- The problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles. During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly disabling the deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.
- The risk
- In the event of a crash, air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners that do not deploy as intended may increase the risk of injury.
- The fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ECU and install a noise filter between the air bag control module and its wire harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk beginning March 2, 2020. A second letter notifying owners of the remedy repair will be mailed between March 16, 2020 and June 27, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB03, 20TA03 and 20TA05.
Vehicle safety record
2012 Toyota Matrix Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2012 Toyota Matrix with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (4) and the engine & cooling (1). It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in January 2020 for the air bag / restraint control module. For comparison, the 2011 has 10 and the 2013 has 0.
NHTSA data checked
AFar fewer problems than a typical Matrix year, for its age
#239 most complained-about 2012 vehicle
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2012 Toyota Matrix problems
Share of all 5 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2012 Toyota Matrix recalls 1
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
What owners say
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5 complaints about the 2012 Toyota Matrix
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Takata airbag recall. Repeated attempts for fixing airbag unresponsive from toyota dealers
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 toyota matrix. The contact stated that nhtsa campaign number: 17v006000 (air bags) exceeded a reasonable amount of time for repair. The contact received notification in january of 2018. The dealer (eastern shore toyota 29732 fredrick blvd, daphne, al, 36526) stated that the parts were unavailable for the repair. The manufacturer was also contacted and confirmed the parts were unavailable for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Takata recall - received notice in january, 2017 and to date "no remedy" for the airbag recall on my vehicle. Recall advises to avoid having passenger in front seat. I am unable to transport anyone unless in the back seat and am concerned what would happen to me if the airbag goes off while awaiting toyota's remedy. Please advise.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 toyota matrix. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v006000 (air bags); however, the part for the recall 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. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 toyota matrix. While driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle made noises underneath the hood and shut down. The oil and service engine indicators illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and later towed to the contact's home. The next day, the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer stated that there was no recall and the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Toyota Matrix: every year compared
All Matrix years2012 Toyota Matrix vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Toyota Matrix | 5 | 1 | A | |
| 2012 Toyota Prius | 688 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 2012 Toyota Camry | 646 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 2012 Toyota Camry HV | 632 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 2012 Toyota Prius V | 616 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2012 Toyota Corolla | 446 | 5 | D | Compare |
| 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-IN | 422 | 0 | - | Compare |
| 2012 Toyota RAV4 | 266 | 5 | D | Compare |
| 2012 Toyota Highlander | 191 | 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 2012 Toyota Matrix
Does the 2012 Toyota Matrix have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2012 Toyota Matrix: air bag / restraint control module (January 2020). 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 2012 Toyota Matrix?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (4), engine & cooling (1).
How many complaints has the 2012 Toyota Matrix had?
5 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 14, 2017 and the latest on September 9, 2017. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2012 Toyota Matrix a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 98 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 2012 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