Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
My car is having an excessive oil consumption on which is a problem that Toyota dealers are fully aware of and are not willing to do anything to fix the problem. Is unacceptable that a car with only 35,000 miles on it consumed all the oil out before it reaches 4,500 miles for service requirement. Government needs to do something about this fraudulent dealers whom are taking advantage of people like me and stating that according to toyotas protocol there is not problem with the car if its consuming all the oil out after the 2 test Toyota performs. And they do not want customers to go with a private mechanic to perform the test because they take all of their liability off if someone else beside Toyota mechanics touch the car. It's obvious they are hiding something again. Please help.
My 2010 Toyota Matrix has been having a oil consumption problem for the past few years. I have received a letter from Toyota that they are aware of the problem. So far I have had two oil consumption tests and both times they say its under the recommended amount of oil loss. But when I take my car in under the recommended time for a oil change I have almost no oil left. Now my engine has a slight rattle when I accelerate. Every morning when I start my car my garage fills with smoke that comes from my tail pipe. I showed a video of this to a Toyota service advisor and he just brushed it off.
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 2008 Toyota Matrix. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the accelerator pedal failed to respond. The contact attempted to pull over and discovered that the steering wheel was difficult to turn after the engine and power steering fluid warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was powered off and back on, the warning indicators were no longer illuminated and the vehicle was able to be driven. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the engine control module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer and was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 10V384000 (engine and engine cooling). …
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.
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Matrix. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an engine misfire, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
I was driving home from work when I noticed the door light was on the display console in my car. I was at a red light and checked to see if my door was open, it wasn't, the door light remained on. I continued driving, but smelled plastic burning. I looked down, saw orange flickers and realized my car was on fire. The fire was burning in the drivers side dash, it was contained behind a small storage compartment. I tried desperately to put the fire out, threw water and left over soda on it, but I think I actually made it worse. I screeched into a gas station, put the fire out, and called 911. The fire department came out and said I did everything right. I am now having difficulty getting my car into a body shop. The insurance company I am with has yet to tow the vehicle and now I find it is costing me out of pocket expenses, due to my insurance not rolling over to cover a rental. …
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 corolla and corolla matrix vehicles. The engine control module (ECM) for the subject models equipped with the 1zz-fe engine and two-wheel drive May have been improperly manufactured.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the production number of the ECM and replace the ECM if necessary. This service will be performed free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
Which Toyota Matrix years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (33), 2006 (26), 2005 (24), 2009 (20) and 2007 (14) model years. Engine complaints make up 12% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Toyota Matrix engine problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 10V-384 (engine and engine cooling, Aug 26, 2010). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Toyota Matrix engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles; 42% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (22 mentions), followed by the exhaust system (5).
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.