2013 Toyota Matrix Problems: 9 Known Issues

2013 Toyota Matrix Problems: 9 Known Issues | Au7o

NHTSA Recalls5 recalls

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

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.

Campaign #20V02400017/01/2020

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, Lexus IS250C, Lexus IS350C and Lexus GX460, 2011 Sienna, 2007-2011 Lexus ES350, and 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2007-2008 Toyota Yaris, 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350 and 2007-2008 Lexus ES350 vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles of these model years and models that were not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Campaign #16V34000023/05/2016

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 COROLLA, VENZA AND MATRIX PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT. THIS RECALL IS AN EXPANSION OF A CAMPAIGN OF 3.8 MILLION OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES ANNOUNCED IN 2009 FOR THE SAME ISSUE (SEE 09V-388).

Campaign #10V02300027/01/2010

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

Campaign #10V03600003/02/2010

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

Campaign #10V03500003/02/2010

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Toyota Matrix problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 3,200+ owner reports, the 2013 Toyota Matrix has 9 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 2AZ-FE Engine Excessive Oil Consumption, Takata Non-Desiccated Front Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture, Electric Power Steering Wander and Sudden Loss of Assist (2nd Generation). Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Toyota Matrix reliable?

The 2013 Toyota Matrix has 9 known issues documented across 3,200+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: 2AZ-FE Engine Excessive Oil Consumption and Takata Non-Desiccated Front Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Toyota Matrix problems?

Repair costs for known Toyota Matrix issues range from $0 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 2AZ-FE Engine Excessive Oil Consumption, typically costs $0-$3,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2009-2014 Toyota Matrix 2AZ-FE Engine Excessive Oil Consumption?

The 2.4L 2AZ-FE 4-cylinder in the 2nd-gen Matrix consumes oil excessively due to defective piston ring design, often 1 quart per 1,000-2,500 miles. This is the same issue affecting Camry, RAV4, and other Toyota models with the 2AZ-FE. Toyota extended the warranty under enhancemen… Repairs typically run $0-$3,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2003-2013 Toyota Matrix Takata Non-Desiccated Front Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture?

The Matrix is caught in multiple phases of the Takata inflator campaign because it used non-desiccated ammonium nitrate inflators across both generations. The propellant degrades with long-term exposure to heat and humidity cycling; on deployment the inflator housing can rupture… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2009-2013 Toyota Matrix Electric Power Steering Wander and Sudden Loss of Assist (2nd Generation)?

The second-generation Matrix replaced the hydraulic rack with a column-mounted electric power steering system, and it generated over 400 owner complaints alleging highway-speed wander, a drifting or vague on-center feel, and in a subset of cases a sudden complete loss of power as… Repairs typically run $150-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2013 Toyota Matrix Water Pump Bearing Noise and Coolant Seepage on the 1.8L?

Coolant appearing under the front passenger side of the car, often as a dried pink or orange crust rather than a puddle, is one of the highest-frequency Matrix repairs across both generations. The mechanical water pump's shaft seal fails and coolant weeps from the pump's weep hol… Repairs typically run $250-$650. Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2013 Toyota Matrix Sunroof Drain Tube Clogging Causing Headliner, A-Pillar and Floor Flooding?

On sunroof-equipped Matrix and Vibe models the glass panel seal is deliberately not watertight - water that gets past it is supposed to run into four corner drains and out through tubes routed down the A- and C-pillars. Tree debris, pollen and dirt block those drains, or a tube p… Repairs typically run $0-$400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2013 Toyota Matrix Catalyst Efficiency Failure (P0420) Driven by Oil Consumption and Aged O2 Sensors?

P0420 is among the most frequently reported check-engine complaints on the Matrix and its Pontiac Vibe twin. On these cars it is rarely a converter that simply wore out in isolation. Two upstream causes dominate: the aged downstream oxygen sensor whose switching becomes too lazy… Repairs typically run $150-$1,400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2014 Toyota Matrix Rear Hatch Strut Failure?

The rear hatch lift support struts lose their gas charge, causing the hatch to fall or not stay open. This is a common issue on all Matrix model years, typically failing between 5-8 years of age. A falling hatch is a safety hazard. Repairs typically run $30-$80. Severity: low.

What is the 2003-2014 Toyota Matrix Rear Hatch Lift Strut Failure?

Matrix rear hatch gas struts lose pressure over time, causing the hatch to fail to stay open and drop unexpectedly. This is a common issue on both generations, typically occurring between 5-8 years of age. The failing struts create a safety hazard as the heavy hatch can strike th… Repairs typically run $30-$100. Severity: low.

What is the 2003-2013 Toyota Matrix HVAC Blower Motor Resistor Failure - Fan Works Only on High?

The heater and air conditioning blower on the Matrix runs through a resistor pack that drops voltage for the lower fan speeds; the highest setting bypasses it entirely and feeds the motor directly. When the resistor burns open - the classic failure on this platform - the fan work… Repairs typically run $60-$400. Severity: low.

All 9 Known Issues

2009-2014 Toyota Matrix: 2AZ-FE Engine Excessive Oil Consumption#

2003-2013 Toyota Matrix: Takata Non-Desiccated Front Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture#

2003-2014 Toyota Matrix: Rear Hatch Strut Failure#

2003-2014 Toyota Matrix: Rear Hatch Lift Strut Failure#

2009-2013 Toyota Matrix: Electric Power Steering Wander and Sudden Loss of Assist (2nd Generation)#

2003-2013 Toyota Matrix: Water Pump Bearing Noise and Coolant Seepage on the 1.8L#

2003-2013 Toyota Matrix: Sunroof Drain Tube Clogging Causing Headliner, A-Pillar and Floor Flooding#

2003-2013 Toyota Matrix: Catalyst Efficiency Failure (P0420) Driven by Oil Consumption and Aged O2 Sensors#

2003-2013 Toyota Matrix: HVAC Blower Motor Resistor Failure - Fan Works Only on High#

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