Most common 2008 Toyota Matrix problems
Share of the 38 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 →
2008 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 2008 Toyota Matrix owners say
Speed control & acceleration
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Toyota Matrix. The contact was driving 5 MPH and attempting a left turn into a parking space when the vehicle accelerated unexpectedly and jumped a curb before crashing into a trash bin. The vehicle was not destroyed. There were no injuries but the police were contacted and report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a private mechanic and the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 42,651 and the current mileage was 42,680. Updated 04/13/12.updated 04/18/12 the consumer was driving 5 MPH. As he turned into a parking space, the vehicle suddenly accelerated unexpectedly and jumped the curb before crashing into a heavy concrete trash bin. The consumer put the vehicle in park, but the wheels continued to rev. By this time, smoke was created by the tires burning. …
Tl contact owns a 2009 Toyota Matrix. The contact stated that while driving at approximate speeds of 35 MPH in rainy weather, a vehicle ahead of him applied the brakes. The contact attempted to depress the brakes; however, the vehicle continued to accelerate. The vehicle proceeded to crash into the preceding vehicle and also a third vehicle. One of the vehicle occupants was injured. The police were called to the scene. The contact was not given a copy of the police report. The vehicle was driven to a local repair shop for an assessment of the damages. The failure mileage was 6,000 and the current mileage was 10,000.
Electrical system
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Toyota Matrix. The contact stated that there was an internal electrical short that progressed intermittently for three years. In addition, the instrument cluster flickered, various internal and external lights randomly illuminated, and the power steering failed, which caused the steering wheel to be extremely tight. The contact also indicated that the vehicle stalled multiple times without warning. The first dealer diagnosed that the battery would not hold a charge. The dealer replaced the battery and the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the first dealer who then flushed the engine assembly, replaced the drive belt, and inspected the ECU for an internal failure. The first dealer replaced the ECU and restructured the main control plug on the body control module, but the vehicle continued to randomly stall without warning. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Toyota Matrix. When the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle shut off. The contact would have to turn the vehicle off and on in order to drive properly. The contact stated that the same failure occurred numerous times, especially at red lights. The vehicle was taken to bennett Toyota (1951 lehigh st, allentown, pa 18103), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was also contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 97,000.
Air bags
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Toyota Matrix. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH when the vehicle in front of the contact made an unexpected stop causing the contact to rear end the vehicle in front. There was front-end damage to the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was not towed and a police report was filed. The contact received injuries to their nose and needed medical attention. The vehicle was taken to a collision center however, was not repaired. The dealer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that their vehicle was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case regarding the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 235,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Toyota Matrix. The contact was driving 5 MPH and attempting a left turn into a parking space when the vehicle accelerated unexpectedly and jumped a curb before crashing into a trash bin. The vehicle was not destroyed. There were no injuries but the police were contacted and report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a private mechanic and the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 42,651 and the current mileage was 42,680. Updated 04/13/12.updated 04/18/12 the consumer was driving 5 MPH. As he turned into a parking space, the vehicle suddenly accelerated unexpectedly and jumped the curb before crashing into a heavy concrete trash bin. The consumer put the vehicle in park, but the wheels continued to rev. By this time, smoke was created by the tires burning. …
2008 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 2008 Toyota Matrix a good car?
Based on 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Matrix rates better than average: 59% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Matrix at the same age. It is one of the best Matrix years by this measure. 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 2008 Toyota Matrix?
The speed control & acceleration — 11 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (8) and air bags (6).
How many recalls does the 2008 Toyota Matrix have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2008 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 2008 Toyota Matrix problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 38,000 miles; 63% 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.