2003 TOYOTA MATRIX — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

314

Owner Complaints

25 Crashes 4 Fires 1 Death

3

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

19

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX

The 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX has received a total of 314 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 3 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. 19 technical service bulletins have been issued by Toyota Motor Corporation for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Air Bags (56 complaints), Power Trainmanual Transmission (33 complaints), and Power Trainclutch Assembly (20 complaints).

Recalls for the 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX

NHTSA has recorded 3 recalls for the 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX, potentially affecting up to 970,448 vehicles.

Recall 09E012000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 16,270 vehicles affected

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.

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Recall 08V162000 — VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

| 662,178 vehicles affected

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...

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...

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Recall 06E023000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

| 292,000 vehicles affected

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.

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Owner Complaints for the 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX

314 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Air Bags
Complaints: 56 9 Crashes 1 Fire 8 Injuries
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 33
Power Trainclutch Assembly
Complaints: 20
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 20 2 Crashes 10 Injuries
Power Train
Complaints: 17
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 14
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 12 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Electrical System
Complaints: 10 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 9 1 Crash 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 9
Engine
Complaints: 8
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 7 2 Crashes 1 Fire 1 Injury
Structure
Complaints: 6
Tires
Complaints: 6
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 5
Seat Belts
Complaints: 5 1 Fire 1 Injury
Steering
Complaints: 5 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Structurebody
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 1 Death
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 3
Power Trainclutch Assemblypedalhand Levermotorcycle
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Visibility
Complaints: 3
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 3
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 2 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 2
Equipment
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 2
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 2 1 Injury
Parking Brake
Complaints: 2
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 2
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 1
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestorage
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherstoragefuel Gauge System
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsrearother
Complaints: 1
Seats
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrum
Complaints: 1
Steeringrack And Pinion
Complaints: 1
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 1
Wheels
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11156847 | AIR BAGS | | 190,000 miles Crash 1 Injury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE FRONT END OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED, BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED AN INJURED CHEST AND SHOULDER, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL TREATMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
#11129524 | AIR BAGS | | N/A miles
I HAVE GOTTEN THE "TAKATA RECALL" LETTER AND TOOK MY CAR ON MARCH 18, 2018, WITH MIKE BRISENO FROM TOYOTA HERE NEAR MY PLACE 1901 S FIGUEROA ST, LOS ANGELES, CA 90007. THEY OFFERED ME AN UBER RIDE HOME FROM THE DEALERSHIP WITH MY HUSBAND AND SAID IT WILL TAKE 2-3 HOURS. GOT THE CALL FROM MIKE BRISENO AND SAID THAT MY CAR IS READY. I GOT THERE AND HE SAID THEY DID NOT DO ANYTHING AND HAD TO ORDER THE PARTS. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP ON MAY 16, 2018, TALKED TO MIKE SAID HE WILL CALL ME TO SEE BACK ORDER AND NEVER RESPONDED IF THE PARTS EVER ARRIVED SINCE MAY 2018. CAR WAS NEVER FIXED.
#11128740 | AIR BAGS | | 200,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS IDLING AT A RED LIGHT, THE SEAT BELT AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM ERRONEOUSLY ACTIVATED AND FORCEFULLY SECURED THE DRIVER INTO THE SEAT. DURING THE INCIDENT, NO CRASH HAD OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (BAIERL TOYOTA, 19045 PERRY HWY, MARS, PA), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND AN INVESTIGATOR WAS SENT TO EXAMINE THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
#11128740 | SEAT BELTS | | 200,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS IDLING AT A RED LIGHT, THE SEAT BELT AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM ERRONEOUSLY ACTIVATED AND FORCEFULLY SECURED THE DRIVER INTO THE SEAT. DURING THE INCIDENT, NO CRASH HAD OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (BAIERL TOYOTA, 19045 PERRY HWY, MARS, PA), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND AN INVESTIGATOR WAS SENT TO EXAMINE THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
#11088836 | AIR BAGS | | 95,000 miles Crash 1 Injury
TAKATA RECALL MY WIFE AND I HAD AN ACCIDENT IN THE FREEWAY ON OUR WAY HOME MORE THAN 7 YEARS AGO. WE WERE TRAVELLING AT AROUND 50-55 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY THE CAR IN FRONT OF US STOPPED. RESULTED IN HITTING THE BACK BUMPER OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF US. THE CAR SUSTAINED JUST MINOR SCRATCHED BUT OUR CAR WAS REALLY DAMAGED. MY WIFE WAS HURT AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT WHO WAS SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER. THE CAR'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS STILL WONDERING UNTIL NOW, WHY? THE DAMAGED TO THE CAR WAS WORTH MORE THAN $8,000. OUR INSURANCE COMPANY, WHICH WAS STATE FARM DID NOT MENTION ANYTHING ABOUT THE AIR BAG. I JUST FOUND THAT OUT WHEN I RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE LAST WEEK FORM TOYOTA. I CAN'T REALLY RECALL THE DATE IT HAPPENED, BUT I CAN GET SOME INFORMATION FROM STATE FARM INSURANCE. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT REQUIRED WHEN THE INCIDENT HAPPENED BUT MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED AFTER A DAY OR 2 AFTER THE ACCIDENT.

View all Air Bags complaints →

Safety Rating for the 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX

Toyota Motor Corporation has issued 19 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

Product — AIR BAGS

DP: The subject vehicles are equipped with a front passenger airbag. A part inside the airbag could explode, shooting sharp metal fragments at vehicle occupants. This could cause serious INJURY or DEATH. ? Added Dealer Procedures for Do No Drive Advisory ? Updated BEC contact information ? Revised Warranty Claim...

02207 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

IDLE HUNTING IN SUB-FREEZING AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURES. *KB

01105 — POWER TRAIN

U341F TRANSMISSION SOLENOID IDENTIFICATION. *TT

5043 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

DIAGNOSTICS - ABS WITH EBD SYSTEM. REPAIR MANUAL CORRECTION. 00400-RM940-U1. 00400-RM106-3U1. 00400-RM110-8U1. *TT

4390 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

ABS WITH EBD SYSTEM REPAIR MANUAL CORRECTION FOR 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA MATRIX. 00400-RM940-U1. *TT

02604 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0420. *TT

01404 — SEAT BELTS

SEAT BELT EXTENDER. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2005 SCION TC. *MJ

01704 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

EXCESSIVE SULFUR DIOXIDE ODOR. *TT

00404 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:FOG LIGHTS

FOG LIGHT INSTALLATION PROCEDURE. *TT

3275 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

REPAIR MANUAL CORRECTION VOL 1. DIAGNOSTICS - SFI SYSTEM. *TT

Showing 10 of 19 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the TOYOTA MATRIX

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Other TOYOTA Models

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