2003 Toyota Matrix Toyota Matrix 2003

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2003 Toyota Matrix repairs by problem area

Engine (33%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (12%)

Brakes and Traction Control (7%)

Suspension and Steering (12%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (27%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (7%)

Other (3%)

Chart based on 153 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2003 Toyota Matrix.

2003 Toyota Matrix engine repair cost distribution

$2500+ (6%)

$1000 - $2499 (6%)

$500 - $999 (13%)

$100 - $499 (40%)

< $100 (34%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 47 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2003 Toyota Matrix

Engine not specified

145000 mi

US $150
wasn't idling and was stalling, a/t sensor in throttle body 
114300 mi

US $150
clutch isn't right, broken motor mount, can't stop car to have either fixed 

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2003 Toyota Matrix 4dr Hatch

180-horsepower 1.8L I4 6-speed manual FWD

111000 mi

US $220
replaced o2 sensors(2) & catalytic converter 
122000 mi

US $150
ECU so sensitive to any loss in performance of catalytic converter that it throws PO420 code prematurely. So I replaced the CAT for the 2nd time 1 yr after the first. The OEM CAT is $900+ so I refuse to pay that opting for a Magnaflow HD. 
135000 mi

US $150
CEL P0420 indicating Catalytic Converter not properly functioning has been a reoccuring problem for 4 yrs. Instead of replacing the cat for the 3rd time and O2 sensors I went with a spark plug non fouler on the downstream o2 sensor. 
135780 mi

C $1500
The clutch was slipping so I couldn't accelerate past an idle. The valve cover and oil pan gaskets were replaced. 
223000 mi

US $90
Noticed CEL and rough idle/sluggish acceleration. Ignition coil failure on cylinder 1 caused by error code P0301. Replaced coil and cleared code, returned to normal. 
Check engine light illuminated, faulty O2 sensor. Replaced O2 sensor, but problem returned within 9 months. 
161500 mi

US $460
Oil leak 
22000 mi

US $50
Replaced a squeeky accessory belt. On the 2zz-ge engines, while in "LIFT" (6000rpm-8400rpm) the accessory belt & accessories don't spin at engine speed and the belt "burns" or "glazes" causing squeeking. Recommend Goodyear Gatorback belt for replacement 
78000 mi

US $150
Nine yrs old noticed drips on garage floor. Replaced water pump. thermostat, and serpentine belt. 
88300 mi

US $650
Exhaust leak. Turn on fresh air, exhaust enters cabin. Knotso gud! 

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2003 Toyota Matrix 4dr Hatch

180-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

137000 mi

US $60
Slow oil leak. Mechanic tightened screws around gasket that had shrunk a little bit; problem solved. 
138000 mi

US $80
Faulty gasket on engine cover replaced. 
140000 mi Valve head oil leak 
141000 mi Check engine light went on. Code was for problem with variable valve timing system that I am opting not to repair. Had mechanic turn off check engine light. 
157000 mi

US $500
Exhaust leak traced to worn-out gasket. Replaced gasket. 
160000 mi

US $150
Accessory belt replacement 
185000 mi CEL; code pointed to catalytic converter. Turned off CEL and it did not reoccur. 
99000 mi

US $2100
Complete emission control system needed to be replaced. 
175000 mi

US $750
Fuel Pump and injectors needed to be replaced 

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2003 Toyota Matrix 4dr Hatch

130-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD

50000 mi Catalytic converter replaced under extended emissions warranty. ECU reprogrammed to address premature cat wear. 
153140 mi

C $130
Engine vibrating and check engine check light blinking. Found cylinder #2 misfiring due to faulty ignition coil. New ignition coil installed correcting problem 
157260 mi

C $100
While waiting in traffic engine temp was rising, found radiator fan fuse burnt. New fuse installed. 
130820 mi

C $1600
Fuel tank rusted through and leaking 
249000 mi

US $380
Replace serpentine belt. Replace oil pan gasket 
251000 mi

US $400
Catalytic converter failed with code P0420 
201000 mi

US $260
Drive belt replacement 
98000 mi

US $200
Oil change and Belt Tensioner was leaking and required repair. The repair added another 1.5 hours to the service. 
144000 mi

US $5000
Piston problem with engine, requiring full rebuild or replacement. 
193000 mi

US $188
retune engine; identified that the CConverter is out, but did not repair. 
204000 mi Catalytic converter never repaired. 
132420 mi

C $100
Oil pressure sender ruptured creating oil leak Part replaced, problem solved. 
143000 mi

US $2500
Catalytic converter was warranted until 2008. Defect to me appeared in 2012. I managed DIY repair until today. The car runs fine but emissions are above threshold. 

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2003 Toyota Matrix 4dr Hatch

130-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

620 mi oxygen sensor - sulfur smell 
136000 mi

US $70
Air in coolant system that needed to be removed. 
146000 mi

US $25
Radiator seems to have a leak as the radiator coolant tank was consistently empty and the radiator hose didn't seem to have any flow, even after extensive engine use. Radiator was sealed using liquid sealing product and refilled with coolant 
113000 mi

US $45
leaking oil at timing chain tensioner-replaced timing chain tensioner 
171520 mi

C $265
Problem with ignition switch. Change it. Engine never stop when we turn off the key. Have to disconnect battery to stop engine. 
158100 mi

C $542
Change the fuel tank intake pipe, air leak causes computer problem. 
173700 mi

C $194
Rebuilt an exhaust bracket 
174220 mi

C $73
change oil pressure sending unit located above the oil filter Was leaking I paid for 
98946 mi

C $4500
Full engine swap due to a poorly trained mechanic at a seperate shop, forgot to put my oil drain plug back in, engine starved to death. Refused to accept responsibility. full engine swap due to a poorly trained mechanic at a seperate shop, forgot to put my oil drain plug back in, engine starved to death.. 

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2003 Toyota Matrix 4dr Hatch

123-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic AWD

195000 mi

US $649
Radiator replaced Fuel rail replaced due to fuel leak at throttle body. 
60000 mi

US $850
Engine light came on. Replaced O2 sensor, cleaned out fuel system. Toyota O2 sensors are a bit pricey! 
98000 mi

US $230
Pipe welded 

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2003 Toyota Matrix 4-door

4-cylinder automatic AWD

78000 mi check engine light. probably faulty sensor. will need to check again 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Hatchbacks
See TrueDelta's information for all Toyota models.

2003 Toyota Matrix Engine Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2003 Toyota Matrix problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.