Toyota Matrix Problems — All Years, Common Issues & Reliability
Year-by-year breakdown of safety recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, reported deaths, injuries, crashes, and worst problem areas. Updated daily from federal databases.
Own a Toyota Matrix? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Toyota Matrix — Year-by-Year Problem Comparison
| Year | Verdict | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Injuries | Deaths | Top Issue | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013Best | Excellent | — | — | — | — | — | — | Full report → |
| 2012 | Excellent | — | — | — | — | — | — | Full report → |
| 2011 | Excellent | — | 4 | 1 | 1 | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2010 | Good | 2 | 22 | 2 | 2 | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2009 | Avoid | 2 | 121 | 22 | 10 | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2008 | Good | 2 | 33 | 5 | 1 | — | Electrical System | Full report → |
| 2007 | Caution | 2 | 54 | 9 | 5 | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2006 | Caution | 2 | 93 | 11 | 8 | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2005 | Avoid | 1 | 139 | 6 | 1 | 1 | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2004 | Caution | 1 | 85 | 9 | 11 | — | Power Train | Full report → |
| 2003Worst | Avoid | 1 | 164 | 14 | 8 | 1 | Air Bags | Full report → |
11 model years shown. Crashes, injuries, and deaths from NHTSA complaint filings. Click any year for full details.
Most Common Toyota Matrix Problems
Based on 715 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across all model years.
Matrix Years to Avoid
Best Matrix Years to Buy
Toyota Matrix Problems by Year
Frequently Asked Questions — Toyota Matrix Reliability
What year Matrix has the most problems?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2003 Toyota Matrix had the highest combined complaint and recall count — 164 complaints and 1 safety recalls. See the full 2003 report for specific defects.
Is the Toyota Matrix reliable?
The Toyota Matrix has accumulated 715 owner-filed complaints and 13 safety recalls across all model years in NHTSA's database. There have been 2 reported deaths associated with complaints. The 2013 model year shows the fewest reported issues. Always run a VIN check before purchasing any used Matrix.
What are the most common Matrix problems?
The most frequently cited problem areas are: Air Bags (203 reports), Power Train (96 reports), Vehicle Speed Control (66 reports), Electrical System (48 reports). Based on NHTSA complaints across all model years.
How do I check if my Matrix has an open recall?
Use the vehicle's 17-character VIN at VinCheckEngine.com. Our free VIN report pulls the latest NHTSA recall data along with auction history, odometer records, and 30+ intelligence signals.
Check a Specific Toyota Matrix VIN
Model-level data shows what can go wrong. A VIN-specific report shows what has gone wrong with a particular vehicle — including auction history, odometer discrepancies, open recalls, accident records, and 30+ intelligence signals.
Run a Free Toyota Matrix VIN Report →No account required · Instant results · Updated daily