2008 Toyota Matrix recalls and problems

The 2008 Toyota Matrix has 2 safety recalls and 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
38
Crashes / fires
6 / 0
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Toyota Matrix vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Toyota Matrix recalls

Recall 10V-384: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Aug 26, 2010 · 1,128,659 vehicles affected · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 corolla and corolla matrix vehicles. The engine control module (Ecm) for the subject models equipped with the 1zz-fe engine and two-wheel drive may have been improperly manufactured. There is a possibility that a crack may develop at certain solder points or on varistors on the circuit board.

Risk: There are a variety of warnings and consequences associated with the defect. The engine warning lamp could be illuminated, harsh shifting could result, the engine may not start, or the engine could shut off while the vehicle is being driven. An engine shutoff while the vehicle is being driven increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the production number of the ECM and replace the ECM if necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Toyota will mail an interim owner notification the middle of september 2010 to advise owners of this defect and recall. This interim notification will inform owners that they will receive a future notification when parts become available to have the free remedy performed on their vehicle. The safety recall began on november 29, 2010. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Recall 10V-035: Equipment

Reported Feb 3, 2010 · 271,417 vehicles affected · GULF STATES TOYOTA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Risk: This does not meet the standard requirements.

Fix: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact gulf states toyota at 713-580-3300.

2008 Toyota Matrix problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Vehicle Speed Control11
Electrical System8
Air Bags6
Steering4
Power Train3
Tires3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic3
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)3
Visibility2
Service Brakes, Electric2
Unknown or Other2
Engine and Engine Cooling2

Most reported parts

  • Air Bags › Frontal — 2
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
  • Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 1
  • Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 38,218 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 2008 Toyota Matrix complaints

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

Electrical System · reported Mar 3, 2020
2008 toyota matrix. Consumer writes in regards to toyota computer safety recall. The consumer stated the dealer had not replaced the ECM, but claimed it was replaced.
Tires · at 105,000 miles · reported Jul 7, 2017
Dangerous, poor traction on wet pavement sumitomo tour plus ls-h when on a steep road in san francisco, my tires skidded rather than grab the road on a rainy day in the winter of 2016. This also happened during the winter of 2017. It is dangerous. I need to change the tires before selling my car to another person.
Air Bags · at 235,000 miles · reported Apr 27, 2017
The contact owns a 2008 toyota matrix. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH when the vehicle in front of the contact made an unexpected stop causing the contact to rear end the vehicle in front. There was front-end damage to the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was not towed and a police report was filed. The contact received injuries to their nose and needed medical attention. The vehicle was taken to a collision center however, was not repaired. The dealer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that their vehicle was not included in a…
Air Bags · reported Jul 28, 2016
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 toyota matrix. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v127000 (Air bags); however, the parts needed to perform the repair were unavailable. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Air Bags · reported May 5, 2016
Takata recall toyota send me a safety recall notice (Interim notice) re front passenger airbag initiator module. They had the audacity to say that "until the remedy becomes available in your location, we recommend that you do not operate the vehicle with an occupant in the front passenger seat"!!! That is unacceptable, especially since we live in an area that receives lots of humidity (Toyota says they are prioritizing part replacements in geographic locations that are subject to consistently high absolute humidity, but they do not list which areas they think this applies to. Where we live…

Other Toyota Matrix years

Compare all Toyota Matrix years · All Toyota models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Toyota Matrix have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2008 Toyota Matrix: 10V-384 (engine and engine cooling), 10V-035 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Toyota Matrix?

Owners report vehicle speed control problems most often (11 reports), followed by electrical system (8). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 38,218 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.