Acceleration complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Toyota Matrix. While pulling into a parking space, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and crashed into an apartment building. The driver stated that the brake pedal was depressed during the failure. The front end of the vehicle was severely damaged, but the air bag did not deploy. The driver sustained a fractured sternum, which required medical attention. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home. The cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact indicated that the vehicle was previously serviced for both unintended acceleration and an unknown air bag recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not notified. The failure mileage was 40,000. The VIN was invalid.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Toyota Matrix. While the contact was placing the vehicle in drive, the accelerator pedal became stuck in the depressed position. As a result, the contact crashed into a wall in the parking garage. There were no injuries. The side and frontal air bags deployed. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home to be retrieved by state farm insurance. The insurance claim number was 372327j90. The failure mileage was 50,000.
My Matrix 2009 has had intermittent sudden acceleration problems. I mention it at my regular maintenance check ups, but receive non-committal replies. I figure I must be losing it. Over the last 8 months or so, it got extreme: the car will lurch forward at different times: when I start up the car, idling at a light, or slowing to a stop. Today, Sunday morning, as I was pulling into a parking spot at walmart, I began to brake slowly when the trans roared and lurched forward. It jumped the curb and plowed into the front end of the car facing me. At first, I thought I must have hit the gas - but no. My foot was still on the brake - all the way to the floor. I still owe money on this car. I ruined the front end of another car. I am a single mom of 2 and a teacher. I don't know how I am going to be able to handle this. I do not intend to repair this car. It is not safe. …
Tl* the contact owned a 2009 Toyota Matrix. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the accelerator pedal became stuck. Each time the brake pedal was applied, the vehicle accelerated. The contact drove over three curbs, a yield sign, and a stop sign. The contact sustained back pain and received medical attention. A police report was filed. The contact was treated and released the same day. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to an impound yard. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 62,465. Updated 01/21/16
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.
On the morning of 12/16/2016, while in the parking garage where my wife works, she stopped to back into a parking spot and the car suddenly accelerated forward and would not respond to vigorous braking nor the emergency brake. The car hit a concrete wall, the air bag deployed, and she was injured (numerous fractures to date). We have seen the words 'brake override' and 'sudden unintended acceleration' in cases against Toyota. There were no floor mats in the car. We bought this car in the first week of oct 2016, so it was only approx 75 days in our possession. The dealership could never get us in contact with the previous owner (about unrelated questions) and never mentioned any possible issue with the car. They gave me a carfax, but there was no mention of the sua issue. We feel Toyota or someone should be responsible for this happening. …
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
Related recalls (1)
Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 highlander, model year 2009-2010 corolla, venza and matrix passenger vehicles. The accelerator pedal can get stuck in the wide open position due to its being trapped by an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat.
Remedy: Toyota will modify or replace the accelerator pedals on the subject vehicles. Floor surface modifications are also being considered and will be included for any model for which it is deemed appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
Which Toyota Matrix years have acceleration problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2009 (45), 2003 (21), 2006 (20), 2005 (17) and 2004 (15) model years. Acceleration complaints make up 23% of all complaints for the 2009.
Is there a recall for Toyota Matrix acceleration problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 10V-023 (accelerator pedal, Jan 27, 2010). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Toyota Matrix acceleration problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 28,000 miles; 76% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the accelerator pedal (13 mentions).
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.