Electrical complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I just narrowly missed an accident with a train. My car engine shut off right over the train track today. My 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 start the car again. After restarting the check engine light goes out. Occurred several times in all sorts of weather, but more frequent on hot summer days. Restart cleared engine computer, dealership had difficult time replicating failure. But, advise to replacement the engine control module as it was a well known safety recall for the year models up to 2008. Dealer refuse to assume the cost of replace the engine control module (ECM). NHTSA campaign number: 10V384000
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 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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Toyota Matrix. While stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle engine seized without warning. The vehicle restarted and while driving less than 10 MPH, the speedometer read 20 MPH. The failure recurred multiple times. The contact mentioned that smoke started emitting from under the hood, as well as, the right passenger seat. The contact heard a loud abnormal noise. The contact stated that the engine sounded like it was going to start on its own and then the windshield wipers activated and the dashboard lights flashed. The firemen arrived and unplugged the battery. A report was filed by the fire department. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and then was taken to the dealer for investigation. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Toyota Matrix. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle lost power. The contact attempted to accelerate; however, the vehicle would not move. The engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the ECM need to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 262,000.
My clock started going out. Sometimes it would be on and other times it would go off and now it turns on and off in its own time factor when I am drivng and the car is in motion and when I am stopped at traffic lights.. I asked the Toyota dealer if they could fix my clock. I had them do a diagnostic test on the clock which cost around $110 approx.. They said they could fix my clock for $416.31 and that is was connected to my air bags. My Toyota dealer said they replaced my Takata airbag on the front passenger side on 2-18-2016, and told me the other airbags were not Takata. But I wondered if my clock doesn't work and it's tied into my airbags, if I get into a wreck will my airbags deploy or not deploy becasuse I haven't fixed my clock?
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Toyota Matrix. While depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to restart after several attempts. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not included NHTSA campaign number: 10V384000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
Frequently asked questions
Which Toyota Matrix years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2005 (23), 2006 (22), 2003 (12), 2007 (12) and 2004 (9) model years. Electrical complaints make up 11% of all complaints for the 2005.
Is there a recall for Toyota Matrix electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for any Toyota Matrix model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Toyota Matrix electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles; 39% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the ignition (3 mentions), followed by the alternator/generator/regulator (2).
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.