2003 Toyota Matrix recalls and problems

The 2003 Toyota Matrix has 1 safety recall and 268 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

268

Crashes / fires

19 / 3

Injuries / deaths

22 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Toyota Matrix vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Toyota Matrix recalls

Recall 08V-162: Visibility

Reported Apr 10, 2008 · 662,178 vehicles affected · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Fix: Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger door glass bolts with newly designed bolts free of charge. The recall began on april 16, 2008 to toyota owners. The recall began on may 21, 2008, for pontiac owners. Owners may contact toyota at 1-888-270-9371 or pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.

2003 Toyota Matrix problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Power Train	88
Air Bags	58
Engine and Engine Cooling	26
Vehicle Speed Control	21
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	14
Unknown or Other	12
Structure	12
Electrical System	12
Visibility	9
Steering	8
Engine	8
Tires	6

Most reported parts

Power Train › Manual Transmission — 33
Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 20
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 14
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 9
Structure › Body — 4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 3
Power Train › Clutch Assembly › Pedal/Hand Lever(Motorcycle) — 3
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor — 3

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 76,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Toyota Matrix complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · at 190,000 miles · reported Dec 7, 2018

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.

Air Bags · at 95,000 miles · reported Apr 18, 2018

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…

Air Bags · at 188,000 miles · reported Oct 22, 2017

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.

Air Bags · reported Apr 14, 2017

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.

Engine · at 145,000 miles · reported Nov 29, 2016

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…

Other Toyota Matrix years

2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 20042003

Compare all Toyota Matrix years · All Toyota models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Toyota Matrix have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Toyota Matrix: 08V-162 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Toyota Matrix?

Owners report power train problems most often (88 reports), followed by air bags (58). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 76,000 miles.

Are Toyota recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.