Most common 2012 Toyota Matrix problems
Share of the 5 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 →
2012 Toyota Matrix recalls (1)
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.
What 2012 Toyota Matrix owners say
Air bags
Takata recall - received notice in January, 2017 and to date "no remedy" for the airbag recall on my vehicle. Recall advises to avoid having passenger in front seat. I am unable to transport anyone unless in the back seat and am concerned what would happen to me if the airbag goes off while awaiting Toyota's remedy. Please advise.
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Matrix. The contact stated that NHTSA campaign number: 17V006000 (air bags) exceeded a reasonable amount of time for repair. The contact received notification in January of 2018. The dealer (eastern shore Toyota 29732 fredrick blvd, daphne, al, 36526) stated that the parts were unavailable for the repair. The manufacturer was also contacted and confirmed the parts were unavailable for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2012 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 2012 Toyota Matrix a good car?
Based on 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Matrix rates better than average: 92% 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 2012 Toyota Matrix?
The air bags — 4 complaints, 80% of all complaints for this model year. Next is the engine & cooling (1).
How many recalls does the 2012 Toyota Matrix have?
There is 1 recall for the 2012 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 2012 Toyota Matrix problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 135,000 miles; 50% 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.