2003 Toyota Matrix
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 268
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 2003
Opened by NHTSA
33% of complaints
Complaints per year
2003: 268 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 2 |
| 2003 | 268 |
| 2004 | 138 |
| 2005 | 213 |
| 2006 | 170 |
| 2007 | 96 |
| 2008 | 38 |
| 2009 | 192 |
| 2010 | 45 |
| 2011 | 10 |
| 2012 | 5 |
| 2013 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Power train
33% · 88 reportsMost commonly citing manual transmission and clutch assembly.
Air bags
22% · 58 reportsMost commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-12-07
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-18
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Toyota Matrix. While driving approximately 15 MPH, the contact's vehicle crashed into the rear end of another vehicle. The frontal air bags failed to deploy. It were no injuries sustained.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-04-01
Engine and engine cooling
9% · 25 reportsMost commonly citing engine and catalytic convertor.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-07-15
The air conditioning started to blow hot air, then the engine started stalling and the engine check sign came on. Toyota said it was a stone that got into the radiator and provoked a leaking. No signs of damage in the front bumper.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-05-23
Vehicle speed control
8% · 21 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
Whenever vehicle was at a stop signal and without warning vehicle surged forward. Consumer's foot was on the brakes when surging occurred. This problem occurred several times since ownership of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-03-10
Service brakes
6% · 17 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2003Complaint volume 268 complaints filed for this model year.
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2006-05-09Exterior lighting06E023000 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…
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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2008-02-05Engineering analysisClosed 2008-05-01 Side front power window shatters
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2008-04-16Visibility08V162000 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…
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…
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2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Toyota Matrix — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 88 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 58 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 25 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E023000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 08V162000 · Visibility
- Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2003 Toyota Matrix reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Toyota Matrix is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Toyota Matrix?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 Toyota Matrix have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.