Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2007 Toyota Matrix owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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
Toyota has not rectified the airbag issue in a timely manner. I received an "interim notice" from Toyota regarding the recall of airbags on my car 8/10/2015. The status of my car according to Toyota remains "interim" and as such they are not able to replace the airbag. However, in said letter Toyota stated that, "until the remedy becomes available in your location, we recommend that you do not operate the vehicle with an occupant in the front passenger seat." in other words, you cannot fully use your car and to date, we cannot fix it.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Toyota Matrix. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the passenger's side air bag sensor light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer Toyota whittier located at 14577 e, whittier blvd, whittier, ca 90605, who diagnosed that the air bag coil was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Toyota Matrix. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the drivers side air bag clock spring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000. Updated 02/05/16
Was driving 45 MPH on the highway and rear-ended a truck. My airbag did not deploy and resulted in a badly sprained shoulder and other contusions. I am in a great deal of pain and cannot work yet. I have missed 3 days of work and cannot return for at least another 4. This cost me pain, inconvenience, and income.
Initially the car would fail to accelerate when the gas pedal was pressed down. Even when the gas pedal was pressed down completely the car only went 5 miles per hour. This happened on several occassions. When the car was taken to the dealer the whole "panel board" was replaced. The car was still under warranty and the repair was paid for by Toyota. Then on 2/2/08 the car accelerated on its own, only stopping when it hit a chain link fence. An insurance claim and police report were filed. Additionally the horn was not working and the air bag did not deploy in the accident. The serviceman at the Toyota dealer advised the air bag was defective and Toyota paid for the repair of the airbag. This accident caused my insurance rate to increase. Also the accident negatively impacts my son's driving record as he was the driver.
Toyota Matrix recall I had received a recall notice from Toyota about my vehicle model. The letter had mentioned that I was to soon be contacted about Toyota fixing the issue when the manufacturer received the parts. This notice came to me on August. I had contacted the dealership, in which I had bought my vehicle, to remind them that I have yet to be contacted about the recall issue. I was told that the manufacturer had yet to even inform them about the progress on the issue, but if anything, I would updated shortly. It has been about half a year, and I have yet to be contacted by Toyota.
We received the Takata airbag recall notice in June 2015 and still have not received any information about the status of an airbag replacement. We were notified not to have anyone ride in the passenger seat due to the airbag deficiency. It has been an unreasonable time and still there is not eta on a replacement. This is a huge inconvenience as this is our family car and we are currently expecting. I would expect for this threatening recall to be handled more efficiently or accommodations to be made.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Toyota Matrix. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V285000 (air bags) and stated that the part was not available within a reasonable time frame to schedule the recall repair. The dealer did not give a specific date for when the part would become available. The manufacturer could not provide an estimated date for when the vehicle would receive the recall repair. The contact was not experiencing a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Airbag complaints in other Matrix years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2007 Toyota Matrix?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the air bags of the 2007 Toyota Matrix, 38% of the model year's 96 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Toyota Matrix airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2007 Toyota Matrix, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2007 Toyota Matrix airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 1 fire and 4 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.