matrix. While the vehicle was exiting a parking garage and waiting at a toll booth, it suddenly accelerated out of control and crashed into another vehicle and a retaining wall. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. There were minor injuries, which required medical attention. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000. Updated 04/19/17
2007 Toyota Matrix engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 26 / 33 / 29 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 25 / 31 / 27 |
EPA ratings. Class: Wagon.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2007 Toyota Matrix a good car?
Based on 96 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2007 Matrix rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Matrix at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2007 Toyota Matrix?
The air bags — 36 complaints, 38% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frontal. Next are the engine & cooling (14) and speed control & acceleration (12).
How many recalls does the 2007 Toyota Matrix have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2007 Toyota Matrix, the most recent from August 26, 2010 (engine and engine cooling). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Toyota Matrix?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2012, 2011 and 2008. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2003, 2009, 2005 and 2006. See the full Toyota Matrix years comparison.
At what mileage do 2007 Toyota Matrix problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 45,000 miles; 54% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.