2004 Toyota Matrix: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 138 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (26% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 138 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota matrix. The contact stated that while raising or lowering the driver's side window, there was a clicking and rattling sound heard. The window also seemed to looser than normal. The contact became aware of NHTSA campaign number: 08v162000 (visibility) however, the VIN was not included. A dealer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 143,000.”Owner report · Visibility · Jan 2021
“Takata recall not addressed by the manufacturer in a timely manner. Recall number: 08v162 from 2008, recall status is incomplete. Leading to power windows completely immovable. Manufacturer failed to remedy these recalls in a timely manner.”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2017
“I have been trying to get a recall 15v043 done since jan/feb this year and I keep calling the dealer and getting told they have never been sent the parts ever. I also have the air bag recall 15v285 and this is the second time ive called them regarding this recall as well. Wtf do they never get parts now? Whats really annoying is I keep getting letters in the mail regarding recalls and this last one says "why haven't we heard from you?" even though ive called multiple times.”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Nov 2016
Show 7 more owner reports
“I was backing down my driveway when my car suddenly accelerated-the brakes and steering also went out-I crashed into a bank on one side of the road, then the car swung around and I ended up suspended over a ditch. I was finally able to switch gears and turn the car off”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Aug 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota matrix. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 15v285000 (air bags) and 15v043000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repairs were unavailable. The contact had not experienced any failures. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect.”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2016
“I took my car to the toyota dealer to fix the airbag recall on 8/31/2015 and 1/20/2016. After fixing the air bag, I hear some kind of noise coming from the passenger side dash board next to air bag. I mentioned it to the dealer and have them look at it but they mentioned its nothing. I still have that noise coming out from there. I;m worried. Looks like they didnt replace the airbag inflator properly.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2016
“The engine burns excessive amounts of oil and has now starting making what appears to be either faulty lifter or camshaft noises. The matrix burns at least 1 quart of oil for every 1000 miles driven. I do regular maintenance and monitor the oil level weekly.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2016
“My daughter said the steering totally locked while being driven. Her & her boyfriend could not get the steering wheel to turn at all. They were not speeding because it was on wet roads. They both suffered mild concussions & my daughter has a severe neck sprain. After seeing the car, it went off the road & rolled 2 or 3 times it's totaled, I'm surprised they're not in icu! I did some research & almost 1000 matrix's have had this happen!! I don't know why there isn't a recall. It seems toyota isn't all that safe & doesn't care about it's customers at all.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota matrix. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 15v285000 (air bags) and 15v043000 (air bags); however, the parts needed to repair the vehicle were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota matrix. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated continuously. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15v285000 (air bags); however, the parts were unavailable to perform the repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 161,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2015
When filing, owners marked a crash in 18 of these complaints and injuries in 17 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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 TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
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.
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 CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
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.
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, CAUSING THE DOOR GLASS TO SEPARATE FROM THE WINDOW REGULATOR. DUE TO THE COMPONENTS BECOMING LOOSE AND POSSIBLY RATTLING, AN ABNORMAL NOISE MAY BE HEARD FROM THE DRIVER AND /OR FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WHEN OPERATING THE POWER WINDOWS.
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, FOR PONTIAC OWNERS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
How other years compare
Check your exact Matrix by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Toyota Matrix reliable?
NHTSA has 138 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2004 Toyota Matrix. The most complained-about area is power train (26% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2004 Toyota Matrix problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 74,000 miles or less.
Does the 2004 Toyota Matrix have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:headlights. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.