CarComplaints.com Notes: The Toyota Matrix is the mechanical twin of the Pontiac Vibe.

Both models were a joint GM-Toyota venture, manufactured together at a NUMMI production facility in Fremont, CA. Only the heating & A/C systems are different.

3.1

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
44,842 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2004 Toyota Matrix suspension problems

suspension problem

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2004 Toyota Matrix Owner Comments

problem #6

Jan 212020

Matrix

  • 131,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I just found out that the rear suspension cross-member (part # 51206-12190) in my 2004 Toyota matrix is about to fail due to rust. While doing something else my mechanic happened to notice the issue. He showed me the problem and said it would be dangerous to drive the car. The car has low mileage for being 16 years old (about 8K a year). This car was built in Canada and sold in New York state so it should have been designed to take many years of wet/winter road conditions. If my car had 16K miles per year it would only be 8 years old. Should a part that holds the differential up (not let it drop to the road) go bad in even 20 years on the road" I only found out about this problem by chance. Otherwise I could have been driving down the road and possibly had a fatal accident due to the rear parts of the drive train dropping to the road. The car looks fine otherwise. So how many other people who own the same car that is the same age, or newer or a bit older, have no idea that this problem exists" if even one owner of this car has an accident caused by this problem and is hurt or killed that would be very bad! and that person could have been me - because there has been no recall issued intended to check for this potential failure. I have spoken with Toyota about this issue and they told me I am on my own, that they couldn't/wouldn't help me. The two people I talked with never said that they would do anything to be sure other Toyota matrix owners were informed about this possible rust issue.

- Bath, NY, USA

problem #5

Apr 282006

Matrix 4-cyl

  • 26,000 miles
Toyota refuses to acknowledge alignment issues with this model. Constant inner tire wear issues. Aligned to spec. Every year. Shim added to rear to correct factory misalignment. Tires badly chopped after just 15K miles.

- Harrisburg, PA, USA

problem #4

Dec 012005

Matrix 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 8,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Matrix. The contact noticed that the alignment was uneven, causing excessive wear on the tires. The contact replaced the tires three times. The contact did not inform the dealer nor the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage was approximately 54,000. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000. Updated 04/12/11 updated 04/13/11

- Flushing, NY, USA

problem #3

Feb 182007

Matrix 4WD 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Matrix. The contact stated that at 60,000 miles, the wheel bearings and rear axle failed. This increases the risk of a crash. The dealer could not determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer stated that no recalls were available; therefore, they would not assume financial responsibility for the repairs. The contact is in the process of having the passenger side wheel bearings replaced. The failure mileage was 60,000 and current mileage is 123,000. Updated 3/16/09 updated 03/18/09.

- Titusville, PA, USA

problem #2

Feb 012005

Matrix 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,000 miles
Toyota is ignoring the alignment problem causing uneven tire wear on every model and year of the Matrix.

- Garland, TX, USA

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problem #1

Nov 152004

Matrix 4WD 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 26,050 miles
Low speed braking vehicle moves either left or right. Several service visits to dealer for brake repairs, replaced ABS sensor, brake pads, turned rotors, alignments and tire rotations.

- Belding, MI, USA

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