VehicleVerdict

2004 Toyota Matrix problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 175 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median Matrix year — the 2004 model ranks #5 of 12 Matrix years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 24 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (38), airbags (36), and speed control (15), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

175

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

26

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

24

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Matrix years?

Matrix NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 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, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Matrix years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Toyota Matrix problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission3822%
Airbags3621%
Speed Control159%
Visibility & Wipers148%
Electrical System116%
Engine106%
Steering85%
Fuel System85%
Body & Structure85%
Tires & Wheels85%
Brakes63%
Suspension53%
Other53%
Seat Belts21%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%

Does the 2004 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.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THE BEARINGS IN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 1, 2011

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V043000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 17, 2014 · crash

“I WAS BACKING DOWN MY DRIVEWAY WHEN MY CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED-THE BRAKES AND STEERING ALSO WENT OUT-I CRASHED INTO A BANK ON ONE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THEN THE CAR SWUNG AROUND AND I ENDED UP SUSPENDED OVER A DITCH. I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO SWITCH GEARS AND TURN THE CAR OFF”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · August 4, 2016 · crash

“AFTER LAST OIL CHANGE, OIL WAS GEL-LIKE, ENGINE MADE TAPPING NOISE...TOOK TO DEALER WITH A LIST OF OTHER PROBLEMS, AC NOT COLD, HEATER NOT BLOWING HOT, WINDOW JUMPING WHEN ROLLING DOWN, AND TIRES MAKING FUNNY NOISE. WAS TOLD ENGINE NOISE WAS NORMAL, FIXED AC AGAIN, 3RD TIME, HEATER HAD LOOSE PART…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · December 2, 2006 · crash

“2004 TOYOTA MATRIX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE FIRE. *SMD THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A LETTER FROM TOYOTA STATING IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE, AND THEREFORE, THEY WERE UNABLE TO ASSIST ANY FURTHER. UPDATED 07/15/13”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 1, 2013 · fire

2004 Toyota Matrix — common questions

Is the 2004 Toyota Matrix reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 175 complaints put the 2004 model at #5 of 12 Matrix years. It is one of the Matrix years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 Matrix problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (38 complaints), airbags (36 complaints), speed control (15 complaints).

Does the 2004 Toyota Matrix have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Toyota Matrix. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2004 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.