It is the epitome of “practical” on the inside. The upright front seats allow for simple entry and egress and provide good view. Rear seats may be folded flat to create 53.2 cubic feet of plastic-covered cargo space with tie-down equipment already built in. If you need to transport long objects, you can flip the front passenger seatback forward. For ease of access, the tailgate window opens independently. One of the alternatives is a 115V power outlet. Overall, it’s a fantastic small car, but there are some issues; read on for more information.
Reported issues: An unreliable drive belt tensioner may result in noises originating from the engine compartment that include screeching or rattling. The drive belt tensioner has to be replaced with an upgraded component as part of the suggested fix. The aftermarket belt tensioner costs between $30 and $60, while the OEM part costs between $140-$160. It seems sense to replace the drive belt concurrently.
The Check Engine light may turn on with the codes P0300-P0304, P0133, and P0171 if the intake manifold gasket is leaking. In a repair shop, replacing the intake manifold gasket may cost between $120 and $280. The fix is explained in the service bulletin EG045-07.
The code P0171 may also be caused by a faulty or polluted air flow sensor. It is simple to replace the airflow sensor ($120150 for an OEM part).
Although the Evap system needs to be examined, a faulty gas cap may be the source of the code P0441.
The car won’t start if the starter motor fails. The starter might make one click, but it won’t actually run. There will be a requirement to swap out the starter motor. See additional information on the starter motor. The cost to replace a starter motor ranges from $250 to $420, and it’s an easy task.
There are several stories of manual transmission issues brought on by bad bearings.
A replacement of the ECM (engine computer) with a more recent component is advised for repairs involving harsh shift conditions with the MIL light ON and the code P2716.
Mechanical: The Matrix is available with front- or all-wheel drive with a manual or automatic transmission from 2003 to 2008.
The Corolla’s standard 1.8-liter 4-cylinder DOHC engine (model 1ZZ-FE) also has four cylinders. There is no timing belt in this engine; instead, a maintenance-free timing chain is used. The 180-hp 1.8L 2ZZ-GE motor from the Toyota Celica is used in the sporty Matrix XRS, which is coupled to a six-speed manual transmission. Both engines are dependable and simple to keep up. ABS brakes are an optional feature (standard on XRS).
The 1.8L (1ZZ-FE) Toyota Matrix automatic is rated at 25/31 mpg city/highway for fuel economy from 2005 to 2008. This means that a single 13.2-gallon (50-liter) tank of gas will allow you to drive up to 396 miles (637 km).
In comparison to the Corolla, the Toyota Matrix has sharper handling and a harsher ride.
Safety: Both the driver and front passenger of the 20032004 Toyota Matrix achieved five stars in frontal collision tests conducted by the NHTSA.
The front passenger received four stars in the 20052008 models while the driver received five stars.
Positives: Flat cargo area with attachments for tie-downs, easy maintenance, practicality, dependability, decent gas mileage, liftgate glass that opens individually.
Cons: Outdated interior styling, susceptible to crosswinds, noisy engine during acceleration, and poor performance in snow.
In This Article...
A timing belt is present on a 2009 Toyota Matrix, right?
With proper maintenance, the engine is a long-lasting one. Watch this video to learn more about the identical engine in a Toyota Corolla with more than 500,000 miles on it.
In S, XRS, and XR (Canada) grades, a 158-hp 2.4L 4-cylinder 2AZ-FE engine was an option. Some people complained about the cylinder block’s stripped threads and oil usage. In our opinion, the 1.8L engine is more dependable, however it requires routine maintenance to endure.
Timing chain or belt? There is no timing belt; instead, the 2ZR-FE and 2AZ-FE both use a maintenance-free timing chain. Only when it is extended does the timing chain need to be changed.
fuel efficiency The 1.8L Matrix from 2009 to 2013 gets 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km) in the city and 32 mpg (7.4 L/100 km) on the highway according to the EPA. The 1.8L Matrix car achieves 25 city and 31 highway mpg. As a result, the 1.8L Matrix with an automatic transmission can drive up to 396 miles (697 km) on a single tank of gas. The 2.4L engine in the Matrix from 2009 to 2013 is rated at 21/29 mpg.
The Matrix rides smoothly and has responsive steering that gives the driver an excellent sense of the road. Although the ride is smooth, there is some road and engine noise when you accelerate.
What is the Toyota Matrix’s most frequent issue?
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.
Which Toyota engines are equipped with timing belts?
So, that is how the timing chain and belt operate. Which one, though, does your Toyota use? Here is a quick list of the components used in the engines of various Toyota vehicles:
Sedan And Hatchback Models
- All Avalon models from 1995 to 2004 feature timing belts. Timing chains are used in the vehicles from 2005 through 2020, including the 4-cylinder Avalon Hybrid.
- Toyota Camry: The timing belt is used in all models from 1990 to 2001 as well as the V6 model from 2004 to 2006. The timing chain is utilized by the 20022020 4-cylinder and 20072020 V6 vehicles.
- Toyota’s well-known Corolla compact vehicle has a timing belt from 1990 to 1997. Timing chains, however, were introduced in models starting in 1998. The Corolla Hybrid and Corolla iM/Scion iM models are included in this.
- Cressida: The straight-six engine of the Toyota Cressida from 1990 to 1992 had timing belts.
- This subcompact’s timing chain-powered 4-cylinder engine was sold from 2000 to 2005.
- Timing chain for all models, 20032013, shown as a matrix.
- Timing belt for all Paseo models from 1992 to 1997.
- Prius: From 2001 to the most recent models, all Prius models share the same timing chain. The Prius C, Prius V, Prius Prime, and Prius Plug-in are all included in this.
- All Tercel models produced between 1990 and 1998 had engines with timing chains.
- Timing chains are used in all Yaris vehicles produced from 2007 through 2020, including the Scion iA and Hatchback variants.
Crossover Models
- Toyota’s C-HR is a brand-new compact crossover with a strong emphasis on lifestyle.
- Timing chains are used in all 4-cylinder engines in the Highlander from 2001 to 2007; timing belts are used in V6 vehicles. From 2008 through 2019, timing chains are used in all V6 vehicles. Except for the V6 hybrid, it employs timing belts from 2006 to 2010 and timing chains starting with the 2011 model year.
- RAV4: From 1996 to 2000, all 4-cylinder models of the RAV4 used timing belts; starting in 2001, timing chains were used. Timing chains are also used in the V6 version from 2006 to 2012. Timing chains are used in the hybrid cars from 2016 to 2020.
- Venza: The timing chain for the Venza ranges from 2009 to 2015.
Minivan Or MPV Models
- Timing chains were employed in the engines of this storied Toyota minivan from 1991 to 1997.
- The Sienna sports a V6 engine with timing belts and was manufactured from 1998 to 2006. The V6 vehicles from 2007 through 2020 then employ timing chains. Timing chains are used in the 4-cylinder variant from 20112012.
SUV And Trucks
- 4Runner: Timing chains are used in the four-cylinder 199020002010 4Runner. Timing belts are used on the 19902002 vehicles for the V6 variations. Timing chains are then used for the 4Runner’s V6 engines from 2003 to 2010. If your engine is a V8 model (20032009), a timing belt is used.
- FJ-Cruiser: This mid-size SUV with classic styling was sold from 2007 to 2014. They were all powered by V6 engines with timing chains.
- The Land Cruiser offers a wide range of engine configurations. The gear drive system is used with the 19901992 straight-six engine (the same function, but uses a set of gears rather than belts or chains). Timing chains are used in the 19931997 straight-six engine. The V8 models from 1998 to 2007 make use of timing belts. While the V8 versions from 20082011 and from 20132020 employ timing chains.
- 20012009 4.7L V8 Sequoia Timing belts are used in Sequoia. Timing chains are used in both the 20102012 4.6L V8 and the 20082020 5.7L V8 models.
- Toyota T100: Timing belt for the 19931998 V6 engines and timing chains for the 19951998 4-cylinder engines
- Toyota Tacoma: The Toyota Tacoma and the 4Runner share the same base, but the engines are different. Timing chains are used on all 4-cylinder vehicles from 1995 to 2020. Timing belts were used on V6 vehicles up until 2004, however starting with the 2005 model, they were replaced by timing belts.
- Toyota Truck: Timing belt for 19901995 V6 engines and timing chains for 19901995 4-cylinder engines.