The absolute most dependable engine ever created. A Matrix should last well over 300k miles if the maintenance regimen was followed from the beginning.
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What kind of car is a 2008 Toyota Matrix?
All things considered, the 2008 Toyota Matrix provides a satisfying answer for customers with various needs. It is reasonably priced, efficient on gas, well-built, typically enjoyable to drive, and most importantly, roomy.
Is the used Toyota Matrix a good vehicle?
The tragic Toyota Matrix has a lot of positive qualities. Toyota created one of the most useful little wagons with a lot of storage space, strong dependability, and high safety ratings. It was a multi-tasking compact car, but sadly, it was withdrawn from the market in 2013.
One of the primary issues to consider when purchasing a used Toyota Matrix is reliability. It’s not surprising that the Matrix, which is just a Corolla with a larger trunk, gets a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 according to the people at RepairPal.
However, some Matrix eras are less trustworthy than others. Today, we’re listing the Toyota Matrix model years you should stay away from and the ones you can buy with confidence.
Which Toyota Matrix Years to Avoid?
The following years of the Toyota Matrix should be avoided because of dependability issues:
- Toyota Matrix, 2003
- Toyota Matrix, 2004
- Toyota Matrix 2005
- Toyota Matrix from 2006
- Toyota Matrix 2009
The best approach to purchase a car is through the CoPilot app. We’ll show you all you need to know about each listing, including how long it’s been on the lot and whether or not there are comparable cars in the area for less money. We’re built using the same technologies that dealerships use.
Toyota Matrix
The engine issue is one of its most serious problems. Numerous owners have reported hearing ticking or rattling noises emanating from the engine as well as excessive oil use. The Matrix engine simply gave out in the end. According to reports, this feared engine breakdown occurs at about 103,300 miles and costs $3,400 to fix.
The car’s gearbox system, which is similarly prone to failure, is another issue. However, the complaints indicate that a manual system is the only one where this issue occurs.
Toyota Matrix
The version has performed better in terms of dependability than the Matrix from 2003. According to Car Complaints, the 2003 Matrix has received 209 NHTSA complaints and eight recalls.
The 2004 model of the Matrix, which is from the first generation, has issues with the engine and transmission. Similar to the previous year, it appears that only manual transmission cars are affected by the problem, which manifests as loud grinding noises, sluggish shifting, and no fifth gear.
A small number of Matrix owners have complained about engine issues, however at a smaller extent. Owners have heard rattling and ticking noises while driving prior to failure.
Toyota Matrix
Although the 2005 Toyota Matrix’s reliability was far better than that of the 2003 model, it still has issues of its own that are difficult to ignore. The 2005 Matrix is included on this list of Toyota Matrix years to stay away from due to 372 NHTSA complaints and six recalls.
Owners of the Matrix have complained of banging sounds coming from the transmission. Some people have also mentioned irregular shifting and whining sounds coming from the floorboard. A few owners reported that the transmission in their automobile frequently hesitates, which is a sign that the transmission system is broken.
Another problem that potential purchasers should watch out for is the check engine light coming on suddenly. RepairPal speculates that the malfunctioning oxygen sensor that activates the check engine light may be to blame for this problem.
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Toyota Matrix
Unfortunately, dependability issues persisted with the 2006 Matrix in the following year. The 2006 Matrix has 285 NHTSA complaints and eight recalls, according to data from Car Complaints.
The frequently reported abrupt acceleration of the 2006 Matrix is arguably the car’s biggest problem. Many customers have complained that while cruising at modest speeds, their Matrix suddenly accelerated and that applying the brakes had no effect. Many reports state that the airbags didn’t even inflate following impact because of the quick acceleration.
This problem caused the Japanese automaker to initiate a significant recall. Toyota was forced to settle in court with a cool $1.2 billion for what was described as “sudden RPM increase/vehicle acceleration owing to accelerator pedal sticking.”
Toyota Matrix
The 2009 Matrix is one of the worst years to avoid buying a Toyota Matrix because of its plethora of dependability difficulties. The 2009 model of the Matrix, which also happens to be the poorest model year, received yet another “Beware of the Clunker award” from the website Car Complaints.
The main problem with the 2009 Matrix is engine failure. According to numerous reports, the engine’s extreme noise was what people first noticed. When the gas pedal was depressed, the sounds in some instances changed to rattling, and eventually the engine died. It costs $3,400 to correct this problem, which appears at about 103,300 miles.
Once more, the Matrix has transmission issues that mostly impact versions with manual transmissions. Transmission replacement or overhaul is the typical treatment, and it typically costs $2,290.
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Toyota Matrix
The 2007 Toyota Matrix, winner of the “Seal of Awesome award by Car Complaints, is a popular compact car option. It has a spacious backseat, a solid and comfortable cargo compartment, and outstanding fuel efficiency. The 2007 Matrix is a great family car if you have two kids even though it isn’t quite a huge hatchback.
The transmission issue, which exclusively affects manual transmissions, is the main source of reliability problems. Other than that, if you’re searching for an older hatchback, the 2007 Matrix offers fantastic value.
Toyota Matrix
The 2012 Matrix is a solid choice if you’re looking for a newer Matrix model. At a cheap pre-owned price, this compact car provides dynamic appearance, respectable performance, interior comfort, and great fuel ratings.
The majority of the serious issues with the Matrix, such engine and transmission failures, are thankfully nonexistent. Instead, two issues that aren’t exactly deal-breakers for this model are the radio’s flaws and the glare from the back windows. The 2012 Toyota Matrix is a fantastic, dependable vehicle that provides excellent value.
Has the Toyota Matrix experienced transmission issues?
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Hello to Everyone. My understanding is that the transmission and engine of the Toyota Matrix, Toyota Corolla, and Pontiac Vibe are identical. Please be warned that these cars have a major transmission issue.
It appears that a lot of Matrix owners are experiencing issues with a bad transmission bearing, which forces an early replacement of the transmission. I think the Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Corolla models might also be affected by this.
Our 2004 Toyota Matrix’s five-speed manual transmission needed to be replaced at 98,000 miles for a total of $3,100. There are other affected models besides the 2004, but I’m not sure which ones. I wrote the president of Toyota Motor Corp. North America in a certified letter. I was informed that I would not be compensated because there is no recall.
Before the affected owners’ lives are in risk due to an unexpected car breakdown on a 70 mph highway, it is critical to let them know about the issue. I experienced what happened.
There have been many cases of 5-speed Toyota Matrix gearbox failures because of faulty transmission bearings. A manual transmission shouldn’t need to be changed after 98,000 miles, in my opinion. It has occurred for some car owners at lower mileage. The regional manager of the repair facility I took it to said he had encountered this issue before and anticipates a recall. Toyota is not currently offering owners of Matrix compensation for this costly flaw.
unbearable
Hi NM5K. I’m not sure, but I believe the gearbox gets damaged in some way when the bearing comes away. The car was completely non-operational when this occurred to me. If the bearing was changed before it becomes loose or whatever else occurs, perhaps it wouldn’t.
I believe it is wise that you changed the fluid quickly. Hope it’s helpful. The petition’s more than thirty signatories all said that the same thing had happened to their car. One of them, I think, had an automatic gearbox.