What's Wrong with the 2nd Generation (2009–2013) Matrix?

Matrix owners have made 101 complaints about the 2009–2013 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 42nd out of 81 Toyota generations in overall reliability, with some engine and brakes concerns.

Compare With Other Matrix Generations

Common 2009-2013 Toyota Matrix Problems

Some of the worst issues 2nd generation Matrix owners have to deal with.

  2. Rodents Chew Soy-Coated Wires

    Somewhere in the mid-2000's there was an industry-wide push by automakers to replace plastic and glass-based wiring insulation with a more eco-friendly soy-based coating. It's biodegradable, commendable, and a complete disaster for owners. …

    Continue reading article "Rodents Chew Soy-Coated Wires"

  3. Toyota Excessive Oil Consumption

    An increasing number of Toyota vehicles are experiencing excessive oil consumption which may be the result of defective piston rings. Toyota, in all their 'deny-til-we-die' splendor, is reportedly denying warranty coverage on many oil consu…

    Continue reading article "Toyota Excessive Oil Consumption"

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

2nd Generation (2009–2013) Matrix Key Numbers

  1. 5 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 101 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 42nd in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 81 eligible generations.

Recent 2nd Generation (2009–2013) Matrix News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. Someday the Takata Recalls will end. Today is not that day.

    Toyota has recalled the passenger-side inflators in 1.7 million vehicles across North America.

    The airbags currently in the vehicles have metal inflators that contain ammonium nitrate without a drying agent added to protect the chemical from moisture. The moisture can destabilize the ammonium nitrate and turn the metal inflator into a grenade full of shrapnel.

    The affected vehicles include the 2010-2016 4Runner, 2010-2013 Corolla, 2010-2013 Matrix, and 2011-2014 Sienna. Toyota plans on sending out recall notices towards the end of January.

    keep reading article "Toyota Announces Latest in Series of Takata Recalls"

  2. Toyota has blamed a musty A/C smell on microbes [i.e., mold] growing o the evaporator surface and now a lawsuit wants them to do something about it.

    The plaintiffs claim the vehicles have defective heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that cause smells and health problems from mold that collects on the evaporators. Numerous complaints have allegedly been filed with the government, Toyota and Lexus dealerships nationwide since at least 1999.

    This isn't the first time Toyota has been sued for musty A/C units.

    keep reading article "Air Conditioner Lawsuit Complains About Mold Smell From Toyota HVAC"

  7. When Toyota switched away from using plastic or glass-based inulation in favor of soy, it invited in some very unwelcome Toyota loyalisits.

    According to the plaintiff, she learned the hard way about the soy wiring when her Avalon wouldn't start and a look under the hood showed wires chewed, so she had the car towed to a dealer. Toyota told her rodents had caused the damage and it would be no problem to repair the problems as long as she could cough up $6,000 to cover the bill.

    The soy-based wiring is allegedly attracting in rodents, who love to chew it up and use it for nesting material. The lawsuit, Heidi Browder vs. Toyota Motor Corporation, et al. follows a similar lawsuit filed against Honda earlier this year.

    keep reading article "Lawsuit Says Toyota’s Use of Soy-Based Wiring is Attracting Rodent Damage"