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 repair cost distribution

$2500+ (9%)

$1000 - $2499 (8%)

$500 - $999 (19%)

$100 - $499 (33%)

< $100 (31%)

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

Chart based on 129 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

Toyota Matrix in District of Columbia, United States
Nov 2010 - Mar 2011
Jan 2011

US $150
wasn't idling and was stalling, a/t sensor in throttle body 
Feb 2011

114300 mi

US $150
clutch isn't right, broken motor mount, can't stop car to have either fixed 
Toyota Matrix in Texas, United States
Sep 2008 - Mar 2010
Oct 2008

142000 mi

US $4000
After having 3 shops (including dealer) fail to diagnose the problem, my transmission failed. This vehicle has been my worst experience with Toyota - including service and reliability. 
Toyota Matrix in Ontario, Canada
Dec 2010 - Jan 2011
Jan 2011

111600 mi

C $700
during "cold weather" the transmisson will not shift into overdrive it seems like you have to drive it for a certian number of blocks before it do's i've let the car warm up but it still has to drive that distance any idea why! 

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2003 Toyota Matrix 4dr Hatch

180-horsepower 1.8L I4 6-speed manual FWD

Toyota Matrix in Ohio, United States
Feb 2006 - May 2009
Jun 2006

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 
Toyota Matrix in California, United States
Nov 2013 - Dec 2023
Dec 2014

213000 mi

US $70
Bought more clips for the rocker moldings and the spoiler on the rear bumper. (they are always falling off!) 
Jan 2017

US $80
Replaced the dash covering for the stereo. The previous one had become scratched and loose. 
Aug 2022

280000 mi

US $400
New AC blower motor 
Toyota Matrix in Texas, United States
May 2010 - Jun 2022
Jan 2011

111000 mi

US $220
replaced o2 sensors(2) & catalytic converter 
Mar 2012

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. 
Mar 2013

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. 
Apr 2015

160700 mi

US $350
OE Starter Motor died. 
Feb 2017

190000 mi

US $700
Lower control arm and sway bar bushings replaced. Also ball joints. 
Toyota Matrix in New Jersey, United States
Sep 2009 - Apr 2017
Jun 2012

78000 mi

US $150
AC just quit. turns out to be a ceramic relay, part cost $85.00 found problem in fifteen minutes. Easy fix Nine yrs old noticed drips on garage floor. Replaced water pump. thermostat, and serpentine belt. 
Oct 2013

88300 mi

US $650
Exhaust leak. Turn on fresh air, exhaust enters cabin. Knotso gud! 
Toyota Matrix in California, United States
Sep 2010 - Oct 2011
Jun 2011

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. 
Toyota Matrix in Saskatchewan, Canada
Oct 2015 - Jun 2018
Mar 2016

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. 
Aug 2017

139500 mi

C $700
Driver's door power window motor replacement 
Toyota Matrix in Florida, United States
Oct 2012 - Mar 2016
Oct 2015

161500 mi

US $460
Oil leak 
Toyota Matrix in Ontario, Canada
Jun 2007 - Aug 2007
Feb 2007

29760 mi

C $2500
transmission internal bearing failed. Transmission replaced under warranty. New clutch paid for. 
Jul 2007

32860 mi

C $250
Clutch release bearing replaced under warranty. 
Toyota Matrix in Ontario, Canada
Mar 2011 - Mar 2012
Feb 2012

91640 mi

C $1200
replace front struts 
Toyota Matrix in Washington, United States
Jul 2015 - Jul 2015
Jul 2015 Check engine light illuminated, faulty O2 sensor. Replaced O2 sensor, but problem returned within 9 months. 

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2003 Toyota Matrix 4dr Hatch

180-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Toyota Matrix in Indiana, United States
Jul 2011 - Feb 2018
Dec 2011

137000 mi

US $60
Slow oil leak. Mechanic tightened screws around gasket that had shrunk a little bit; problem solved. 
Jan 2012

138000 mi

US $80
Faulty gasket on engine cover replaced. 
Feb 2012

140000 mi
Valve head oil leak 
Mar 2012

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. 
Feb 2013

152600 mi

US $250
Battery died. 
Jul 2013

154200 mi

US $900
Control arms and ball joints were replaced, to correct really, really loose steering. 
Feb 2014

157000 mi

US $500
Pending failure of half shaft; replaced. Exhaust leak traced to worn-out gasket. Replaced gasket. 
Aug 2014

160000 mi

US $150
Accessory belt replacement 
Sep 2014

161000 mi

US $400
Starter failed. Replaced it. 
Apr 2017

182000 mi

US $750
Rebuilt rear brakes, including new hydraulics 
Sep 2017

185000 mi
Ball joints failing CEL; code pointed to catalytic converter. Turned off CEL and it did not reoccur. 
Toyota Matrix in Virginia, United States
Apr 2016 - Nov 2016
Apr 2016

104000 mi

US $380
Solenoid went bad 
Toyota Matrix in Wisconsin, United States
Oct 2009 - Aug 2016
Nov 2009

99000 mi

US $2100
Complete emission control system needed to be replaced. 
Mar 2015

175000 mi

US $750
Fuel Pump and injectors needed to be replaced 
Toyota Matrix in Texas, United States
Jun 2017 - Dec 2018
May 2018

165000 mi

US $934
The front axles were starting to disintegrate. Both were replaced. 

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2003 Toyota Matrix 4dr Hatch

130-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Toyota Matrix in Alberta, Canada
Apr 2012 - Jun 2012
May 2012

107560 mi

C $3000
Replacement of all transmission bearings. 
Toyota Matrix in Colorado, United States
Jul 2007 - Oct 2018
Sep 2012

139000 mi

US $2300
Transmission bearing broke inside the housing, necessitating a transmission rebuild. New clutch installed as well. 
Toyota Matrix in Yukon Territory, Canada
Sep 2014 - Jul 2018
Sep 2016

117800 mi
Leak located around the top of the windshield and the side supports. Water coming through to the inside of the car at the top molding of the vertical windshield supports. Falling onto seat and driver passenger. Mostly accumulates when car is parked. Unresolved 
Nov 2016

119000 mi

C $828
Front Calipers sticking. Prolonged undiagnosed problem. Calipers and disks replaced. Replaced front left wheel bearing. Wear detected by mechanic. 
Dec 2016

122140 mi

C $130
Starter replaced. Sturgeon Falls Canadian tire said they had part and did not, then said they would have it the next day and did not. Unresponsive to complaints. Work time included driving time to pick up part and learning time for myslel 
Sep 2017

130820 mi

C $1600
Rust damage, seizing calipers Fuel tank rusted through and leaking 
Jul 2018

139500 mi

C $200
Alternator seized, also had to repair serpentine belt 
Toyota Matrix in Ontario, Canada
Jul 2012 - Oct 2012
Oct 2012

155000 mi

C $497
Replaced starter, new serpentine belt, oil change. Cost was 497 dollars - labour included. 
Toyota Matrix in Nova Scotia, Canada
Oct 2012 - Jan 2013
Nov 2012

164600 mi

C $80
Odometer stopped at 299,999km. Odometer replaced 
Jan 2013

181660 mi
The hood release came open while driving 100Km/hr down the highway. Smashed roof, windshield, hood, side panels - car was written off. 
Toyota Matrix in New Brunswick, Canada
Aug 2014 - Sep 2015
Dec 2014

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 
Apr 2015

154780 mi
park brake cable seizing, new cables installed control arm worn, new one installed 
Jul 2015

157260 mi

C $100
While waiting in traffic engine temp was rising, found radiator fan fuse burnt. New fuse installed. 
Toyota Matrix in Texas, United States
Feb 2013 - Jun 2018
Jun 2013

199000 mi

US $400
Starter broke, had to be replaced. Brake line leaking 
Jan 2014

201000 mi

US $260
Drive belt replacement 
May 2014

206600 mi

US $120
Replaced battery 
Sep 2016

215000 mi

US $450
Steering wheel clock spring for airbag failed 
Jan 2017

219000 mi

US $200
Fractured battery lead cable 
Toyota Matrix in Kansas, United States
Jul 2018 - Aug 2018
Aug 2018

137000 mi

US $35
Starter would not even spin or click, removed starter my self, took it to claire generator, we found that the brushes were completely worn out. Parts and labor to change the brushes was less than $40, it took less than 40 minutes to remove starter and replace starter. 
Toyota Matrix in Pennsylvania, United States
Mar 2009 - Jun 2022
Oct 2011

101000 mi

US $42
Right headlight bulb failing and replaced; still worked but sometimes needed to be knocked to light up. right headlight failing; still worked but sometimes didn't light up until knocked. I haven't reported routine oil changes @ 8k mi, air filters & coolant change @ 30k, and 4x tire change at 60k. Otherwise all original parts from 2002. 
Oct 2015

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. 
Nov 2020

171000 mi

US $3000
replaced worn shock and strut assembly all wheels 
Toyota Matrix in Arizona, United States
Mar 2007 - Jan 2015
Jan 2010

98000 mi

US $200
Replaced headlight  Oil change and Belt Tensioner was leaking and required repair. The repair added another 1.5 hours to the service. 
Mar 2010

99000 mi

US $3200
Manual transmission failed. Needed to be replaced completely. 
Jan 2015

123000 mi

US $5000
Piston problem with engine, requiring full rebuild or replacement. 
Toyota Matrix in Wisconsin, United States
Feb 2003 - Jun 2010
Aug 2003

31282 mi
Trim paint around radio and drivers door power window switch peeling. Both trim panels replaced for free under warranty. 
Oct 2003

38547 mi
Car had developed a rumble from engine compartment while accelerating. Five bearings in the manual transmission where replaced for free under warranty. 
Jul 2006

106500 mi
One of the lights in the radio display failed such that about 1/3 of the display is dark and hard to read. A replacement factory radio was around $300 but as the old still one works otherwise I decided to live with the dim display. 
Jun 2010

139000 mi

US $1500
Bearings in the transmission failed. This is the exact same failure that happened at ~38,000 miles. Toyota covered the first repair, they were of no help this time round. Very unimpressed. 
Toyota Matrix in Utah, United States
Sep 2016 - Sep 2021
Oct 2016

240500 mi

US $650
Shocks both blown, replaced. Sway bar link replaced driver side. 
Aug 2017

249000 mi

US $380
Replace serpentine belt. Replace oil pan gasket 
Jan 2018

251000 mi

US $400
Catalytic converter failed with code P0420 
Feb 2019

265000 mi

US $750
Clutch badly warn (would frequently slip and burning smell malice replaced. 
Toyota Matrix in New York, United States
Mar 2005 - Oct 2010
Aug 2005

50000 mi
Catalytic converter replaced under extended emissions warranty. ECU reprogrammed to address premature cat wear. 
Toyota Matrix in Washington, United States
Aug 2010 - Apr 2017
Sep 2010

112000 mi

US $600
Windshield fluid motor had broken, had to be replaced. Belts replaced. Fluids. 
Nov 2010

114500 mi

US $130
Right front low beam light and the "pigtail" of wiring, which had shorted and left minor burn marks at a wiring connection a few inches behind the lamp. 
Oct 2011

128000 mi

US $250
Bearings on front left wheel were very bad, and made much noise. Replaced the front right wheel bearings, too. 
Nov 2012

143700 mi

US $90
Car horn stopped working 
Jan 2013

146000 mi

US $2950
Internal gears in transmission were damaged, so that it was much harder to shift, and there were metal shavings in the transmission fluid. Also, the clutch plate had to replaced again, only 7 months after having been replaced (at 140,000) 
Mar 2016

193000 mi

US $188
retune engine; identified that the CConverter is out, but did not repair. 
Mar 2017

204000 mi
Replace starter 
Apr 2017

204000 mi
Catalytic converter never repaired. 
Toyota Matrix in Ontario, Canada
Jun 2009 - Dec 2012
Dec 2009

60760 mi

C $650
contershaft bearings started making noise  
Dec 2012

105400 mi

C $1000
transmission bearing failing, hearing noise from the transmission. bearing replaced. 
Toyota Matrix in Alberta, Canada
Apr 2009 - Aug 2013
Jun 2009

128960 mi

C $2900
Manual transmission replaced with a used, but improved, version from a 2007 Corolla. Main bearing was failing. Toyota has since modified the transmission. 
Jan 2010

C $100
Oil pressure sender ruptured creating oil leak Part replaced, problem solved. 
Toyota Matrix in New York, United States
May 2010 - Aug 2011
Sep 2010

96000 mi

US $3100
Transmission bearings replaced New clutch 
Toyota Matrix in Quebec, Canada
Jan 2015 - Jan 2017
Oct 2015

167580 mi

C $2000
Worn out absorbers, Front Left rod ends, Front Right upper rod end. 
Dec 2016

185380 mi

C $75
Replaced wiper transmission due to corroded shafts slowly starting to seize. 
Toyota Matrix in California, United States
Oct 2009 - Jan 2011
Aug 2010

99300 mi

US $900
One of my bearings was going so they fixed it, and also re-did the brakes... 

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2003 Toyota Matrix 4dr Hatch

130-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Toyota Matrix in Massachusetts, United States
Feb 2011 - Mar 2013
Mar 2011

82000 mi
Speaker in driver side door had poor output. Cleaned connections and applied conductive anti corrosion gel. Sound improved. Drver side door electric window/lock switch cluster not secure, clips broken. Took apart the door and glued it in place. Drver side door electric window/lock switch cluster not secure, clips broken. Took apart the door and glued it in place. Front and rear bumper spoilers were damaged. Took them off and glued the rear back together, put it back on, looks good. The front spoilers are back on but only a temp fix. I will take them off soon for a better fix and repaint. Speaker in driver side door had poor output. Cleaned connections and applied conductive anti corrosion gel. Sound improved. 
Aug 2012

89300 mi

US $20
Cabin air filter broke down and collapsed into the blower fan. Made a terrible noise and I thought the fan was toast. Opened it up behind the glove box, took out the shredded remains of the filter and popped in a new one. Problem solved. 
Toyota Matrix in New Jersey, United States
Nov 2009 - Feb 2012
Mar 2011

136000 mi

US $70
Air in coolant system that needed to be removed. 
Jan 2012

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 
Toyota Matrix in Florida, United States
Nov 2009 - Jan 2015
Jan 2010

87000 mi

US $150
Right front door stop was making a loud popping noise every time the door was opened or closed. It was adjusted and is now silent. 
Mar 2010

93000 mi

US $400
Got new tires, but they could not align the car because a tie rod was "frozen".  Frozen tie rod replaced. 
Toyota Matrix in British Columbia, Canada
Jun 2003 - Jul 2016
Feb 2003

620 mi
oxygen sensor - sulfur smell 
Sep 2011

101060 mi
Starter replaced. It would start if the engine was warm, but not a cold start. I've got a young child, so fixing it asap was impt. 
Toyota Matrix in California, United States
Aug 2009 - Oct 2013
Sep 2009

54000 mi

US $251
Replace leaking power steering pump. 
Oct 2012

78700 mi

US $20
Replaced both headlights which failed within one day of each other 
Toyota Matrix in Indiana, United States
Mar 2006 - Jun 2011
Oct 2006

30000 mi

US $70
Headlight relay was shorted out, causing a fuse to blow. The relay was repaired. 
Jan 2008

59000 mi
The starter in the vehicle was deemed to be faulty. The starter was replaced, but failed again the following morning. A second trip to the shop revealed that the replacement starter was defective. It was replaced yet again. At this point, no further trips Starter replaced second time. 
Toyota Matrix in Indiana, United States
Feb 2010 - Sep 2017
Jun 2010

113000 mi

US $45
leaking oil at timing chain tensioner-replaced timing chain tensioner 
Mar 2017

156000 mi

US $100
Starter brushes worn down. Replaced brushes, brush holder & solenoid 
Toyota Matrix in Quebec, Canada
Mar 2010 - Dec 2015
Apr 2010

140720 mi
RUST PROBLEM ON TOP, NEAR THE WINDSHIELD, RUST ON INSIDE BOTTOM OF CORNER OF A DOOR. A/C RADIATOR BREAK BY STONE. THERE IS NO PROTECTION FOR INCOMMING OBJECT. AS LISTED ON INTERNET FORUM, IT IS A PROBLEM FOR MATRIX. THE WEAKNESS OF MATRIX A/C. change pads and rotor as needed 
Jan 2011

C $265
Problem with ignition switch. Change it. Engine never stop when we turn off the key. Have to disconnect battery to stop engine. 
Mar 2011

158100 mi

C $542
Front shock broken. Change the fuel tank intake pipe, air leak causes computer problem. 
Dec 2013

170500 mi

C $528
Starter 
Oct 2015

173700 mi

C $194
Change right back wheel bearing assembly Baffle plate over the gas tank completely rotten, be taken out. Rebuilt an exhaust bracket 
Dec 2015

174220 mi

C $73
change oil pressure sending unit located above the oil filter Was leaking I paid for 
Toyota Matrix in Nuevo Leon, Mexico
Feb 2013 - Jun 2013
Apr 2013

88040 mi

$850
The brakes pump wore out, I had to replace it as well as the rear cylinders. 
Toyota Matrix in Massachusetts, United States
Feb 2012 - Mar 2017
Apr 2015

66300 mi

US $775
sticking caliper, front and back brakes needed attention. 
Feb 2017

80000 mi

US $190
weak battery 
Toyota Matrix in Ontario, Canada
Nov 2010 - Jun 2011
Dec 2010

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.. 
Jun 2011

115940 mi

C $800
problems of the month, driver side cv boot tear (4th time) lead to a 4th drive shaft install,  passenger front bearing gave out, passenger side sway link snap. car sits .8" from the floor on 16" rims... go figure... 

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2003 Toyota Matrix 4dr Hatch

123-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic AWD

Toyota Matrix in Ontario, Canada
Oct 2010 - May 2012
Mar 2011

80600 mi

C $400
wheel bearings replaced 
Toyota Matrix in Illinois, United States
Apr 2012 - Jun 2022
Dec 2013

60000 mi

US $850
Engine light came on. Replaced O2 sensor, cleaned out fuel system. Toyota O2 sensors are a bit pricey! 
Nov 2017

98000 mi

US $230
Pipe welded 
Mar 2018

99000 mi

US $1200
New rotors, pads and calipers 
Toyota Matrix in Mississippi, United States
Aug 2015 - Jan 2018
Jan 2016

US $75
Relay for compressor failed, was replaced. 
Mar 2016

180000 mi

US $400
Old battery Starter failure 
Dec 2016

195000 mi

US $649
Radiator replaced Fuel rail replaced due to fuel leak at throttle body. 
Mar 2017

198655 mi

US $676
Rear wheel bearings replaced 

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2003 Toyota Matrix 4-door

4-cylinder automatic AWD

Toyota Matrix in Maine, United States
Mar 2007 - Sep 2007
May 2007

78000 mi
check engine light. probably faulty sensor. will need to check again 
Sep 2007

80000 mi
Gas cover spring. 

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2003 Toyota Matrix 4-door

4-cylinder automatic 2WD

Toyota Matrix in Indiana, United States
Dec 2007 - Mar 2010
Feb 2008

68000 mi

US $600
Both front brake calipers seized. Calipers replaced, rotors machined and brake system serviced 

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2003 Toyota Matrix Repair Histories

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.