2004 Toyota Matrix problems
Owners have filed 175 complaints about the 2004 Toyota Matrix with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 21.7% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of air bags at 20.6%.
Complaints175
Crashes26
Fires3
Injuries24
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Power train 21.7% · 38
Air bags 20.6% · 36
Vehicle speed control 8.6% · 15
Visibility 7.4% · 13
Electrical system 5.1% · 9
Fuel system, gasoline 4.6% · 8
Steering 4.6% · 8
Structure 4.6% · 8
Severity
Of those complaints, 26 describe a crash, 3 describe a fire and 24 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 6 model years of the Toyota Matrix in this data, 2004 draws comparatively few complaints; 2003 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 4 in the last three years against 48 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 70,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Numerous clutch failures starting with #1 at 14k replaced at dealership in 04', four months after new purchase. Second replaced at 45k in 05'. Third replaced at 96k in may of 07'. Fourth installed tree months later with new fly wheel. Now syncro's are going. All problems with vehicle stem from transmission since new. No other "major" problems noted other than what would be expected as "normal" wear and tear. Power train · reported at 14,000 miles
I have a 2004 Toyota Matrix with mileage of 52,811 and a standard transmission. I had to replace the clutch. The warranty covers 60,000 miles or five years, so I was under the mileage but six months over the years. I understand that people are having problems with clutch/transmission with the 2003-2006 matrixes. It seems very early to me for the clutch to have failed and it cost $1,295 to fix. Power train · reported at 52,811 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Matrix. The contact stated the bearings in the transmission failed, causing the vehicle to decelerate to a complete stop. The contact stated there were no warnings prior to the failure. The contact took the vehicle to a mechanic and was told that the transmission would need replacing. The failure and current mileage was 63,000. Updated 09/12/11 Power train · reported at 63,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…