VehicleVerdict

2008 Toyota Matrix problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2008 Toyota Matrix sits mid-pack among Matrix years: 56 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 82, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (11), speed control (11), and airbags (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

56

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Matrix years?

Matrix NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 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, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Matrix years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Toyota Matrix problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1120%
Speed Control1120%
Airbags611%
Brakes59%
Engine47%
Steering47%
Tires & Wheels35%
Transmission35%
Other35%
Visibility & Wipers24%
Suspension12%
Latches & Locks12%
Body & Structure12%
Seats12%

Does the 2008 Toyota Matrix have recalls?

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

10V384000EngineAugust 26, 2010 · 1,128,659 units

Defect

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 COROLLA AND COROLLA MATRIX VEHICLES. THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) FOR THE SUBJECT MODELS EQUIPPED WITH THE 1ZZ-FE ENGINE AND TWO-WHEEL DRIVE MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT A CRACK MAY DEVELOP AT CERTAIN SOLDER POINTS OR ON VARISTORS ON THE CIRCUIT BOARD.

Consequence

THERE ARE A VARIETY OF WARNINGS AND CONSEQUENCES ASSOCIATED WITH THE DEFECT. THE ENGINE WARNING LAMP COULD BE ILLUMINATED, HARSH SHIFTING COULD RESULT, THE ENGINE MAY NOT START, OR THE ENGINE COULD SHUT OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN. AN ENGINE SHUTOFF WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE PRODUCTION NUMBER OF THE ECM AND REPLACE THE ECM IF NECESSARY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. TOYOTA WILL MAIL AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION THE MIDDLE OF SEPTEMBER 2010 TO ADVISE OWNERS OF THIS DEFECT AND RECALL. THIS INTERIM NOTIFICATION WILL INFORM OWNERS THAT THEY WILL RECEIVE A FUTURE NOTIFICATION WHEN PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE TO HAVE THE FREE REMEDY PERFORMED ON THEIR VEHICLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 29, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

10V035000OtherFebruary 3, 2010 · 271,417 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“SAFETY RECALL LETTER RECEIVED NOVEMBER 2010, PART AVAILABLE MARCH 2011 MADE APPOINTMENT WITH DEALER MARCH 5TH 2011 DEALER SAID I NEED THE REPLACEMENT PART FOR THE ECM BUT NO PART AVAILABLE WILL CALL WHEN PART IS AVAILABLE. NO CONTACT SINCE. RECEIVED YET ANOTHER RECALL LETTER AUGUST 15, 2011…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 1, 2010

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATE SPEEDS OF 35 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER, A VEHICLE AHEAD OF HIM APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKES; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO CRASH INTO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · February 14, 2009 · crash

“ON MAY 16TH I WAS REAR-ENDED WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. MY 2008 MATRIX XR WAS PUSHED INTO THE BACK OF A SCHOOL BUS. THE FORCE OF THE IMPACT CRUMPLED THE FRONT END OF MY CAR, YET THE AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. SHOULD IT HAVE? I CAN SEND YOU PHOTOS OF THE ACCIDENT AND THE DAMAGE TO MY CAR. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 16, 2008 · crash

“ON MAY 28TH, WHILE PULLING INTO MY DRIVEWAY AS I'VE DONE WITH MY 2008 MATRIX HUNDREDS OF TIMES, THE BRAKES FAILED AND MY CAR RAN INTO MY HOUSE. I COULD FEEL THE ABS FIRING, BUT THE CAR FAILED TO SLOW DOWN. I HAVE A SHORT DRIVEWAY, ABOUT A CAR AND A HALF IN LENGTH, AND IT IS DOWNHILL. THE APPROACH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 28, 2010 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA MATRIX. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND ON IN ORDER TO DRIVE PROPERLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES, ESPECIALLY AT RED LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 26, 2018

2008 Toyota Matrix — common questions

Is the 2008 Toyota Matrix reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 56 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Matrix year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2008 Matrix problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (11 complaints), speed control (11 complaints), airbags (6 complaints).

Does the 2008 Toyota Matrix have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Toyota Matrix. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.