Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Toyota Matrix owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
2009 Toyota Matrix first problem started stalling suddenly in traffic last year, but now very frequently stalls even on highways at high speeds. No warnings. When stalled all lights comes on in dash, including "check engine" light. Completely turn off ignition and restarting is the only way to fix this issue at that time. After restarting the check engine light goes out. Occurred several times in all sorts of weather, but more frequently in hot summer days. Yesterday stalled 4 times within 90 minutes drive. Restart cleared engine computer dealership had difficult time replicating failure. But, advised replacement of the engine control module at a cost of over $1000. Since this year model not recalled by Toyota yet. I do not know how or where to complain so that Toyota acknowledge that it is a safety issue and fix this at their expense.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Toyota Matrix. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, smoke started to emit from the engine compartment and all of the warning lamps illuminated. The brakes also failed to engage when depressed. The contact mentioned that she had to engage the emergency break in order to stop the vehicle. Three minutes later, the vehicle had become engulfed in flames. The fire department was contacted and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who decided to have the vehicle inspected by an engineer in order to determine what causes the fire. The failure and the current mileage was 25,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Toyota Matrix. While driving 30 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine. Also, the vehicle stalled and the check engine and oil indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic in detroit michigan. The vehicle was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted or made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
While driving, the car stalls. Everything turns off and I'm dead on the street, turnpike or highway. I have taken the car in twice, but Toyota has no idea what is happening. Sometimes it does not happen for a while, and then it will start stalling again. I have taken the car in again after stalling on the pa turnpike. This is a major safety issue. I am stalling on city roads, highways, turnpikes, and I risk an accident or being killed. This is a dangerous issue. I have informed the Toyota car dealership this will be their last time to find the problem and fix it.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Toyota Matrix. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle's speed decreased to 10 MPH independently. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The mechanic stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Toyota Matrix. While driving at 40 MPH and coming to a stop, the vehicle shook as if it would stall. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
Vehicle stalled sitting at a red light and also stalled making left hand turn at intersection. Speed was approximately 35 MPH. Vehicle was on small highway at the stop light and city street the 2nd incident. We just bought the vehicle used in April of 2017
I have a 2009 Toyota Matrix xr. It stall intermittently , more frequently in humid weather. Can not "recreate" situation, but happens at least 5 times per week now that we are in a more rainy season. I first noticed this problem in November but it cleared up during the cold months and now is back with the fury. I took it to the dealership in December--again could not recreate for dealer. Yesterday it happened twice in city traffic. I have dropped off car at dealer and they looked at it today and couldn't find anything wrong. The car had 60 miles on it when I purchased it in November and currently has 6,300 miles. I have serviced it according to schedule. I have driven a manual transmission exclusively for over 20 years with not similar problems. Dealer will look at it but will not provide me with loaner car.
My car is a Toyota Matrix s 2009, this vehicle has given me problems since the eight months it was purchased with a mileage of 8000 miles at the time of the incident, the check engine light, vsc off, 4wd and warning slip was seized without reason, and the engine made me a very loud noise, like a big truck engine, this has already been happening to me for 6 consecutive times lately I have this problem 3 times in a row in a month, each time I replaced the crank sensor and water pump, but the problem persists, I transported daily to my child in this car and I am appalled every day fearing an accident, do not want this car but now I'm in the process of arbitration return, do not I have confidence in the Toyota corporation, has had many concerns about security in their products.
The contact that the 2009 Toyota corolla Matrix stalls every time the contact stops at an enter section. And when the contact turns the car back the vehicle has no power. The caller has owned the vehicle for 5 months. This has also happened when the contact tries to pull off from the intersection. Problem started at 3000 miles current miles is 9000. Updated 12/30/09 the consumer stated the stalling would occur after pulling into an intersection after idling at a red light. The dealer stated they did not know how to address the problem, but they reset the engine control module, however the stalling continued. Updated 12/30/09.
Engine complaints in other Matrix years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2009 Toyota Matrix?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2009 Toyota Matrix, 10% of the model year's 192 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Toyota Matrix engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2009 Toyota Matrix, though it has 3 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 2009 Toyota Matrix engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 28% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.