2009 Toyota Matrix

◆ Worse than typical
2009 Toyota Matrix
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:13:31.577Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Toyota Matrix Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2009 highlighted. 2002: 2 complaints 2002 2003: 268 complaints 2004: 138 complaints 2004 2005: 213 complaints 2006: 170 complaints 2006 2007: 96 complaints 2008: 38 complaints 2008 2009: 192 complaints 2009 2010: 45 complaints 2010 2011: 10 complaints 2012: 5 complaints 2012 2013: 0 complaints 2013
2009: 192 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
20022
2003268
2004138
2005213
2006170
200796
200838
2009192
201045
201110
20125
20130

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

AIR BAGS 40%

40% of complaints: air bags — 76 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND METAL FRAGMENTS PASSED THROUGH THE AIRBAG CUSHION MATERIAL.

NHTSA ODI report, 20190529

"TAKATA RECALL" WE RECEIVED OUR RECALL NOTICE LETTER AND IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED OUR LOCAL AUTHORISED TOYOTA IN RHINELANDER WI AND WERE TOLD IT WOULD TAKE A FEW WEEKS FOR THE REPLACEMENT PARTS TO ARRIVE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180312

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V006000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171205

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 18%

18% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 35 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

INVESTIGATION RESULTS OF REPORT#-426903 GIVEN 2/12 OF UNINTENDED ACCELER: WAS INVESTIGATED BY SPX CORP. INVESTIGATOR HIRED FROM TOYOTA. AT MY APT. SETTING, IN MY RESERVED PARKING SPOT BECAUSE CAR COULD NOT BE DRIVEN DUE TO SEVERE FRONT END DAMAGE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120331

STEERING 11%

11% of complaints: steering — 21 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
ENGINE 6%

6% of complaints: engine — 11 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 5%

5% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 10 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

2009 — complaint volume: 192
R 20100330 — vehicle speed control

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 COROLLA, VENZA AND MATRIX PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO IT

Remedy: TOYOTA WILL MODIFY OR REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR PEDALS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. FLOOR SURFACE MODIFICATIONS ARE ALSO BEING CONSIDERED AND WILL BE INCLUDED FOR ANY MODEL FOR WHICH IT IS DEEMED APPROPRIAT

Campaign 10V023000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20100527 — equipment

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 VE

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 RECAL

Campaign 10V035000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20161118 — air bags

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, Lexus...

Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge.

Campaign 16V340000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20210917 — EA (open)

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2009 Toyota Matrix — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (76 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (35 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for steering issues (21 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 10V023000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 10V035000 (equipment) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 16V340000 (air bags) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2008 ▲ 2010 ▲ 2007

WORST YEARS

◆ 2003 ◆ 2005 ● 2006

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2009 Toyota Matrix reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Toyota Matrix is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Toyota Matrix?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2009 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.