VehicleVerdict

2003 Toyota Matrix problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 314 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.8 times the median Matrix year — the 2003 model ranks #1 of 12 Matrix years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 28 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 88 reports (28% of the total).

314

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

25

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

28

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Matrix years?

Matrix NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted314 complaints2002: 2 complaints2003: 314 complaints2004: 175 complaints2005: 260 complaints2006: 212 complaints2007: 109 complaints2008: 56 complaints2009: 224 complaints2010: 55 complaints2011: 10 complaints2012: 5 complaints2013: 0 complaints
Matrix NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Matrix years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Toyota Matrix problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission8828%
Airbags5818%
Engine3411%
Speed Control217%
Brakes196%
Electrical System144%
Other144%
Body & Structure124%
Visibility & Wipers103%
Steering83%
Tires & Wheels72%
Fuel System72%
Lighting72%
Seat Belts62%
Latches & Locks41%
Suspension31%
Seats10%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 2003 Toyota Matrix have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

08V162000Visibility & WipersApril 10, 2008 · 662,178 units

Defect

TOYOTA IS RECALLING 662,178 MY 2003-2004 COROLLA, COROLLA MATRIX AND PONTIAC VIBE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER WINDOWS. THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER DOOR GLASS BOLTS MAY LOOSEN AND COME OFF, CAUSING THE DOOR GLASS TO SEPARATE FROM THE WINDOW REGULATOR. DUE TO THE COMPONENTS BECOMING LOOSE AND POSSIBLY RATTLING, AN ABNORMAL NOISE MAY BE HEARD FROM THE DRIVER AND /OR FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WHEN OPERATING THE POWER WINDOWS.

Consequence

THE DOOR GLASS MAY SEPARATE FROM THE WINDOW REGULATOR, BIND AND SHATTER DURING OPERATION OF THE POWER WINDOWS, CAUSING DRIVER DISTRACTION AND/OR INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER DOOR GLASS BOLTS WITH NEWLY DESIGNED BOLTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 16, 2008 TO TOYOTA OWNERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 21, 2008, FOR PONTIAC OWNERS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.

06E023000LightingMarch 13, 2006 · 292,000 units

Defect

CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“MY CLUTCH WENT OUT AT 29K MILES. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. I HAVE BEEN DRVING A STND FOR YEARS NOW AND NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM. THE CLUTCH ON THE 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX XRS IS A DESIGN ERROR AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. TOO MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR IT TO BE DRVING HABITS. TOYOTA SHOULD TAKE CARE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 27, 2004

“THE 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX I WAS DRIVING HIT THE BACK OF A PICK-UP TRUCK WHEN THE BRAKES LOCKED UP AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SKID. THE MATRIX WENT PARTIALLY UNDER THE TRUCK, CAUSING SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF THE MATRIX. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS IN THE 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX DEPLOYED. THANKS TO THE FACT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 5, 2003 · crash

“I TOOK THE MATRIX IN TWICE SHORTLY AFTER I BOUGHT IT BECAUSE THE CAR WOULD UNEXPECTEDLY LUNGE FORWARD WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP. I ALSO COMPLAINED THAT THE BRAKES FELT "LOOSE" AND DID NOT "CATCH" AS THEY SHOULD. I WAS ADVISED BOTH TIMES BY THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 8, 2003 · crash

“CONSUMER WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHILE CONSUMER'S FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKES, STRIKING A TREE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE. UPON IMPACT, FRONTAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER CONTACTED TOYOTA ,AND IT WAS INSPECTED BY A REPRESENTATIVE AND NO DEFECTS WERE FOUND.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · May 4, 2004 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED THE CONTACT HAD APPLIED THE BRAKES AND NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP MOVING CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM. NO ONE WAS INJURED AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 16, 2006 · crash

2003 Toyota Matrix — common questions

Is the 2003 Toyota Matrix reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 314 complaints put the 2003 model at #1 of 12 Matrix years. It is one of the Matrix years to avoid.

What are the most common 2003 Matrix problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (88 complaints), airbags (58 complaints), engine (34 complaints).

Does the 2003 Toyota Matrix have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Toyota Matrix. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2003 Toyota Matrix under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Toyota Matrix years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Matrix years to avoid are 2003, 2005, 2009, 2006, 2004, 2010, 2011. The cleanest record among Matrix years belongs to 2013.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.