| 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
2003 Toyota Matrix repairs by problem area
Engine (33%)
Transmission and Drivetrain (13%)
Brakes and Traction Control (6%)
Suspension and Steering (12%)
Electrical and Air Conditioning (27%)
Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (6%)
Other (3%)
Chart based on 154 repairs.
2003 Toyota Matrix repair cost distribution
$2500+ (8%)
$1000 - $2499 (8%)
$500 - $999 (19%)
$100 - $499 (33%)
< $100 (31%)
Chart based on 130 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 2011US $150 | wasn't idling and was stalling, a/t sensor in throttle body | ||
| Feb 2011114300 miUS $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 2008142000 miUS $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 2011111600 miC $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! | ||
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 200622000 miUS $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 2014213000 miUS $70 | Bought more clips for the rocker moldings and the spoiler on the rear bumper. (they are always falling off!) | ||
| Jan 2017US $80 | Replaced the dash covering for the stereo. The previous one had become scratched and loose. | ||
| Aug 2022280000 miUS $400 | New AC blower motor | ||
| Toyota Matrix in Texas, United States May 2010 - Jun 2022 | |||
| Jan 2011111000 miUS $220 | replaced o2 sensors(2) & catalytic converter | ||
| Mar 2012122000 miUS $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 2013135000 miUS $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 2015160700 miUS $350 | OE Starter Motor died. | ||
| Feb 2017190000 miUS $700 | Lower control arm and sway bar bushings replaced. Also ball joints. | ||
| Toyota Matrix in New Jersey, United States Sep 2009 - Apr 2017 | |||
| Jun 201278000 miUS $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 201388300 miUS $650 | Exhaust leak. Turn on fresh air, exhaust enters cabin. Knotso gud! | ||
| Toyota Matrix in California, United States Sep 2010 - Oct 2011 | |||
| Jun 2011223000 miUS $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 2016135780 miC $1500 | The clutch was slipping so I couldn't accelerate past an idle. The valve cover and oil pan gaskets were replaced. | ||
| Aug 2017139500 miC $700 | Driver's door power window motor replacement | ||
| Toyota Matrix in Florida, United States Oct 2012 - Mar 2016 | |||
| Oct 2015161500 miUS $460 | Oil leak | ||
| Toyota Matrix in Ontario, Canada Jun 2007 - Aug 2007 | |||
| Feb 200729760 miC $2500 | transmission internal bearing failed. Transmission replaced under warranty. New clutch paid for. | ||
| Jul 200732860 miC $250 | Clutch release bearing replaced under warranty. | ||
| Toyota Matrix in Ontario, Canada Mar 2011 - Mar 2012 | |||
| Feb 201291640 miC $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. | ||
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 2011137000 miUS $60 | Slow oil leak. Mechanic tightened screws around gasket that had shrunk a little bit; problem solved. | ||
| Jan 2012138000 miUS $80 | Faulty gasket on engine cover replaced. | ||
| Feb 2012140000 mi | Valve head oil leak | ||
| Mar 2012141000 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 2013152600 miUS $250 | Battery died. | ||
| Jul 2013154200 miUS $900 | Control arms and ball joints were replaced, to correct really, really loose steering. | ||
| Feb 2014157000 miUS $500 | Pending failure of half shaft; replaced. Exhaust leak traced to worn-out gasket. Replaced gasket. | ||
| Aug 2014160000 miUS $150 | Accessory belt replacement | ||
| Sep 2014161000 miUS $400 | Starter failed. Replaced it. | ||
| Apr 2017182000 miUS $750 | Rebuilt rear brakes, including new hydraulics | ||
| Sep 2017185000 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 2016104000 miUS $380 | Solenoid went bad | ||
| Toyota Matrix in Wisconsin, United States Oct 2009 - Aug 2016 | |||
| Nov 200999000 miUS $2100 | Complete emission control system needed to be replaced. | ||
| Mar 2015175000 miUS $750 | Fuel Pump and injectors needed to be replaced | ||
| Toyota Matrix in Texas, United States Jun 2017 - Dec 2018 | |||
| May 2018165000 miUS $934 | The front axles were starting to disintegrate. Both were replaced. | ||
2003 Toyota Matrix 4dr Hatch
130-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Toyota Matrix in Alberta, Canada Apr 2012 - Jun 2012 | |||
| May 2012107560 miC $3000 | Replacement of all transmission bearings. | ||
| Toyota Matrix in Colorado, United States Jul 2007 - Jun 2024 | |||
| Sep 2012139000 miUS $2300 | Transmission bearing broke inside the housing, necessitating a transmission rebuild. New clutch installed as well. | ||
| Aug 2023212000 miUS $1000 | Clutch replacement - clutch was worn out and slipping (last replacement was 12 years ago) | ||
| Toyota Matrix in Yukon Territory, Canada Sep 2014 - Jul 2018 | |||
| Sep 2016117800 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 2016119000 miC $828 | Front Calipers sticking. Prolonged undiagnosed problem. Calipers and disks replaced. Replaced front left wheel bearing. Wear detected by mechanic. | ||
| Dec 2016122140 miC $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 2017130820 miC $1600 | Rust damage, seizing calipers Fuel tank rusted through and leaking | ||
| Jul 2018139500 miC $200 | Alternator seized, also had to repair serpentine belt | ||
| Toyota Matrix in Ontario, Canada Jul 2012 - Oct 2012 | |||
| Oct 2012155000 miC $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 2012164600 miC $80 | Odometer stopped at 299,999km. Odometer replaced | ||
| Jan 2013181660 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 2014153140 miC $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 2015154780 mi | park brake cable seizing, new cables installed control arm worn, new one installed | ||
| Jul 2015157260 miC $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 2013199000 miUS $400 | Starter broke, had to be replaced. Brake line leaking | ||
| Jan 2014201000 miUS $260 | Drive belt replacement | ||
| May 2014206600 miUS $120 | Replaced battery | ||
| Sep 2016215000 miUS $450 | Steering wheel clock spring for airbag failed | ||
| Jan 2017219000 miUS $200 | Fractured battery lead cable | ||
| Toyota Matrix in Kansas, United States Jul 2018 - Aug 2018 | |||
| Aug 2018137000 miUS $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 2011101000 miUS $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 2015143000 miUS $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 2020171000 miUS $3000 | replaced worn shock and strut assembly all wheels | ||
| Toyota Matrix in Arizona, United States Mar 2007 - Jan 2015 | |||
| Jan 201098000 miUS $200 | Replaced headlight Oil change and Belt Tensioner was leaking and required repair. The repair added another 1.5 hours to the service. | ||
| Mar 201099000 miUS $3200 | Manual transmission failed. Needed to be replaced completely. | ||
| Jan 2015123000 miUS $5000 | Piston problem with engine, requiring full rebuild or replacement. | ||
| Toyota Matrix in Wisconsin, United States Feb 2003 - Jun 2010 | |||
| Aug 200331282 mi | Trim paint around radio and drivers door power window switch peeling. Both trim panels replaced for free under warranty. | ||
| Oct 200338547 mi | Car had developed a rumble from engine compartment while accelerating. Five bearings in the manual transmission where replaced for free under warranty. | ||
| Jul 2006106500 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 2010139000 miUS $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 2016240500 miUS $650 | Shocks both blown, replaced. Sway bar link replaced driver side. | ||
| Aug 2017249000 miUS $380 | Replace serpentine belt. Replace oil pan gasket | ||
| Jan 2018251000 miUS $400 | Catalytic converter failed with code P0420 | ||
| Feb 2019265000 miUS $750 | Clutch badly warn (would frequently slip and burning smell malice replaced. | ||
| Toyota Matrix in New York, United States Mar 2005 - Oct 2010 | |||
| Aug 200550000 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 2010112000 miUS $600 | Windshield fluid motor had broken, had to be replaced. Belts replaced. Fluids. | ||
| Nov 2010114500 miUS $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 2011128000 miUS $250 | Bearings on front left wheel were very bad, and made much noise. Replaced the front right wheel bearings, too. | ||
| Nov 2012143700 miUS $90 | Car horn stopped working | ||
| Jan 2013146000 miUS $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 2016193000 miUS $188 | retune engine; identified that the CConverter is out, but did not repair. | ||
| Mar 2017204000 mi | Replace starter | ||
| Apr 2017204000 mi | Catalytic converter never repaired. | ||
| Toyota Matrix in Ontario, Canada Jun 2009 - Dec 2012 | |||
| Dec 200960760 miC $650 | contershaft bearings started making noise | ||
| Dec 2012105400 miC $1000 | transmission bearing failing, hearing noise from the transmission. bearing replaced. | ||
| Toyota Matrix in Alberta, Canada Apr 2009 - Aug 2013 | |||
| Jun 2009128960 miC $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 2010C $100 | Oil pressure sender ruptured creating oil leak Part replaced, problem solved. | ||
| Toyota Matrix in New York, United States May 2010 - Aug 2011 | |||
| Sep 201096000 miUS $3100 | Transmission bearings replaced New clutch | ||
| Toyota Matrix in Quebec, Canada Jan 2015 - Jan 2017 | |||
| Oct 2015167580 miC $2000 | Worn out absorbers, Front Left rod ends, Front Right upper rod end. | ||
| Dec 2016185380 miC $75 | Replaced wiper transmission due to corroded shafts slowly starting to seize. | ||
| Toyota Matrix in California, United States Oct 2009 - Jan 2011 | |||
| Aug 201099300 miUS $900 | One of my bearings was going so they fixed it, and also re-did the brakes... | ||
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 201182000 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 201289300 miUS $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 2011136000 miUS $70 | Air in coolant system that needed to be removed. | ||
| Jan 2012146000 miUS $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 201087000 miUS $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 201093000 miUS $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 2003620 mi | oxygen sensor - sulfur smell | ||
| Sep 2011101060 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 200954000 miUS $251 | Replace leaking power steering pump. | ||
| Oct 201278700 miUS $20 | Replaced both headlights which failed within one day of each other | ||
| Toyota Matrix in Indiana, United States Mar 2006 - Jun 2011 | |||
| Oct 200630000 miUS $70 | Headlight relay was shorted out, causing a fuse to blow. The relay was repaired. | ||
| Jan 200859000 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 2010113000 miUS $45 | leaking oil at timing chain tensioner-replaced timing chain tensioner | ||
| Mar 2017156000 miUS $100 | Starter brushes worn down. Replaced brushes, brush holder & solenoid | ||
| Toyota Matrix in Quebec, Canada Mar 2010 - Dec 2015 | |||
| Apr 2010140720 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 2011C $265 | Problem with ignition switch. Change it. Engine never stop when we turn off the key. Have to disconnect battery to stop engine. | ||
| Mar 2011158100 miC $542 | Front shock broken. Change the fuel tank intake pipe, air leak causes computer problem. | ||
| Dec 2013170500 miC $528 | Starter | ||
| Oct 2015173700 miC $194 | Change right back wheel bearing assembly Baffle plate over the gas tank completely rotten, be taken out. Rebuilt an exhaust bracket | ||
| Dec 2015174220 miC $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 201388040 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 201566300 miUS $775 | sticking caliper, front and back brakes needed attention. | ||
| Feb 201780000 miUS $190 | weak battery | ||
| Toyota Matrix in Ontario, Canada Nov 2010 - Jun 2011 | |||
| Dec 201098946 miC $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 2011115940 miC $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... | ||
2003 Toyota Matrix 4dr Hatch
123-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic AWD
| Toyota Matrix in Ontario, Canada Oct 2010 - May 2012 | |||
| Mar 201180600 miC $400 | wheel bearings replaced | ||
| Toyota Matrix in Illinois, United States Apr 2012 - Jun 2022 | |||
| Dec 201360000 miUS $850 | Engine light came on. Replaced O2 sensor, cleaned out fuel system. Toyota O2 sensors are a bit pricey! | ||
| Nov 201798000 miUS $230 | Pipe welded | ||
| Mar 201899000 miUS $1200 | New rotors, pads and calipers | ||
| Toyota Matrix in Mississippi, United States Aug 2015 - Jan 2018 | |||
| Jan 2016US $75 | Relay for compressor failed, was replaced. | ||
| Mar 2016180000 miUS $400 | Old battery Starter failure | ||
| Dec 2016195000 miUS $649 | Radiator replaced Fuel rail replaced due to fuel leak at throttle body. | ||
| Mar 2017198655 miUS $676 | Rear wheel bearings replaced | ||
2003 Toyota Matrix 4-door
4-cylinder automatic AWD
| Toyota Matrix in Maine, United States Mar 2007 - Sep 2007 | |||
| May 200778000 mi | check engine light. probably faulty sensor. will need to check again | ||
| Sep 200780000 mi | Gas cover spring. | ||
2003 Toyota Matrix 4-door
4-cylinder automatic 2WD
| Toyota Matrix in Indiana, United States Dec 2007 - Mar 2010 | |||
| Feb 200868000 miUS $600 | Both front brake calipers seized. Calipers replaced, rotors machined and brake system serviced | ||
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