Most common 2011 Toyota Matrix problems
Share of the 10 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 →
2011 Toyota Matrix recalls (2)
Air bags › Air bag/restraint control module
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles. During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly disabling the deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ECU and install a noise filter between the air bag control module and its wire harness, as necessary, free of charge.
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, Lexus IS250C, Lexus IS350C and Lexus GX460, 2011 Sienna, 2007-2011 Lexus ES350, and…
Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of…
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2011 Toyota Matrix:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2011 Toyota Matrix owners say
Air bags
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Toyota Matrix. While the vehicle was stationary, it was involved in a front end collision. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The vehicle was able to be driven from the scene. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. There was one injury that required medical attention. The contact suffered from a tear in her rotator cuff. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
Takata recall: in July 2016 I received notice from Toyota of passenger air bag recall & told no one can ride in the passenger seat. I have a disabled daughter who cannot sit in the back. I called Toyota corp and they arranged with the local dealer to provide me with a rental car. My car has been sitting outside in the desert heat, blowing sand and sun for a year now. In December 2016 the dealer refused to pay the rental bill of $1085 and my credit card was charged. I fought for a month and a half with the dealer, the rental company and Toyota corp and finally received a check for $1085. The January 2017 bill was paid but none since and I now have another $1085 on my credit card and the possibility of another four months of charges. The dealer representatives refuse to return my calls or offer any explanation other than they never got the bills. I faxed the bills to them and the mgr. …
2011 Toyota Matrix engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 26 / 32 / 29 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 25 / 31 / 27 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 21 / 28 / 24 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 28 / 24 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | AWD | 20 / 26 / 22 |
EPA ratings. Class: Wagon.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Toyota Matrix a good car?
Based on 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Matrix rates better than average: 87% 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 2011 Toyota Matrix?
The air bags — 10 complaints, 100% of all complaints for this model year.
How many recalls does the 2011 Toyota Matrix have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2011 Toyota Matrix, the most recent from January 17, 2020 (air bag/restraint control module). 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 2011 Toyota Matrix problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 70,000 miles; 0% 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.