2012 Toyota Matrix
Only 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
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
Only 5 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 5 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
TAKATA RECALL - RECEIVED NOTICE IN JANUARY, 2017 AND TO DATE "NO REMEDY" FOR THE AIRBAG RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. RECALL ADVISES TO AVOID HAVING PASSENGER IN FRONT SEAT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170526
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V006000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170519
1 of 5 total reports mentions: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA MATRIX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE NOISES UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AND SHUT DOWN. THE OIL AND SERVICE ENGINE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170214
SAFETY TIMELINE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ECU and install a noise filter between the air bag control module and its wire harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk beginning March 2, 2020.
Campaign 20V024000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Toyota Matrix — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 20V024000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2012 Toyota Matrix reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Toyota Matrix?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 80% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Toyota Matrix have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.