Toyota Matrix years to avoid
The Toyota Matrix years to avoid are 2003, 2005, 2009, 2006, 2004, 2010, 2011 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2013 is the cleanest year on record.
1,422
Total complaints
9
Recall campaigns
2002–2013
Years covered
7
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
Matrix years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | High complaint rate | 314 | |
| 2005 | High complaint rate | 260 | |
| 2009 | High complaints + open investigation | 224 | |
| 2006 | High complaint rate | 212 | |
| 2004 | High complaint rate | 175 | |
| 2010 | Open safety investigation | 55 | |
| 2011 | Open safety investigation | 10 |
Every Matrix year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 1 | |
| 2012 | 5 | 1 | |
| 2011avoid | 10 | 2 | |
| 2010avoid | 55 | 4 | |
| 2009avoid | 224 | 3 | |
| 2008 | 56 | 2 | |
| 2007 | 109 | 2 | |
| 2006avoid | 212 | 4 | |
| 2005avoid | 260 | 2 | |
| 2004avoid | 175 | 3 | |
| 2003avoid | 314 | 3 | |
| 2002 | 2 | 0 |
Common questions
What are the worst Toyota Matrix years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Matrix years to avoid are 2003, 2005, 2009, 2006, 2004, 2010, 2011. The cleanest year on record is 2013.
What is the best year for the Toyota Matrix?
By complaint volume, 2013 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Matrix years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Toyota Matrix have?
Across all model years, the Matrix has 9 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,422 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.