2008 Toyota Matrix Toyota Matrix 2008

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2008 Toyota Matrix repairs by problem area

Engine (65%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (0%)

Brakes and Traction Control (9%)

Suspension and Steering (9%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (9%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (4%)

Other (4%)

Chart based on 23 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2008 Toyota Matrix.

2008 Toyota Matrix repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (15%)

$500 - $999 (15%)

$100 - $499 (35%)

< $100 (35%)

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

Chart based on 20 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2008 Toyota Matrix 4dr Hatch

126-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Toyota Matrix in Ontario, Canada
Jun 2012 - Jul 2018
Dec 2016

90520 mi

C $250
Clamp holding heat shield broke. Heat shield was resting on the exhaust system. New clamp installed. 
May 2018

122760 mi

C $1500
Oil Pan removed and reinstalled to fix oil leak. T-chain tensioner o-ring replaced to fix oil leak. Serpentine belt tensioner replaced. OEM front driver shock worn. Replaced both front stocks. 

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2008 Toyota Matrix 4dr Hatch

126-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Toyota Matrix in Ohio, United States
Oct 2013 - Dec 2014
Feb 2014

81000 mi
Replaced Low Beam Headlight Bulb 
Jun 2014

87000 mi
Clunk when rolling power window up and down. Window regulator was found bent and was replaced, then door check strap was also replaced because it was bent and interfering with the window. 
Sep 2014

91000 mi

US $520
Leak at Timing Chain Tensioner. Tensioner Removed and new O-Ring Installed Replaced Thermostat - Car not warming up properly in cold weather. Dealer doing other work reported that on test drive after other work alternator bearing started making noise. They were concerned the alternator would fail so they kept the vehicle until it could be replaced. 
Nov 2014

96000 mi

US $10
Check Engine Light illuminated. Checked with OBD2 Scanner reading Lean Bank 1 several times and once MAF sensor out of range. Assuming dirty MAF but could be cold weather leaking intake manifold gasket. First repair attempt cleaning MAF. 
Toyota Matrix in Ontario, Canada
Oct 2013 - Feb 2016
Dec 2013

74181 mi

C $270
Check engine light was on. Took to dealer and intake manifold gasket replaced. 
Jul 2014

81840 mi

C $23
Gas tank cover bolt rusted and fell out. Loud rattling when car running. Replaced with random bolt from Canadian Tire. 
Jan 2015

C $975
Timing chain cover and water pump replaced. 
Toyota Matrix in Ontario, Canada
Jan 2012 - Jun 2022
Sep 2012

60140 mi
the water pump was leaking and had to be replaced (covered by warranty) 
Oct 2012

60760 mi
Check engine light went on. The intake gasket needed to be replaced. (Covered under warranty). 
Feb 2014

81840 mi

C $80
replaced leaking O ring connected to the timing chain tensioner 
Sep 2015

110980 mi

C $165
replaced timing chain tensioner O-ring 
Sep 2016

129580 mi

C $500
When replacing the front pads (first time ever, which is amazing) the calipers also needed replacing which to my mind is not normal maintenance. 
Dec 2016

133300 mi

C $125
Check engine light came on and the engine began running rough. The intake manifold gasket needed to be replaced. 
Sep 2017

145700 mi

C $164
oil leak - replaced chain tensioner o-ring 
Jan 2021

167400 mi

C $1700
replaced both struts and stabilizer link. Also replaced a gas tank strap and had an exhaust link near the resonater welded. 
Jul 2021

170500 mi

C $1000
Caliper seized. Replaced both front calipers, pads, and rotors. 
Toyota Matrix in Washington, United States
Jul 2011 - Jan 2013
Aug 2011

55000 mi

US $100
new belt tensioner-the one NOT covered by p-train warranty. I complained so they covered the parts. 
Toyota Matrix in Ontario, Canada
May 2011 - Dec 2013
Dec 2013

82460 mi

C $200
replaced water pump 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Toyota models.

2008 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 2008 Toyota Matrix problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.