2013 Toyota Matrix Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2013 Toyota Matrix Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

All 3 Known Issues

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Community Reported

1,400 owners

On the 2009-2014 Toyota Matrix 2AZ-FE, 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 enhancement ZE7.

This issue also affects: Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Audi Q5, Audi Q7

Common Symptoms

Oil level drops between changes
Need to add oil every 1,000-2,500 miles
Blue smoke from exhaust on acceleration
Fouled spark plugs
Low oil pressure warning

How to Fix

Request Toyota oil consumption test at dealer. If consumption exceeds 1 qt per 1,200 miles, piston and ring replacement under warranty enhancement ZE7 (10 years/150,000 miles from original purchase date). Updated pistons with redesigned oil control rings resolve the issue. Use 0W-20 synthetic and monitor levels.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 1,400+ owners who fixed this issue

Tip
Tip
UpgradeHigh-quality synthetic oil helps reduce consumption and protect worn engines (Mobil 1 Extended Performance Full Synthetic Motor Oil)
View on Amazon
UpgradePremium oil filter ensures proper filtration with high-mileage engines (Wix Oil Filter)
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Typical repair cost:$0 - $3,500

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1,400+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence1,400 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

Community Reported

1,800 owners

On the 2003-2014 Toyota Matrix, 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.

Common Symptoms

Rear hatch won't stay open
Hatch falls down when released
Hatch opens slowly or partially
Need to prop hatch open manually

How to Fix

Replace both hatch struts (sold in pairs). Genuine Toyota 68960-02061 or aftermarket equivalents from StrongArm (6117), Sachs, or Monroe. Simple DIY replacement with a flat screwdriver to pop off the ball socket clips. Takes less than 10 minutes. Always replace both struts at the same time.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 1,800+ owners who fixed this issue

Tip
Tip
UpgradeStrongArm liftgate struts — easy bolt-on replacement (StrongArm Liftgate Support Struts)
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UpgradeSachs OE-quality liftgate gas struts (Sachs Liftgate Gas Struts)
View on Amazon

Typical repair cost:$30 - $80

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1,800+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence1,800 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

On the 2003-2014 Toyota Matrix, 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 the person loading or unloading the cargo area. Cold weather accelerates strut failure.

This issue also affects: Toyota Camry, Toyota Solara

Common Symptoms

Hatch won't stay open on its own
Hatch drops when released
Hatch opens slowly or only partially
Worse in cold weather

How to Fix

Replace both rear hatch struts as a pair ($30-$60 for a pair of aftermarket struts). The replacement is a simple 10-minute DIY job requiring only a flathead screwdriver or small pry bar to pop the ball studs off. Use OEM Toyota struts for longest life or Sachs/StrongArm aftermarket for a budget option. Replace every 5-7 years as preventive maintenance.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue

TipStrongArm brand struts from RockAuto are $25 for a pair and last 5+ years. One of the easiest DIY jobs on the Matrix — no tools needed, just pop off the old clips and snap on new ones.
UpgradeStrongArm liftgate struts — easy bolt-on replacement (StrongArm Liftgate Support Struts)
View on Amazon
UpgradeSachs OE-quality liftgate gas struts (Sachs Liftgate Gas Struts)
View on Amazon

Typical repair cost:$30 - $100

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0+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

Medium Confidence0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Invalid Date

⚠️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 2013-2013 Toyota Matrix has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 2AZ-FE Engine Excessive Oil Consumption, Rear Hatch Strut Failure, Rear Hatch Lift Strut Failure. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Toyota Matrix reliable?

The 2013-2013 Toyota Matrix has 3 known issues documented across 3,200+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: 2AZ-FE Engine Excessive Oil Consumption. 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 2003-2014 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.

2013 Toyota Matrix Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 3 Known Issues

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

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2003-2014 Toyota Matrix: Rear Hatch Strut Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

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

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Toyota Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Toyota Matrix problems?

Is the Toyota Matrix reliable?

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

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

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

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