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2003 Toyota Matrix Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 268 complaints about the 2003 Toyota Matrix with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (83) and the airbags (57). Those complaints describe 19 crashes, 3 fires, 22 injuries and 1 death. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in April 2009 for the exterior lighting. For comparison, the 2002 has 2 and the 2004 has 138.

NHTSA data checked

FFar more problems than a typical Matrix year, for its age

#55 most complained-about 2003 vehicle

Complaints
268
Recalls
3
Crashes
19
Fires
3
Injuries
22
Deaths
1

Most common 2003 Toyota Matrix problems

Share of all 268 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2003 Toyota Matrix recalls 3

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Exterior lighting

09E01200016,270 vehicles affected

The problem
Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." These lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
The risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
The fix
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on may 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.

Visibility: glass, side / rear

08V162000662,178 vehicles affected

The problem
Toyota is recalling 662,178 my 2003-2004 corolla, corolla matrix and pontiac vibe vehicles equipped with power windows. The driver and front passenger door glass bolts may loosen and come off, causing the door glass to separate from the window regulator. Due to the components becoming loose and possibly rattling, an abnormal noise may be heard from the driver and /or front passenger door when operating the power windows.
The risk
The door glass may separate from the window regulator, bind and shatter during operation of the power windows, causing driver distraction and/or injury.
The fix
Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger door glass bolts with newly designed bolts free of charge. The recall began on april 16, 2008 to toyota owners. The recall began on may 21, 2008, for pontiac owners. Owners may contact toyota at 1-888-270-9371 or pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.

Exterior lighting: headlights

06E023000292,000 vehicles affected

The problem
Certain anzo combination headlamp assemblies sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles. Some combination lamps are not equipped with amber side reflectors which fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
The risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix
Anzo will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. The recall began may 9, 2006. Owners may contact anzo usa at 909-468-3688.

What owners say

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268 complaints about the 2003 Toyota Matrix

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 11.

AirbagsCrash1 injury

Tl* the contact owned a 2003 toyota matrix. While driving approximately 50 mph, the contact rear ended another vehicle. The front end of the contact's vehicle was severely damaged, but the air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained an injured chest and shoulder, which required medical treatment. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. A police report was filed. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 190,000.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11156847
Airbags

I have gotten the "takata recall" letter and took my car on march 18, 2018, with mike briseno from toyota here near my place 1901 s figueroa st, los angeles, ca 90007. They offered me an uber ride home from the dealership with my husband and said it will take 2-3 hours. Got the call from mike briseno and said that my car is ready. I got there and he said they did not do anything and had to order the parts. Called the dealership on may 16, 2018, talked to mike said he will call me to see back order and never responded if the parts ever arrived since may 2018. Car was never fixed.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11129524
AirbagsSeats & seat belts

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota matrix. While the contact was idling at a red light, the seat belt air bag restraint system erroneously activated and forcefully secured the driver into the seat. During the incident, no crash had occurred. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (baierl toyota, 19045 perry hwy, mars, pa), but the cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified and an investigator was sent to examine the vehicle. The failure mileage was 200,000.

Filed Incident Air bags · Seat beltsNHTSA 11128740
AirbagsCrash1 injury

Takata recall my wife and I had an accident in the freeway on our way home more than 7 years ago. We were travelling at around 50-55 mph when suddenly the car in front of us stopped. Resulted in hitting the back bumper of the car in front of us. The car sustained just minor scratched but our car was really damaged. My wife was hurt as a result of the accident who was sitting in the front passenger. The car's air bag did not deploy. I was still wondering until now, why? The damaged to the car was worth more than...

Read the full complaint

$8,000. Our insurance company, which was state farm did not mention anything about the air bag. I just found that out when I received the recall notice last week form toyota. I can't really recall the date it happened, but I can get some information from state farm insurance. Medical attention was not required when the incident happened but medical attention was required after a day or 2 after the accident.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11088836
Airbags

The airbag indicator on my car lit up. I scheduled an appointment with toyota to have it diagnosed, and they said that I needed a new spiral clock spring cable, which is part number 84306-02110. This is an expensive part, over $300. After doing some searching, I found out that 1) many other toyota matrix and corolla owners have had this issue and 2) there was a recall on this part for toyotas of a slightly different make, model, and year. I believe that this part is defective, and that toyota should cover the replacement cost, including labor.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11039108
Airbags

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 toyota matrix. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 15v043000 (air bags) and 15v285000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10978553
Engine & coolingFuel system

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota matrix. While driving 15 mph, the engine stalled and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart on the second attempt; however, the failure recurred. The first time the vehicle was diagnosed the dealer was unable to determine the failure and disengaged the check engine warning sensor. The failure recurred and the vehicle was taken to a second dealer. It was diagnosed that the seal on the fuel cap failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle...

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was repaired. The vin was excluded from nhtsa campaign number: 10v384000 (engine and engine cooling). The failure continued. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

Filed Incident Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 10928618
Airbags

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota matrix. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in a recall for the air bags and was repaired. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The dealer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case regarding the failure. The nhtsa campaign number was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 275,000.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10924125
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota matrix. While driving, the check engine sensor indicator illuminated and the vehicle experienced hard shifting. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ecm was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 107,000.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 10905985
Transmission & drivetrain

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota matrix. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the third and fourth gears were not getting any oil and tearing the bearing and transmission apart. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 10865143
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota matrix. While driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle lost power and stalled without warning. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Prior to the failure, when the vehicle was started, an abnormal knocking sound emitted from under the hood of the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 171,580.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 10861329
AirbagsDriver assistance

Takata recall: many times over the past 2 1/2 years we have called toyota of terre haute about performing this recall. Each time we get an excuse; the last time they claimed to have one of the parts necessary but not the other. They promised to call us back with and update and solution. That was last fall. (Approx )

Filed Incident Air bags · Electronic stability control (ESC)NHTSA 10854738
Airbags

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota matrix. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 15v043000 (air bags) and 15v285000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10840463
Airbags

2003 Toyota matrix. Consumer writes in regards to installation of airbag part issues. *Smd the consumer stated even though the dealer had the part, the couldn't install it. The consumer did not go any further in detail. *Jb

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10838384
Airbags

Takata recall is taking way too long to complete. It has been almost one year, and my toyota dealer still does not have the necessary parts to complete this recall. Something is wrong. It should not take this long. I think they are stalling and hoping that everyone with a 2003 model year car, sells it. As I understand it, this is a serious problem. They should be made to produce these parts, even if it means working 24 hour shifts until they have sufficient parts.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10817472
Airbags

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 toyota matrix. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v043000 (air bags). The part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10807503
Airbags

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 toyota matrix. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 13v209000 (air bags), 15v043000 (air bags) and 15v285000 (air bags) however, the parts to do the repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts are not available.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10806738
AirbagsCrash

Side airbag did not deploy in a side impact collision while moving.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10788543
Airbags

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota matrix. The contact stated that the recall notice for nhtsa campaign numbers: 15v285000 (air bags) and 15v043000 (air bags). After contacting the dealer and the manufacturer on multiple occasions, the contact was informed that the parts needed to repair the vehicle were still not available and no estimated time for receiving the parts could be given. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10788302
AirbagsCrash

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota matrix. While driving 45 mph, a tire detached from a commercial vehicle, struck the contacts vehicle, and caused a crash. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 15v285000 (air bags) and 15v043000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vin was invalid. The failure mileage was 154,000.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10785027
Airbags

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota matrix. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated continuously. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 15v043000 (air bags) and 15v285000 (air bags); however, the parts were unavailable to perform the repairs. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10781120
Airbags

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota matrix. The contact received notification nhtsa campaign number: 15v043000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10778663
Airbags

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota matrix. The contact received notification nhtsa campaign number: 15v285000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Updated 11/18/15*lj the consumer stated that it had been almost a year and the parts still had not come in. Updated 1/14/2016*js updated 01/15/16.*Jb

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10778657
Airbags

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota matrix. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v285000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10761650
SteeringAirbags

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota matrix. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag sensor light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the failure was due to a fractured cable in the steering wheel. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 207,000.

Filed Incident Steering · Air bagsNHTSA 10759749

Toyota Matrix: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
2007962112AirbagsD
20061704170AirbagsF
20052132102AirbagsF
20041383182Transmission & drivetrainD
20032683193Transmission & drivetrainF
20022001Electrical systemA
All Matrix years

2003 Toyota Matrix vs rivals

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.

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Questions about the 2003 Toyota Matrix

Does the 2003 Toyota Matrix have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Toyota Matrix: exterior lighting (April 2009); glass, side / rear (April 2008); headlights (March 2006). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Toyota Matrix?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (83), airbags (57), engine & cooling (33).

How many complaints has the 2003 Toyota Matrix had?

268 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on May 22, 2002 and the latest on December 7, 2018. Of these, 19 describe a crash and 3 a fire, and together they report 22 injuries and 1 death.

Is the 2003 Toyota Matrix a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 13 out of 100 (grade F: far more 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?
What should I do if my 2003 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

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