Owners have filed 314 complaints
about the 2003 Toyota Matrix with NHTSA between 2002 and 2018.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Toyota Matrix. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 81
15.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 45
27% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Manual Transmission
3337.1%
Clutch Assembly
2022.5%
Automatic Transmission
1415.7%
Engine
910.1%
Body
44.5%
Catalytic Convertor
33.4%
Pedal/Hand Lever(Motorcycle)
33.4%
Power Window Devices AND Controls
33.4%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
94.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
104.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
209.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3115.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2512.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
4120.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
4421.7%
150,000+ miles
2311.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 2002peak 10Dec 2018
NHTSA investigations into the 2003 Toyota Matrix
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA08004Opened 5 Feb 2008Closed 1 May 2008VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
SIDE FRONT POWER WINDOW SHATTERS
FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE RETENTION FORCE OF THE REGULATOR BOLTS WHICH ATTACH THE FRONT SIDE WINDOW GLASS TO THE POWER WINDOW REGULATOR MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT DUE TO AN INTERFERENCE OF THE RETENTION NUT AND THE BOLT SHOULDER RADIUS.IN THIS CONDITION THE BOLT MAY BECOME LOOSE, CAUSING A LOUD NOISE TO BE GENERATED WHEN THE WINDOW IS RAISED OR LOWERED.IF THE VEHICLE AND THE POWER WINDOW ARE CONTINUOUSLY OPERATED IN THIS CONDITION, THE BOLT MAY COMPLETELY SEPARATE, CAUSING THE GLASS TO BECOME MISALIGNED, AND IN THE WORSE CASE, THE GLASS MAY SHATTER DURING OPERATION O...
Recalls on the 2003 Toyota Matrix
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
09E012000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
08V162000
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
TOYOTA IS RECALLING 662,178 MY 2003-2004 COROLLA, COROLLA MATRIX AND PONTIAC VIBE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER WINDOWS. THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER DOOR GLASS BOLTS MAY LOOSEN AND COME OFF, CAUSING THE DOOR GLASS TO SEPARATE FROM THE WINDOW REGULATOR. DUE TO THE COMPONENTS BECOMING LOOSE AND POSSIBLY RATTLING, AN ABNORMAL NOISE MAY BE HEARD FROM THE DRIVER AND /OR FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WHEN OPERATING THE POWER WINDOWS.
Risk: THE DOOR GLASS MAY SEPARATE FROM THE WINDOW REGULATOR, BIND AND SHATTER DURING OPERATION OF THE POWER WINDOWS, CAUSING DRIVER DISTRACTION AND/OR INJURY.
06E023000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202172355,683 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships. On certain vehicles, the engine block heater cable may not have enough heat protection and could be damaged by high temperatures. If this happens, the cable could short circuit while plugged in, and cause the wiring to overheat or melt. Note: This recall only affects the following block heater/cord part numbers: C014003034 PK5A408J09 PU14000904 C014003151 PK5A408J13 PU14000905 C014000885 PK5A489J11 PU14000907 C014000888 PK5A489J22 PU14000909 C014000907 PK5A410H00 PU14000911 C014100904 PU14000900 PU14000913 C014100907 PU14000901 PU14003571 C014100911 PU14000902 PK5A489J14 PK5A408J05 PU14000903 Safety Risk: Engine block heater wiring that overheats or melts could create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Toyota recommends that you should stop using the engine block heater immediately. Toyota will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to disable the engine block heater. For some vehicles, the corrective actions for this recall are under development. For others, a new engine block heater cannot be installed, and the owner will receive a refund of the purchase price of the engine block heater.
Recall 201801532,213 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag assembly. <br><br> Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected. Matrix model vehicles may have had the original front passenger airbag inflator replaced as a “like-for-like” replacement under a previous recall as a temporary remedy while evaluating a permanent remedy. These vehicles will receive the permanent remedy passenger airbag assembly under this recall.
Recall 2016103400,124 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the passenger airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 2013113, 2014224, 2015197 and 2015269. Correction: All vehicles having not received a replacement inflator as part of the previous recall will now have a replacement inflator installed by dealers. For Matrix model vehicles, dealers may replace the front passenger airbag assembly with one equipped with a newly specified inflator.
Recall 2015269366,860 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the passenger airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Note: This recall is superseded by recall 2016103. Please see recall 2016103 for more information. <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2016103">Click here for more information</a>
Recall 2014560141,214 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, a defect in the supplemental restraint system could result in an inadvertent deployment of the front airbag(s) and/or seatbelt pretensioner(s). Unintended seatbelt pretensioner and/or airbag deployment, in a non-warranted (non-impact) situation, could startle the driver, which could result in a vehicle crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. In some instances, inadvertent deployment could cause minor injuries to vehicle occupants. Correction: Dealers will replace the airbag control module and may install an in-line jumper wiring harness to correct the issue. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 2013032 and 2014097. Vehicles that were repaired under the previous campaign and did not receive a new airbag control module will also need to be repaired under this campaign.
Recall 2014224107,339 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the passenger airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Note: This recall is superseded by recall 2016103. Please see recall 2016103 for more information. <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2016103">Click here for more information</a>
Recall 201311375,000 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the passenger airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Note: This recall is superseded by recall 2016103. Please see recall 2016103 for more information. <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2016103">Click here for more information</a>
Recall 2013032140,533 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, a defect in the supplemental restraint system could result in an inadvertent deployment of the front airbag(s) and/or seatbelt pretensioner(s). Unintended seatbelt pretensioner and/or airbag deployment, in a non-warranted (non-impact) situation, could startle the driver, which could result in a vehicle crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. In some instances, inadvertent deployment could cause minor injuries to vehicle occupants. Correction: Dealers will install an in-line jumper wiring harness to correct the issue.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 190,000 milesFullerton, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE FRONT END OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED, BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED AN INJURED CHEST AND SHOULDER, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL TREATMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
NHTSA complaint #11156847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesBothell, WACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL MY WIFE AND I HAD AN ACCIDENT IN THE FREEWAY ON OUR WAY HOME MORE THAN 7 YEARS AGO. WE WERE TRAVELLING AT AROUND 50-55 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY THE CAR IN FRONT OF US STOPPED. RESULTED IN HITTING THE BACK BUMPER OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF US. THE CAR SUSTAINED JUST MINOR SCRATCHED BUT OUR CAR WAS REALLY DAMAGED. MY WIFE WAS HURT AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT WHO WAS SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER. THE CAR'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS STILL WONDERING UNTIL NOW, WHY? THE DAMAGED TO THE CAR WAS WORTH MORE THAN $8,000. OUR INSURANCE COMPANY, WHICH WAS STATE FARM DID NOT MENTION ANYTHING ABOUT THE AIR BAG. I JUST FOUND THAT OUT WHEN I RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE LAST WEEK FORM TOYOTA. I CAN'T REALLY RECALL THE DATE IT HAPPENED, BUT I CAN GET SOME INFORMATION FROM STATE FARM INSURANCE. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT REQUIRED WHEN THE INCIDENT HAPPENED BUT MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED AFTER A DAY OR 2 AFTER THE ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #11088836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesChaska, MNCrash
AIR BAGS
SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY IN A SIDE IMPACT COLLISION WHILE MOVING.
NHTSA complaint #10788543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 154,000 milesJeffersonville, INCrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, A TIRE DETACHED FROM A COMMERCIAL VEHICLE, STRUCK THE CONTACTS VEHICLE, AND CAUSED A CRASH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V285000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V043000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,000.
NHTSA complaint #10785027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 300,000 milesDeerfied, MACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS SLOWLY PULLING INTO MY GARAGE (IN THE BASEMENT OF MY HOUSE), GRADUALLY BRAKING AS I HAD DONE MANY TIMES BEFORE. I WAS STOPPING THE VEHICLE IN ITS USUAL POSITION WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY BEGAN RACING AND THE CAR ACCELERATED FORWARD. IT STRUCK SOME SHELVES I HAD AGAINST THE WALL OF THE GARAGE, CRUMPLING BOTH THE SHELVES AND THE FRONT OF THE CAR'S HOOD. EVERYTHING HAPPENED SO FAST AT THAT POINT THAT I AM NOT SURE JUST WHAT HAPPENED, BUT I ENDED UP WITH THE CAR STOPPED UP AGAINST THE GARAGE WALL AND THE CAR IN PARK. I BELIEVE I THREW IT INTO NEUTRAL, THEN APPLIED THE BRAKE SINCE IT WAS STILL MOVING, THEN TRIED TO BACK UP, AND FINALLY PUT IT INTO PARK. THE CAR WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY. I EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN STOPPING SEVERAL TIMES PREVIOUSLY, BUT NONE OF THOSE INCIDENTS CAUSED ANY DAMAGE. IN EACH OF THOSE SITUATIONS I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL, STOP IT WITH THE BRAKE, AND CONTINUE ON MY WAY. IN THIS INSTANCE THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH SPACE AHEAD OF ME TO DO THAT SUCCESSFULLY. I KNOW THAT A NUMBER OF INCIDENTS OF UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF A TOYOTA MATRIX HAVE ALREADY BEEN REPORTED FOR A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT MODEL YEARS.
NHTSA complaint #10745479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 300,000 milesDeerfied, MACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS SLOWLY PULLING INTO MY GARAGE (IN THE BASEMENT OF MY HOUSE), GRADUALLY BRAKING AS I HAD DONE MANY TIMES BEFORE. I WAS STOPPING THE VEHICLE IN ITS USUAL POSITION WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY BEGAN RACING AND THE CAR ACCELERATED FORWARD. IT STRUCK SOME SHELVES I HAD AGAINST THE WALL OF THE GARAGE, CRUMPLING BOTH THE SHELVES AND THE FRONT OF THE CAR'S HOOD. EVERYTHING HAPPENED SO FAST AT THAT POINT THAT I AM NOT SURE JUST WHAT HAPPENED, BUT I ENDED UP WITH THE CAR STOPPED UP AGAINST THE GARAGE WALL AND THE CAR IN PARK. I BELIEVE I THREW IT INTO NEUTRAL, THEN APPLIED THE BRAKE SINCE IT WAS STILL MOVING, THEN TRIED TO BACK UP, AND FINALLY PUT IT INTO PARK. THE CAR WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY. I EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN STOPPING SEVERAL TIMES PREVIOUSLY, BUT NONE OF THOSE INCIDENTS CAUSED ANY DAMAGE. IN EACH OF THOSE SITUATIONS I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL, STOP IT WITH THE BRAKE, AND CONTINUE ON MY WAY. IN THIS INSTANCE THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH SPACE AHEAD OF ME TO DO THAT SUCCESSFULLY. I KNOW THAT A NUMBER OF INCIDENTS OF UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF A TOYOTA MATRIX HAVE ALREADY BEEN REPORTED FOR A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT MODEL YEARS.
NHTSA complaint #10745479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 190,000 milesFullerton, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE FRONT END OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED, BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED AN INJURED CHEST AND SHOULDER, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL TREATMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
NHTSA complaint #11156847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angeles, CA
AIR BAGS
I HAVE GOTTEN THE "TAKATA RECALL" LETTER AND TOOK MY CAR ON MARCH 18, 2018, WITH MIKE BRISENO FROM TOYOTA HERE NEAR MY PLACE 1901 S FIGUEROA ST, LOS ANGELES, CA 90007. THEY OFFERED ME AN UBER RIDE HOME FROM THE DEALERSHIP WITH MY HUSBAND AND SAID IT WILL TAKE 2-3 HOURS. GOT THE CALL FROM MIKE BRISENO AND SAID THAT MY CAR IS READY. I GOT THERE AND HE SAID THEY DID NOT DO ANYTHING AND HAD TO ORDER THE PARTS. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP ON MAY 16, 2018, TALKED TO MIKE SAID HE WILL CALL ME TO SEE BACK ORDER AND NEVER RESPONDED IF THE PARTS EVER ARRIVED SINCE MAY 2018. CAR WAS NEVER FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #11129524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesNEW Brighten, PA
SEAT BELTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS IDLING AT A RED LIGHT, THE SEAT BELT AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM ERRONEOUSLY ACTIVATED AND FORCEFULLY SECURED THE DRIVER INTO THE SEAT. DURING THE INCIDENT, NO CRASH HAD OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (BAIERL TOYOTA, 19045 PERRY HWY, MARS, PA), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND AN INVESTIGATOR WAS SENT TO EXAMINE THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11128740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesNEW Brighten, PA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS IDLING AT A RED LIGHT, THE SEAT BELT AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM ERRONEOUSLY ACTIVATED AND FORCEFULLY SECURED THE DRIVER INTO THE SEAT. DURING THE INCIDENT, NO CRASH HAD OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (BAIERL TOYOTA, 19045 PERRY HWY, MARS, PA), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND AN INVESTIGATOR WAS SENT TO EXAMINE THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11128740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesBothell, WACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL MY WIFE AND I HAD AN ACCIDENT IN THE FREEWAY ON OUR WAY HOME MORE THAN 7 YEARS AGO. WE WERE TRAVELLING AT AROUND 50-55 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY THE CAR IN FRONT OF US STOPPED. RESULTED IN HITTING THE BACK BUMPER OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF US. THE CAR SUSTAINED JUST MINOR SCRATCHED BUT OUR CAR WAS REALLY DAMAGED. MY WIFE WAS HURT AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT WHO WAS SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER. THE CAR'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS STILL WONDERING UNTIL NOW, WHY? THE DAMAGED TO THE CAR WAS WORTH MORE THAN $8,000. OUR INSURANCE COMPANY, WHICH WAS STATE FARM DID NOT MENTION ANYTHING ABOUT THE AIR BAG. I JUST FOUND THAT OUT WHEN I RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE LAST WEEK FORM TOYOTA. I CAN'T REALLY RECALL THE DATE IT HAPPENED, BUT I CAN GET SOME INFORMATION FROM STATE FARM INSURANCE. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT REQUIRED WHEN THE INCIDENT HAPPENED BUT MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED AFTER A DAY OR 2 AFTER THE ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #11088836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 188,000 milesSanta Cruz, CA
AIR BAGS
THE AIRBAG INDICATOR ON MY CAR LIT UP. I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH TOYOTA TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSED, AND THEY SAID THAT I NEEDED A NEW SPIRAL CLOCK SPRING CABLE, WHICH IS PART NUMBER 84306-02110. THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE PART, OVER $300. AFTER DOING SOME SEARCHING, I FOUND OUT THAT 1) MANY OTHER TOYOTA MATRIX AND COROLLA OWNERS HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE AND 2) THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PART FOR TOYOTAS OF A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT MAKE, MODEL, AND YEAR. I BELIEVE THAT THIS PART IS DEFECTIVE, AND THAT TOYOTA SHOULD COVER THE REPLACEMENT COST, INCLUDING LABOR.
NHTSA complaint #11039108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lowell, MA
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V043000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V285000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10978553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesLivingston, NJ
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART ON THE SECOND ATTEMPT; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FIRST TIME THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE AND DISENGAGED THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING SENSOR. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SECOND DEALER. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAL ON THE FUEL CAP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V384000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 145,000.
NHTSA complaint #10928618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesLivingston, NJ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART ON THE SECOND ATTEMPT; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FIRST TIME THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE AND DISENGAGED THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING SENSOR. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SECOND DEALER. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAL ON THE FUEL CAP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V384000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 145,000.
NHTSA complaint #10928618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 275,000 milesSimi Valley, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN A RECALL FOR THE AIR BAGS AND WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED A CASE REGARDING THE FAILURE. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 275,000.
NHTSA complaint #10924125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,000 milesBethesda, MD
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX. WHILE DRIVING, THE CHECK ENGINE SENSOR INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED HARD SHIFTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ECM WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000.
NHTSA complaint #10905985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,000 milesBethesda, MD
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX. WHILE DRIVING, THE CHECK ENGINE SENSOR INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED HARD SHIFTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ECM WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000.
NHTSA complaint #10905985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesSavage, MD
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THIRD AND FOURTH GEARS WERE NOT GETTING ANY OIL AND TEARING THE BEARING AND TRANSMISSION APART. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
NHTSA complaint #10865143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 171,580 milesIndianapolis, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING SOUND EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171,580.
NHTSA complaint #10861329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 171,580 milesIndianapolis, IN
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING SOUND EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171,580.
NHTSA complaint #10861329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Terre Haute, IN
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL: MANY TIMES OVER THE PAST 2 1/2 YEARS WE HAVE CALLED TOYOTA OF TERRE HAUTE ABOUT PERFORMING THIS RECALL. EACH TIME WE GET AN EXCUSE; THE LAST TIME THEY CLAIMED TO HAVE ONE OF THE PARTS NECESSARY BUT NOT THE OTHER. THEY PROMISED TO CALL US BACK WITH AND UPDATE AND SOLUTION. THAT WAS LAST FALL. (APPROX )
NHTSA complaint #10854738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Terre Haute, IN
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
TAKATA RECALL: MANY TIMES OVER THE PAST 2 1/2 YEARS WE HAVE CALLED TOYOTA OF TERRE HAUTE ABOUT PERFORMING THIS RECALL. EACH TIME WE GET AN EXCUSE; THE LAST TIME THEY CLAIMED TO HAVE ONE OF THE PARTS NECESSARY BUT NOT THE OTHER. THEY PROMISED TO CALL US BACK WITH AND UPDATE AND SOLUTION. THAT WAS LAST FALL. (APPROX )
NHTSA complaint #10854738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Topeka, KS
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V043000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V285000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10840463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rhinelander, WI
AIR BAGS
2003 TOYOTA MATRIX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO INSTALLATION OF AIRBAG PART ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED EVEN THOUGH THE DEALER HAD THE PART, THE COULDN'T INSTALL IT. THE CONSUMER DID NOT GO ANY FURTHER IN DETAIL.
NHTSA complaint #10838384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesFall River, MA
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL IS TAKING WAY TOO LONG TO COMPLETE. IT HAS BEEN ALMOST ONE YEAR, AND MY TOYOTA DEALER STILL DOES NOT HAVE THE NECESSARY PARTS TO COMPLETE THIS RECALL. SOMETHING IS WRONG. IT SHOULD NOT TAKE THIS LONG. I THINK THEY ARE STALLING AND HOPING THAT EVERYONE WITH A 2003 MODEL YEAR CAR, SELLS IT. AS I UNDERSTAND IT, THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. THEY SHOULD BE MADE TO PRODUCE THESE PARTS, EVEN IF IT MEANS WORKING 24 HOUR SHIFTS UNTIL THEY HAVE SUFFICIENT PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #10817472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodstock, GA
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V043000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10807503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Peoria, AZ
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 13V209000 (AIR BAGS), 15V043000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V285000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10806738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesChaska, MNCrash
AIR BAGS
SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY IN A SIDE IMPACT COLLISION WHILE MOVING.
NHTSA complaint #10788543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bethesda, MD
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V285000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V043000 (AIR BAGS). AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR RECEIVING THE PARTS COULD BE GIVEN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10788302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 154,000 milesJeffersonville, INCrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, A TIRE DETACHED FROM A COMMERCIAL VEHICLE, STRUCK THE CONTACTS VEHICLE, AND CAUSED A CRASH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V285000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V043000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,000.
NHTSA complaint #10785027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.