Waiting for light to turn green, another driver alert me that there was smoke coming from engine compartment. I immediately open the hood and there was fire between engine and firewall. The vehicle was a leased 2002 toyota matrix xrs. My insurance company declared it a total loss. I tried to contact toyota and dealer several times for answers in regards to issue but I was given the same answer, fires were not covered by warranty, which is I understand but they never make an effort to make investigation to what caused the problem. *Tr
Vehicle safety record
2002 Toyota Matrix Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 2002 Toyota Matrix with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system (1) and the transmission & drivetrain (1). Those complaints describe 1 fire. There are no recalls for it. For comparison, the 2003 has 268.
NHTSA data checked
AFar fewer problems than a typical Matrix year, for its age
#356 most complained-about 2002 vehicle
- Complaints
- 2
- Recalls
- 0
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2002 Toyota Matrix problems
Share of all 2 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
No recalls for the 2002 Toyota Matrix
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2002 Toyota Matrix. Recalls can be announced at any time - this page updates daily.
What owners say
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2 complaints about the 2002 Toyota Matrix
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Consumer states took vehicle to the dealer for the 25,000 miles service, and asked the dealer to check the clutch because it was slipping. Dealer did not check the clutch. Consumer drove the vehicle out of the garage with the clutch slipping. Later, he had to take the vehicle back the second time. This time he asked dealer specifically that the clutch be checked. Dealer told consumer that that the clutch was defective. *Ak
Toyota Matrix: every year compared
All Matrix years2002 Toyota Matrix vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 Toyota Matrix | 2 | 0 | A | |
| 2002 Toyota Camry | 1,039 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Toyota Sequoia | 692 | 8 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Toyota RAV4 | 555 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Toyota RAV4 EV | 555 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Toyota Highlander | 327 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 2002 Toyota 4RUNNER | 251 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Toyota Sienna | 207 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Toyota Prius | 193 | 2 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2002 Toyota Matrix
Does the 2002 Toyota Matrix have any recalls?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2002 Toyota Matrix right now. Recalls can be announced at any time, and this page checks NHTSA every day. You can also check your exact vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Toyota Matrix?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the electrical system (1), transmission & drivetrain (1).
How many complaints has the 2002 Toyota Matrix had?
2 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on September 20, 2004 and the latest on August 25, 2010. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2002 Toyota Matrix a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 99 out of 100 (grade A: far fewer problems than a typical Toyota Matrix year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Toyota Matrix years have the most complaints?
2003 (268), 2005 (213), 2009 (192). See every Toyota Matrix year compared.
What should I do if my 2002 Toyota Matrix has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data