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%)

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

2003 Toyota Matrix transmission repair cost distribution

$2500+ (37%)

$1000 - $2499 (16%)

$500 - $999 (32%)

$100 - $499 (11%)

< $100 (5%)

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Chart based on 19 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

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! 
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. 

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2003 Toyota Matrix 4dr Hatch

180-horsepower 1.8L I4 6-speed manual FWD

29760 mi

C $2500
transmission internal bearing failed. Transmission replaced under warranty. New clutch paid for. 
32860 mi

C $250
Clutch release bearing replaced under warranty. 

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2003 Toyota Matrix 4dr Hatch

180-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

104000 mi

US $380
Solenoid went bad 
165000 mi

US $934
The front axles were starting to disintegrate. Both were replaced. 
157000 mi

US $500
Pending failure of half shaft; replaced. 

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2003 Toyota Matrix 4dr Hatch

130-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD

96000 mi

US $3100
Transmission bearings replaced New clutch 
107560 mi

C $3000
Replacement of all transmission bearings. 
99000 mi

US $3200
Manual transmission failed. Needed to be replaced completely. 
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. 
139000 mi

US $2300
Transmission bearing broke inside the housing, necessitating a transmission rebuild. New clutch installed as well. 
60760 mi

C $650
contershaft bearings started making noise  
105400 mi

C $1000
transmission bearing failing, hearing noise from the transmission. bearing replaced. 
38547 mi Car had developed a rumble from engine compartment while accelerating. Five bearings in the manual transmission where replaced for free under warranty. 
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. 
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) 
265000 mi

US $750
Clutch badly warn (would frequently slip and burning smell malice replaced. 

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2003 Toyota Matrix 4dr Hatch

130-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

115940 mi

C $800
problems of the month, driver side cv boot tear (4th time) lead to a 4th drive shaft install,  

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

2003 Toyota Matrix Transmission 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.