2012 Toyota Matrix recalls and problems

The 2012 Toyota Matrix has 1 safety recall and 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 0

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2012 Toyota Matrix vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 Toyota Matrix recalls

Recall 20V-024: Air Bags

Reported Jan 17, 2020 · 2,891,976 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: 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.

Risk: In the event of a crash, air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners that do not deploy as intended may increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ECU and install a noise filter between the air bag control module and its wire harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk beginning March 2, 2020. A second letter notifying owners of the remedy repair will be mailed between March 16, 2020 and June 27, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB03, 20TA03 and 20TA05.

2012 Toyota Matrix problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Air Bags	4
Engine	1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 135,000 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 2012 Toyota Matrix complaints

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

Air Bags · at 23,000 miles · reported May 26, 2017

Takata recall - received notice in january, 2017 and to date "no remedy" for the airbag recall on my vehicle. Recall advises to avoid having passenger in front seat. I AM unable to transport anyone unless in the back seat and AM concerned what would happen to me if the airbag goes off while awaiting toyota's remedy. Please advise.

Air Bags · reported May 19, 2017

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 toyota matrix. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17v006000 (Air bags); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Engine · at 135,000 miles · reported Feb 14, 2017

The contact owns a 2012 toyota matrix. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle made noises underneath the hood and shut down. The oil and service engine indicators illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and later towed to the contact's home. The next day, the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer stated that there was no recall and the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

Other Toyota Matrix years

201320122011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Compare all Toyota Matrix years · All Toyota models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Toyota Matrix have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2012 Toyota Matrix: 20V-024 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Toyota Matrix?

Owners report air bags problems most often (4 reports), followed by engine (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 135,000 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.