2003 Toyota Matrix Problems and Repair Histories
2003 Toyota Matrix problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
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Toyota Matrix
2003 Toyota Matrixs for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the 2003 Toyota Matrix problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.
For 2003 Toyota Matrix problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the 2003 Toyota Matrix problems and repair histories that follow it.
Toyota Matrix Reliability through March 31, 2013
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year | Make/Model | Trips/Year/100 Cars | Compared to all models for the same year | |
| 2003 | Toyota Matrix | 46 Matrixs, 9.1 months of data per Matrix, average 118300 miles34 |
Fewest Trips
Most Trips
|
see reported repairs see lemon odds |
Non-members can see only ten 2003 Toyota Matrix problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
Repair costs are in local units.
2003 Toyota Matrix
Engine not specified
| Toyota Matrix in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2008 | 140000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2008 | 142000 | 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. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Toyota Matrix in District of Columbia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2010 | 65000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2011 | 121700 | 150 | wasn't idling and was stalling, a/t sensor in throttle body |
| Feb | 2011 | 173300 | 150 | clutch isn't right, broken motor mount, can't stop car to have either fixed |
| Mar | 2011 | 225000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2003 Toyota Matrix 4dr Hatch
180-horsepower 1.8L I4 6-speed manual FWD
| Toyota Matrix in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2010 | 110360 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2011 | 111600 | 700 | bad rear brake noise 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! |
| Toyota Matrix in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2010 | 195000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2011 | 223000 | 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. |
| Oct | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Toyota Matrix in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2010 | 103000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2011 | 111000 | 220 | replaced o2 sensors(2) & catalytic converter |
| Mar | 2012 | 122000 | 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 | 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. |
| Toyota Matrix in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2009 | 57000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2012 | 78000 | 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. noticed brake noise upon braking. all parts were original to 2003. replaced pads, rotors, fluid |
| Mar | 2013 | 84000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Toyota Matrix in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2007 | 2500 | transmission internal bearing failed. Transmission replaced under warranty. New clutch paid for. | |
| Jul | 2007 | 32860 | 250 | Clutch release bearing replaced under warranty. |
| Aug | 2007 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Toyota Matrix in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2006 | 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 | |
| May | 2009 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Toyota Matrix in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2011 | 84940 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2012 | 92340 | 1200 | replace front struts |
| Mar | 2012 | 93000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Toyota Matrix in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2003 | 0 | AC recharge, something not right with AC gurgles and makes odd noises. | |
| Oct | 2003 | 0 | still something wrong with the AC, still gurgles, if I cycle the A/C button on and off sometime it kicks in again. electrical. they can't figure it out. | |
| May | 2004 | 0 | A/C still not right. they claim that it is a disconnected condenser hose routed through the dash. reconnected. still the A/C only works when it feels like it. Cycling the button to wake it up is only remedy. My other cars never had issues like this. | |
2003 Toyota Matrix 4dr Hatch
180-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Toyota Matrix in Wisconsin, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2009 | 98000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2009 | 99000 | 2100 | Complete emission control system needed to be replaced. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Toyota Matrix in Indiana, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2011 | 129000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2011 | 137000 | 60 | Slow oil leak. Mechanic tightened screws around gasket that had shrunk a little bit; problem solved. |
| Jan | 2012 | 138000 | 80 | Faulty gasket on engine cover replaced. |
| Feb | 2012 | 140000 | 0 | Valve head oil leak |
| Mar | 2012 | 141000 | 0 | 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 | 152000 | 250 | Battery died. |
| Mar | 2013 | 152000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2003 Toyota Matrix 4dr Hatch
130-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Toyota Matrix in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2013 | 195000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2013 | 197000 | 65 | Small adjustment to solve squeaking |
| Toyota Matrix in Colorado, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2007 | 66000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2012 | 139000 | 2300 | Transmission bearing broke inside the housing, necessitating a transmission rebuild. New clutch installed as well. |
| Mar | 2013 | 145000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Toyota Matrix in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2009 | 69000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2011 | 103000 | 42 | 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. |
| Mar | 2013 | 125000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Toyota Matrix in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2012 | 152520 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2012 | 155000 | 497 | Replaced starter, new serpentine belt, oil change. Cost was 497 dollars - labour included. |
| Toyota Matrix in Nova Scotia, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2012 | 161200 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2012 | 171400 | 80 | Odometer stopped at 299,999km. Odometer replaced |
| Jan | 2013 | 181660 | 0 | 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 Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2010 | 112000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2010 | 112000 | 600 | Windshield fluid motor had broken, had to be replaced. Belts replaced. Fluids. |
| Nov | 2010 | 115000 | 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 | 250 | Bearings on front left wheel were very bad, and made much noise. Replaced the front right wheel bearings, too. |
| Nov | 2012 | 144000 | 90 | Car horn stopped working |
| Jan | 2013 | 146000 | 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 | 2013 | 147000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Toyota Matrix in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2009 | 54560 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2009 | 60760 | 650 | contershaft bearings started making noise |
| Dec | 2012 | 105400 | 1000 | transmission bearing failing, hearing noise from the transmission. bearing replaced. |
| Toyota Matrix in Alberta, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2009 | 127720 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2009 | 128960 | 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 | 137020 | 100 | Oil pressure sender ruptured creating oil leak Part replaced, problem solved. |
| Apr | 2013 | 160580 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Toyota Matrix in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2010 | 3100 | Transmission bearings replaced New clutch | |
| Aug | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Toyota Matrix in Arizona, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2007 | 63000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2010 | 98000 | 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 | 3200 | Manual transmission failed. Needed to be replaced completely. |
| Jan | 2012 | 118000 | 300 | Replace water pump. |
| Mar | 2013 | 127000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Toyota Matrix in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2005 | 0 | Catalytic converter replaced under extended emissions warranty. ECU reprogrammed to address premature cat wear. | |
| Oct | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Toyota Matrix in Alberta, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2012 | 107260 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2012 | 108160 | 3000 | Replacement of all transmission bearings. |
| Jun | 2012 | 109120 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Toyota Matrix in Wisconsin, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2003 | 0 | Trim paint around radio and drivers door power window switch peeling. Both trim panels replaced for free under warranty. | |
| Oct | 2003 | 0 | Car had developed a rumble from engine compartment while accelerating. Five bearings in the manual transmission where replaced for free under warranty. | |
| Jul | 2006 | 0 | 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 | 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 California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2009 | 87000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2010 | 101700 | 900 | One of my bearings was going so they fixed it, and also re-did the brakes... |
| Jan | 2011 | 109000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2003 Toyota Matrix 4dr Hatch
130-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Toyota Matrix in Nuevo Leon, Mexico | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2013 | 84940 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2013 | 88040 | 850 | The brakes pump wore out, I had to replace it as well as the rear cylinders. |
| Toyota Matrix in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2009 | 122000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2011 | 136000 | 70 | Air in coolant system that needed to be removed. |
| Jan | 2012 | 146000 | 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 |
| Feb | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Toyota Matrix in Quebec, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2010 | 140120 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2010 | 141320 | 0 | change pads and rotor as needed |
| Jan | 2011 | 156420 | 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 | 542 | Front shock broken. Change the fuel tank intake pipe, air leak causes computer problem. |
| Mar | 2013 | 168640 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Toyota Matrix in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2009 | 82000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2010 | 87000 | 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 | 1100 | Got new tires, but they could not align the car because a tie rod was "frozen". Frozen tie rod replaced. |
| Mar | 2013 | 103000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Toyota Matrix in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2009 | 52000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2009 | 54000 | 251 | Replace leaking power steering pump. |
| Oct | 2012 | 78000 | 20 | Replaced both headlights which failed within one day of each other |
| Toyota Matrix in Indiana, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2006 | 70 | Headlight relay was shorted out, causing a fuse to blow. The relay was repaired. | |
| Jan | 2008 | 59000 | 170 | 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. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Toyota Matrix in British Columbia, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2003 | 0 | oxygen sensor - sulfur smell | |
| Sep | 2011 | 101060 | 0 | 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. |
| Mar | 2013 | 116560 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Toyota Matrix in Indiana, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2010 | 111000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2010 | 113000 | 45 | leaking oil at timing chain tensioner-replaced timing chain tensioner |
| Mar | 2013 | 128000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Toyota Matrix in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2010 | 99200 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2010 | 100800 | 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.. |
| Jun | 2011 | 115940 | 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... |
| Toyota Matrix in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2011 | 82000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2011 | 82500 | 0 | 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 | 89500 | 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. |
| Mar | 2013 | 92000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2003 Toyota Matrix 4dr Hatch
123-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic AWD
| Toyota Matrix in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2010 | 78740 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2011 | 80600 | 400 | wheel bearings replaced |
| May | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2003 Toyota Matrix 4-door
4-cylinder automatic AWD
| Toyota in Maine, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2007 | 75000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2007 | 78000 | 0 | check engine light. probably faulty sensor. will need to check again |
| Sep | 2007 | 80000 | 0 | Gas cover spring. |
2003 Toyota Matrix 4-door
4-cylinder automatic 2WD
| Toyota Matrix in Indiana, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2007 | 66000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2008 | 68000 | 600 | Both front brake calipers seized. Calipers replaced, rotors machined and brake system serviced |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
Expert 2003 Toyota Matrix Repair Advice
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