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Toyota · Known Issues

2007 Toyota Matrix Problems: 10 Known Issues

2007 model year · 2,780+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 2,780+ owner reports, the 2007 Toyota Matrix has 10 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Engine Control Module Solder/Varistor Cracking Causing Stalling and Harsh Shifting (Recall 10V384) ($0-$1,200 repair) and Takata Non-Desiccated Front Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture ($0-$0 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Rear Hatch Strut Failure with 1,800 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $20 to $1,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Matrix Electrical1
  • Matrix Safety/Recalls1
  • Matrix Body/Panels4
  • Matrix Cooling1
  • Matrix Interior1
  • Matrix Emissions1
  • Matrix HVAC1
  • Recalls5
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Electrical1
  • Safety/Recalls1
  • Body/Panels4
  • Cooling1
  • Interior1
  • Emissions1
  • HVAC1
  • Recalls5
  • FAQ

All 10 Known Issues

NHTSA Recalls5 recalls

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles. During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly disabling the deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.

Campaign #20V02400017/01/2020

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, Lexus IS250C, Lexus IS350C and Lexus GX460, 2011 Sienna, 2007-2011 Lexus ES350, and 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2007-2008 Toyota Yaris, 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350 and 2007-2008 Lexus ES350 vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles of these model years and models that were not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

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Other Toyota Models

Toyota RAV460Toyota Corolla54Toyota Camry54Toyota Highlander51Toyota 4Runner47Toyota Tacoma46

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Toyota Matrix problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 2,780+ owner reports, the 2007 Toyota Matrix has 10 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Engine Control Module Solder/Varistor Cracking Causing Stalling and Harsh Shifting (Recall 10V384), Takata Non-Desiccated Front Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture, Rocker Panel and Rear Wheel Arch Rust. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Toyota Matrix reliable?

The 2007 Toyota Matrix has 10 known issues documented across 2,780+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Engine Control Module Solder/Varistor Cracking Causing Stalling and Harsh Shifting (Recall 10V384) and Takata Non-Desiccated Front Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Toyota Matrix problems?

Repair costs for known Toyota Matrix issues range from $0 to $1,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Engine Control Module Solder/Varistor Cracking Causing Stalling and Harsh Shifting (Recall 10V384), typically costs $0-$1,200 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2005-2008 Toyota Matrix Engine Control Module Solder/Varistor Cracking Causing Stalling and Harsh Shifting (Recall 10V384)?

Toyota recalled roughly 1.13 million 2005-2008 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles built with the 1ZZ-FE engine and two-wheel drive because the engine control module was improperly manufactured. Cracks can develop at solder points or on varistors on the ECM circuit board. Symptom… Repairs typically run $0-$1,200. Severity: high.

What is the 2003-2013 Toyota Matrix Takata Non-Desiccated Front Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture?

The Matrix is caught in multiple phases of the Takata inflator campaign because it used non-desiccated ammonium nitrate inflators across both generations. The propellant degrades with long-term exposure to heat and humidity cycling; on deployment the inflator housing can rupture… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 2,780+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

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ALL YEARS201420132012201120102009200820072006200520042003

On the 2005-2008 Toyota Matrix 1ZZ-FE 1.8L, toyota recalled roughly 1.13 million 2005-2008 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles built with the 1ZZ-FE engine and two-wheel drive because the engine control module was improperly manufactured. Cracks can develop at solder points or on varistors on the ECM circuit board. Symptoms escalate from an illuminated check engine light to abnormally harsh automatic transmission shifting, a no-start condition, and in the worst case the engine shutting off while the vehicle is being driven. Toyota's internal campaign designation is A0J. Owners of 2004 cars report the same failure pattern with a mechanically similar module even though that year sits outside the recall population, so a 2004 with these symptoms should still have the ECM considered. Note the recall is limited to 2WD 1ZZ-FE cars - AWD and XRS models were built with different modules.

This issue also affects: Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry

Common Symptoms

  • Engine stalls without warning while driving
  • Engine cranks but will not start
  • Harsh or abrupt automatic transmission shifts
  • Check engine light on with no obvious mechanical cause
  • Intermittent loss of communication with the scan tool

How to Fix

Free remedy under NHTSA recall 10V384000 / Toyota A0J: dealers inspect and reprogram or replace the ECM at no charge. Check the VIN on the NHTSA or Toyota recall lookup first, because many of these cars were remedied years ago. Outside the recall population the fix is ECM replacement or board-level repair (a reflow/reman of the original module is generally far cheaper than a new unit and keeps the immobilizer pairing intact). Do not chase a random no-start with parts before ruling the ECM in or out.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $1,200

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2003-2013 Toyota Matrix, the Matrix is caught in multiple phases of the Takata inflator campaign because it used non-desiccated ammonium nitrate inflators across both generations. The propellant degrades with long-term exposure to heat and humidity cycling; on deployment the inflator housing can rupture and spray metal fragments into the cabin. Coverage was rolled out by region and by year over roughly a decade, which is why a single Matrix VIN can appear under several campaign numbers: 15V286 (2005-2007, initially coastal and high-humidity zones), 19V627 (2005-2008), 16V340 (2009-2011 humidity zones), 17V006 (2009 and 2012), 18V024 (2010 and 2013), 19V005 (2011-2013 Zone A and B) and 19V741 (2009-2010). A separate 2020 campaign, 20V024, covers a 2011-2013 airbag ECU that may malfunction and disable deployment - a different defect on the same restraint system. Toyota has issued do-not-drive style advisories for some of the oldest Takata populations.

Common Symptoms

  • No symptom before failure - the defect is latent
  • Airbag warning light in some cases
  • Metal fragments propelled into the cabin on deployment

How to Fix

Free replacement of the front passenger airbag inflator or complete airbag assembly at any Toyota dealer, with no expiration and no mileage limit. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or toyota.com/recall - a Matrix that had one phase completed years ago may still be open under a later phase. Never install a salvage-yard airbag assembly in these cars; used inflators from the same era carry the identical defect. If the VIN lands in a do-not-drive population, Toyota will arrange mobile repair or towing.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
Community reported
980 owners

On the 2003-2008 Toyota Matrix, 1st-gen Matrix models are prone to rust at the rocker panels, rear wheel arches, and rear hatch seam areas in salt-belt regions. The rust starts from inside the rocker panel and works outward, often being severe before it becomes visible on the exterior.

Common Symptoms

  • Bubbling paint on rocker panels
  • Rust perforation at rear wheel arches
  • Visible rust at rear hatch seams
  • Rocker panels soft to the touch
  • Paint flaking along lower body panels

How to Fix

For early rust: sand to bare metal, treat with POR-15 or Eastwood Rust Encapsulator, prime and paint. Moderate rust: cut out affected metal and weld in patch panels. Aftermarket rocker panels available from RockAuto. For prevention, apply Fluid Film or rubberized undercoating to inner rocker panels annually. Address any paint chips immediately to prevent rust initiation.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • POR-15 PB-3SS 3-Step Stop Rust System

    clean, etch and coat stable surface corrosion only Fitment/availability: Vehicle-independent prep and coating system for structurally sound Matrix rocker metal after trim removal and complete inspection Fitment/availability: Live manufac…

    POR-15
  • Fluid Film Black AS11B 11.75-ounce aerosol

    recurring internal/external corrosion prevention, not structural repair Fitment/availability: Vehicle-independent renewable cavity/underbody barrier after the Matrix rocker is cleaned and proven structurally sound or professionally repai…

    Gemplers

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$100 - $1,500

Research This Issue

Based on 980 owner reports

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Community Reported
High Confidence980 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
Community reported
1,800 owners

On the 2003-2014 Toyota Matrix, the rear hatch lift support struts lose their gas charge, causing the hatch to fall or not stay open. This is a common issue on all Matrix model years, typically failing between 5-8 years of age. A falling hatch is a safety hazard.

Common Symptoms

  • Rear hatch won't stay open
  • Hatch falls down when released
  • Hatch opens slowly or partially
  • Need to prop hatch open manually

How to Fix

Replace both hatch struts (sold in pairs). Genuine Toyota 68960-02061 or aftermarket equivalents from StrongArm (6117), Sachs, or Monroe. Simple DIY replacement with a flat screwdriver to pop off the ball socket clips. Takes less than 10 minutes. Always replace both struts at the same time.

Typical repair cost:$30 - $80

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Based on 1,800 owner reports

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Community Reported
High Confidence1,800 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

On the 2003-2014 Toyota Matrix, matrix rear hatch gas struts lose pressure over time, causing the hatch to fail to stay open and drop unexpectedly. This is a common issue on both generations, typically occurring between 5-8 years of age. The failing struts create a safety hazard as the heavy hatch can strike the person loading or unloading the cargo area. Cold weather accelerates strut failure.

This issue also affects: Toyota Corolla, Toyota Solara, Toyota RAV4

Common Symptoms

  • Hatch won't stay open on its own
  • Hatch drops when released
  • Hatch opens slowly or only partially
  • Worse in cold weather

How to Fix

Replace both rear hatch struts as a pair ($30-$60 for a pair of aftermarket struts). The replacement is a simple 10-minute DIY job requiring only a flathead screwdriver or small pry bar to pop the ball studs off. Use OEM Toyota struts for longest life or Sachs/StrongArm aftermarket for a budget option. Replace every 5-7 years as preventive maintenance.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Stabilus 4B-6162RU liftgate support pair

    first-generation hatch-support replacement pair Fitment/availability: 2003-2008 Toyota Matrix liftgate; two-support pair Fitment/availability: Live direct product page showing Add to Cart

    Walmart marketplace / Lift Supports Depot
  • PM1081 liftgate support pair

    second-generation hatch-support replacement pair Fitment/availability: 2009-2014 Toyota Matrix liftgate; two-support pair Fitment/availability: Live direct product page showing Add to Cart

    Walmart marketplace

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipStrongArm brand struts from RockAuto are $25 for a pair and last 5+ years. One of the easiest DIY jobs on the Matrix — no tools needed, just pop off the old clips and snap on new ones.
Typical repair cost:$30 - $100

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Community Reported
Medium Confidence

On the 2003-2008 Toyota Matrix, the first-generation Matrix (2003-2008) is notorious for water leaking into the rear cargo area through deteriorated taillight gaskets. Water pools in the spare tire well and can damage the cargo floor, cause mold/mildew, and corrode the spare tire hardware. The taillight mounting studs pass through the body panel and the factory sealant deteriorates over time.

This issue also affects: Toyota Corolla, Toyota Solara, Toyota RAV4

Common Symptoms

  • Water in spare tire well
  • Damp or musty smell in cargo area
  • Wet carpet in rear of vehicle
  • Mold growth in cargo area
  • Water visible after rain or car wash

How to Fix

Remove both taillights and clean the mounting surfaces. Apply a bead of black RTV silicone or butyl tape around the taillight gasket surface before reinstalling. Ensure all mounting studs are tight but not over-torqued (which cracks the taillight housing). Check and reseal the rear hatch weatherstrip if it's also deteriorated. Dry out the spare tire well completely to prevent mold.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Toyota 67881-02061 genuine back-door weatherstrip

    replace a damaged or leaking hatch-opening weatherstrip after controlled water testing Fitment/availability: 2003-2008 Toyota Matrix back-door opening; replaces 67881-02060 and requires confirmation that the perimeter seal is the tested …

    ToyotaPartsDeal

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipButyl tape from the hardware store works better than RTV for the taillight seal. It compresses and fills gaps, and won't harden and crack like silicone does over time. $5 fix.
Typical repair cost:$20 - $100

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Community Reported
Medium Confidence

On the 2003-2013 Toyota Matrix, coolant appearing under the front passenger side of the car, often as a dried pink or orange crust rather than a puddle, is one of the highest-frequency Matrix repairs across both generations. The mechanical water pump's shaft seal fails and coolant weeps from the pump's weep hole, and the bearing follows with a grinding or chirping noise that rises with engine speed. Toyota addressed the 2009-2010 Corolla and Matrix specifically with a bulletin on coolant leak and abnormal noise from the water pump, which also draws the important distinction that a very small amount of seepage at the weep hole is normal and by itself is not cause for replacement. Aftermarket pumps have a poor record here - owners report repeat leaks after non-OE units, including replacements failing within a year.

This issue also affects: Toyota Corolla

Common Symptoms

  • Pink or orange coolant residue at the front passenger side
  • Coolant reservoir level drops with no visible hose leak
  • Grinding, whirring or chirping that rises with engine rpm
  • Temperature gauge climbing in traffic
  • Sweet coolant smell after a drive

How to Fix

Distinguish weep-hole seepage from an actual leak: a light stain with no coolant loss and no noise is acceptable per Toyota's bulletin; dripping coolant, a falling reservoir level, or any bearing noise means replace. Use an OE-quality pump - Aisin, which supplies Toyota, is the community default; avoid the cheapest aftermarket units, which are the source of most repeat-failure reports. Because the pump is driven by the serpentine belt on these engines, replace the belt, thermostat and coolant at the same time. Do not keep driving with a noisy pump: a seized pump on the 1ZZ-FE or 2ZR-FE means immediate overheating.

Typical repair cost:$250 - $650

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2003-2013 Toyota Matrix, on sunroof-equipped Matrix and Vibe models the glass panel seal is deliberately not watertight - water that gets past it is supposed to run into four corner drains and out through tubes routed down the A- and C-pillars. Tree debris, pollen and dirt block those drains, or a tube pulls off its nipple at the sunroof cassette, and the tray then overflows into the cabin. Owners report water staining the headliner, running down the passenger A-pillar, and soaking the front footwell carpet, frequently on an incline or after a car wash rather than in ordinary rain. Chronic saturation feeds mold and, more expensively, corrodes floor-mounted electrical connectors. This is a separate leak path from the taillight-seal and rear hatch leaks that fill the cargo area from behind.

Common Symptoms

  • Water stain spreading on the headliner
  • Water running down the passenger A-pillar
  • Soaked front footwell carpet
  • Musty or mold smell in the cabin
  • Leak appears after a car wash or when parked on a slope

How to Fix

Open the sunroof and locate the four drain openings in the tray corners. Flush each with a small amount of water and confirm it exits under the car near the wheel wells; clear blockages with compressed air at low pressure or a length of trimmer line or speedometer cable, never a stiff wire that can puncture the tube. If a drain accepts water but nothing exits, the tube has almost certainly come off at the cassette or split behind the pillar trim - reattaching it requires dropping the pillar trim or partially lowering the headliner. Dry the carpet and the padding underneath completely, not just the surface, and clean the drains annually if the car parks under trees.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $400

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2003-2013 Toyota Matrix, p0420 is among the most frequently reported check-engine complaints on the Matrix and its Pontiac Vibe twin. On these cars it is rarely a converter that simply wore out in isolation. Two upstream causes dominate: the aged downstream oxygen sensor whose switching becomes too lazy for the ECM's efficiency comparison, and on higher-mileage 1ZZ-FE engines the oil consumption problem, where burned oil leaves phosphorus and zinc deposits that foul the sensors and coat the converter substrate. Vibe owners on the shared platform document long, expensive chases where a new converter and new sensors did not clear the code because the underlying oil burn was never addressed. Exhaust leaks upstream of the rear sensor produce the same code by admitting extra oxygen.

This issue also affects: Toyota Celica, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Highlander

Common Symptoms

  • Check engine light with P0420
  • Failed emissions or OBD readiness test
  • Rotten-egg sulfur smell from the exhaust
  • Slight fuel economy drop
  • Code returns weeks after clearing

How to Fix

Do not lead with a converter. Smoke-test or inspect for exhaust leaks at the flex pipe and manifold flange first; then look at the downstream oxygen sensor's live data - a lazy or slowly-switching rear sensor is a common and much cheaper fix than the converter. Confirm the engine is not consuming oil, because a converter installed on an oil-burning 1ZZ-FE will re-fail. If the converter is genuinely spent, note that these cars have a federally mandated emissions warranty on the converter that may still apply to lower-mileage examples, and that in CARB states a non-compliant aftermarket unit will not pass inspection.

Typical repair cost:$150 - $1,400

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Community Reported
Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2003-2013 Toyota Matrix, the heater and air conditioning blower on the Matrix runs through a resistor pack that drops voltage for the lower fan speeds; the highest setting bypasses it entirely and feeds the motor directly. When the resistor burns open - the classic failure on this platform - the fan works only on the top speed and does nothing on settings one through three. The failure is often secondary rather than primary: a blower motor whose bearings are dragging pulls excess current through the resistor and cooks it, so replacing only the resistor on a car with a noisy or slow blower simply repeats the failure. Owners also report the related complaint of the blower refusing to turn off, which points to the resistor or the control head rather than the motor. The resistor sits under the passenger side of the dash at the blower housing and is a low-cost, low-difficulty part.

Common Symptoms

  • Blower only works on the highest fan speed
  • No air on low and medium fan settings
  • Blower will not turn off with the ignition on
  • Growling or squealing from behind the passenger dash
  • Weak airflow at all settings

How to Fix

Confirm the pattern first - if only the highest speed works, replace the blower resistor. Before installing it, run the blower on high and listen: any growling, squealing or a fan that spins up slowly means the blower motor is dragging and must be replaced at the same time, otherwise the new resistor will fail again. Check the cabin air filter while the glovebox is out, since a clogged filter raises motor load. If no speed works at all, check the fuse and relay before condemning the resistor; if the fan will not shut off, suspect the resistor or the HVAC control head.

Typical repair cost:$60 - $400

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Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
Campaign #16V34000023/05/2016

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 COROLLA, VENZA AND MATRIX PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT. THIS RECALL IS AN EXPANSION OF A CAMPAIGN OF 3.8 MILLION OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES ANNOUNCED IN 2009 FOR THE SAME ISSUE (SEE 09V-388).

Campaign #10V02300027/01/2010

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

Campaign #10V03600003/02/2010

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

Campaign #10V03500003/02/2010

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

get a full repair guide

What is the 2003-2008 Toyota Matrix Rocker Panel and Rear Wheel Arch Rust?

1st-gen Matrix models are prone to rust at the rocker panels, rear wheel arches, and rear hatch seam areas in salt-belt regions. The rust starts from inside the rocker panel and works outward, often being severe before it becomes visible on the exterior. Repairs typically run $100-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2013 Toyota Matrix Water Pump Bearing Noise and Coolant Seepage on the 1.8L?

Coolant appearing under the front passenger side of the car, often as a dried pink or orange crust rather than a puddle, is one of the highest-frequency Matrix repairs across both generations. The mechanical water pump's shaft seal fails and coolant weeps from the pump's weep hol… Repairs typically run $250-$650. Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2013 Toyota Matrix Sunroof Drain Tube Clogging Causing Headliner, A-Pillar and Floor Flooding?

On sunroof-equipped Matrix and Vibe models the glass panel seal is deliberately not watertight - water that gets past it is supposed to run into four corner drains and out through tubes routed down the A- and C-pillars. Tree debris, pollen and dirt block those drains, or a tube p… Repairs typically run $0-$400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2013 Toyota Matrix Catalyst Efficiency Failure (P0420) Driven by Oil Consumption and Aged O2 Sensors?

P0420 is among the most frequently reported check-engine complaints on the Matrix and its Pontiac Vibe twin. On these cars it is rarely a converter that simply wore out in isolation. Two upstream causes dominate: the aged downstream oxygen sensor whose switching becomes too lazy… Repairs typically run $150-$1,400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2014 Toyota Matrix Rear Hatch Strut Failure?

The rear hatch lift support struts lose their gas charge, causing the hatch to fall or not stay open. This is a common issue on all Matrix model years, typically failing between 5-8 years of age. A falling hatch is a safety hazard. Repairs typically run $30-$80. Severity: low.

What is the 2003-2014 Toyota Matrix Rear Hatch Lift Strut Failure?

Matrix rear hatch gas struts lose pressure over time, causing the hatch to fail to stay open and drop unexpectedly. This is a common issue on both generations, typically occurring between 5-8 years of age. The failing struts create a safety hazard as the heavy hatch can strike th… Repairs typically run $30-$100. Severity: low.

What is the 2003-2008 Toyota Matrix Water Leak Through Taillight Seal Into Cargo Area?

The first-generation Matrix (2003-2008) is notorious for water leaking into the rear cargo area through deteriorated taillight gaskets. Water pools in the spare tire well and can damage the cargo floor, cause mold/mildew, and corrode the spare tire hardware. The taillight mountin… Repairs typically run $20-$100. Severity: low.

What is the 2003-2013 Toyota Matrix HVAC Blower Motor Resistor Failure - Fan Works Only on High?

The heater and air conditioning blower on the Matrix runs through a resistor pack that drops voltage for the lower fan speeds; the highest setting bypasses it entirely and feeds the motor directly. When the resistor burns open - the classic failure on this platform - the fan work… Repairs typically run $60-$400. Severity: low.