2008 TOYOTA MATRIX PROBLEMS

Common Complaints and Reliability

• 1. Takata airbag recall:

  • Undated letter from Toyota in May 2016 advising vehicle subject to recall
    
  • Parts not available despite being advised by Toyota
    
  • Unsafe to use passenger front seat until repaired
    
  • Delay in getting parts, upsetting wife
    
  • Higher priority customers receiving parts
    
  • Complaints to Toyota customer experience center
    

• 2. Grunting/rattling sound when cruise control activated:

  • Deactivating cruise control didn't solve problem
    
  • Disappeared after resetting systems
    
  • Fixed by Toyota swiftly after being taken to dealership
    

• 3. Premature tire wear due to alignment issue:

  • Tires worn after only 15,000 miles
    
  • Toyota claims normal wear due to alignment issue
    

• 4. Severe drifting to the left at highway speeds:

  • Vehicle drifts severely to the left at highway speeds
    
  • Dealer unable to resolve issue after multiple visits
    
  • Run-around from dealership regarding warranty alignment
    

• 5. Loud noises followed by engine stopping abruptly:

  • Succession of loud noises followed by engine stopping
    
  • Torn plastic lining from right front wheel well
    
  • Flimsy clip holding liner failed, causing issue
    

• 6. Problems with airbag recall repair:

  • Unable to get remedy in a timely manner
    
  • Parts unavailable for over a month
    
  • Delay in ordering part by dealership
    
  • Denial of recall by dealership and manufacturer
    

• 7. Brake failure and engine stalling issues:

  • Brake pedal failure, requiring clutch to stop vehicle
    
  • Engine stalling while driving at highway speeds
    
  • Engine shutting off unexpectedly at stop lights
    

• 8. Electrical shorts and stalling:

  • Electrical short causing loss of power while driving
    
  • Stalling while driving at highway speeds
    
  • Faulty ECM replacement not resolving issues
    

• 9. Spontaneous rear passenger window shattering:

  • Rear passenger window shattered spontaneously
    
  • No evidence of rock or pebble impact
    
  • Incident similar to another reported case
    

• 10. Gas tank strap failure and potential fire hazard:

  • Gas tank strap failed due to corrosion, wear & tear
    
  • Noise from gas tank clanging against frame/chassis
    
  • Potential fireball hazard if second strap failed
    

• 11. Engine shutting off while driving:

  • Engine shut off while driving, nearly causing crash
    
  • Stalling issues not resolved by dealership
    
  • Recalled ECM not replaced as intended
    

• 12. Unintended acceleration and brake failure:

  • Unintended acceleration while braking
    
  • Brake failure resulting in engine shutting off
    
  • Refusal by Toyota to honor recall for ECM issue
    

• 13. Unintended acceleration incidents:

  • Unintended acceleration incidents over four years
    
  • Dealership unable to identify problem
    
  • Toyota denying recall on make/model/year
    
  • Danger and anxiety while driving due to issue
    

• 14. Transmission failure without warning:

  • Transmission locked up without warning
    
  • Need for new transmission at low mileage
    

• 15. Sudden engine shutdowns:

  • Engine shutdown while driving on highway
    
  • Vehicle towed multiple times for issue
    
  • Toyota dealership not able to resolve problem
    

• 16. Electrical component failures:

  • Engine starting but electrical components not functioning
    
  • Stalling while driving at highway speeds
    
  • ECU replacement not solving issues
    

• 17. Unintended acceleration and brake failure:

  • Unintended acceleration while braking
    
  • Engine revving up when brake applied
    
  • Stalling and difficulty turning started without warning
    

• 18. Safety recall issues:

  • Delays in getting remedy for airbag recall
    
  • Part unavailable for over a month
    
  • Delay in ordering part by dealership
    
  • Denial of recall by dealership and manufacturer
    

• 19. Unsafe transmission failure:

  • Transmission locked up with only 60,560 miles
    
  • Need for complete replacement
    
  • Unexpected failure without any prior warning