Toyota Matrix Reliability and Common Problems

The Toyota Matrix, which is sometimes called the Toyota Corolla Matrix, is a hatchback that was discontinued back in 2013 but was adored for its plentiful cargo capacity. Like the Corolla, which it borrows from, the Matrix is reliable and cheap to maintain. Its resale value is also very good, just like other Toyota vehicles. According to AutoPadre.com, the 2013 Matrix model will only depreciate 11% of its value after five years, but this is after it has already depreciated 57% of its total value.

Is the Toyota Matrix Reliable?

The Toyota Matrix has gotten good reliability ratings. RepairPal has given the Matrix a solid 4.0 out of 5.0 rating. J.D. Power has also given the Matrix a similar score of 81 out of 100. The Matrix’s reliability could be attributed to the fact that it’s essentially a Toyota Corolla with a bigger trunk. This makes the Matrix an attractive option for families.

Another reason why the Toyota Matrix is desirable is that it’s cost-efficient to run. Corollas have been known to have good fuel economy and the Matrix is no different. Repair costs are also low because the Matrix tends to have mostly minor issues that don’t require expensive repairs. Matrix owners have reported that they’ve driven 300,000 miles on their Matrix and the only maintenance it ever required were oil changes and tire rotation.

The Matrix’s reliability and practical features make it a good car in the used-car market. Even though the latest Toyota Matrix model you can get is a 2013 model, it won’t be a problem because owners have reported that even early models from 2003 encountered very few issues.

Toyota Matrix Problems

The Matrix may have Toyota’s reliable genes, but it still has common issues that vary depending on the year model.

Check Engine Light from Faulty Oxygen Sensor

The oxygen sensors of the 2003 to the 2011 year models tend to break, which causes the check engine light to illuminate. 76 people have reported this problem on RepairPal, and owners say that the issue also causes a rough engine idle. This is caused by the engine control unit (ECU) lacking data from the oxygen sensor to determine what air to fuel mixture to use, which causes engine-related issues such as a rough engine idle, misfires, and poor performance.

Replacement oxygen sensors for the Toyota Matrix cost around $30 to $110.

Premature Brake Wear

Some owners of the 2010 Toyota Matrix have reported that their brakes wear out fast. One owner has reported that both his brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced after only traveling 24,000 miles. Another owner experienced a similar issue where the rear set needed to be replaced at 27,000 miles, while the front required replacement at 35,000 miles. This is unusual because brake rotors should last for more than 50,000 miles.

Driving with worn-out brakes will result in whining noises during braking and less braking power. Toyota Matrix brake disc and pad kits typically cost around $50 to $120.

Excessive Oil Consumption

Many Toyota Matrix owners have also reported that their engine consumes too much oil. There have been 34 reports of this issue on CarComplaints.com and it’s been happening to owners of 2003 to 2011 Matrix models. They usually discover this issue during oil changes, where they notice the oil levels are low. There have also been a few instances where the oil consumption was so severe that it triggered the check oil light in the dashboard to illuminate. If oil levels are left unchecked, then it can cause serious engine problems such as overheating and excessive engine wear, which is expensive to repair.

One fix for this issue is to replace worn piston rings in the engine. Improper seals can cause oil to seep into the combustion chamber, which lowers oil levels. Engine sludge can also cause oil levels to drop, so it’s recommended that you replace your oil filter often.

EVAP System Causing Check Engine Light to Turn On

Some Matrix owners have also reported being baffled by their check engine light turning on because identifying its main cause was difficult. This has led to multiple owners making replacements that didn’t fix the issue. It appears an issue with the evaporative emissions control (EVAP) system can cause the check engine light to illuminate. The EVAP system is responsible for preventing gasoline fumes from escaping into the atmosphere by leading them into the engine during operation. According to RepairPal, sometimes a failed charcoal canister or simply a loose gas cap can cause the check engine light to illuminate.

Window Regulator Problems

The bolts attaching the glass windows to the window regulators on the front doors of the Matrix can come loose. This can cause the glass windows to fall into the door and damage the window regulator or shatter the glass. If you’re parked outside, then this could expose your belongings to the weather or intruders. Some owners were able to guide their glass windows back up, while others have gone to dealerships to have the glass reinstalled in its proper position. However, some owners found that some of their windows shattered, while the falling glass had damaged the window regulators of other owners.

Many owners who were able to guide their windows back up have simply ignored their power windows to prevent the problem from recurring, as the problem typically only appears when the power windows are used.

Toyota used defective bolts during manufacturing, which caused the 2003 to 2004 Toyota Matrix models to have this issue. These bolts would either loosen or break and cause the glass panel to disconnect from the regulator. If left ignored, persistent use of the faulty window can damage the otherwise undamaged regulator.

Replacement Toyota Matrix window regulators cost around $3 to $50.

Overall, the Toyota Matrix is a good buy. It doesn’t have common issues concerning its engine or transmission. The Matrix’s practicality and reliability make it an attractive option in the used-car market. As long as you carefully inspect its components, it should come with little risk. Knowing about its common issues can be helpful because you can look out for them before you invest in a used car.