2004 Toyota Matrix
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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 PER YEAR
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
24% of complaints: air bags — 33 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TAKATA RECALL WILL SOMEONE GET TOYOTA TO REPAIR MY CAR? I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET MY AIRBAG HAZARD REPAIRED SINCE 2014 RECALL CAME OUT. NO SUCCESS TO DATE. MEANWHILE FORCED TO DRIVE POTENTIAL BOMB.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190311
20% of complaints: power train — 27 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 15 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DURING DAYLIGHT ON THE ABOVE DATE, AS I MADE A TURN FROM SMALL PARKING LOT INTO A PARKING SPACE, CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO CONCRETE BUILDING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130812
6% of complaints: steering — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DRIFT OFF TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT TRIED TO STRAIGHTEN UP THE STEERING WHEEL BUT IT LOCKED UP AND CAUSED HER TO CRASH INTO A DITCH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121023
2004 TOYOTA MATRIX DRIFTED TO THE LEFT WHILE DRIVING RESULTING IN THE CONSUMER LOSING CONTROL AND THE VEHICLE FLIPPING OVER.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** *MR AS THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED ONCE MORE TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE STEERING, THE VEHICLE VEERED OFF...
NHTSA ODI report, 20050722
5% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 7 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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.
Campaign 06E023000 — check if this car was fixed
SIDE FRONT POWER WINDOW SHATTERS
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, CAUSIN
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,
Campaign 08V162000 — check if this car was fixed
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 CONF
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.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 Toyota Matrix — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (33 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (27 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E023000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08V162000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2004 Toyota Matrix reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Toyota Matrix is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Toyota Matrix?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Toyota Matrix have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.