TroubleAtlas Score
TOYOTA MATRIX (2003–2014): Full Technical Specs & OBD2 Diagnostics
Built 2003–2014 · all production years covered on this single page
2.4L I4 • Electric
© Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA
TroubleAtlas Score
An independent value score for the Toyota Matrix (2003–2014) — reliability, safety, cost, parts, upkeep and documentation. Owing nothing to the manufacturer.
Scorecard · each voice 0–10
Reliabilityn/a
Safety & recallsn/a
Repair cost9.5
Parts & repairability3.0
Maintenance & durability6.8
Documentation & support7.9
Independent · Verified · Never for sale
Every figure on this Toyota Matrix (2003–2014) page is aggregated and cross-checked against more than 6.6 million real workshop operations, NHTSA records and OEM technical sources — and updated continuously. No invented estimates.
Its battery is group 35 (BCI), rated at 525A cold-cranking amps. It is a fully electric vehicle (2.4L I4). Its OEM tyre size is 215/55 R16. Use the sections below for verified fluids, battery, OEM tyres, the maintenance schedule, recommended parts and the most commonly reported OBD2 fault codes for this vehicle.
Common problems
Common repairs
Scheduled maintenance
Fluids & lubricants
Battery
Fault codes (OBD2)
Dashboard lights
Parts comparator
Accessories & tools
Tyres
Recalls & TSB
Complaints
Workshops nearby
COMMON PROBLEMS
Engine overheatingFREQUENT
Engine temperature over limits — check coolant level, thermostat and radiator.
Related codes: P0217
Oil pressure sensor: low signalFREQUENT
ECU detects insufficient oil pressure — check oil level and sensor.
Related codes: P0522
Insufficient oil pressureFREQUENT
Oil pressure below critical threshold — stop the engine and check immediately.
Related codes: P0524
Engine control module (PCM) faultFREQUENT
Faulty ECU processor — requires specialist workshop diagnosis.
Related codes: P0606
Throttle actuatorFREQUENT
Throttle actuator motor circuit open — loss of throttle response.
Related codes: P2100
COMMON REPAIRS
Front brake pads
Difficulty: Easy
0.8h
€56 – €72
Rear brake pads
Difficulty: Easy
0.9h
€63 – €81
ABS Module
Difficulty: Medium
2.0h
€140 – €180
ABS Pump
Difficulty: Hard
2.5h
€175 – €225
AVERAGE INDICATIVE COSTS
Prices may vary by area and workshop.
Full service
€ 120 – € 200
Full brake service
€ 180 – € 300
Spark plug replacement
€ 80 – € 140
Electronic diagnosis
€ 40 – € 70
OFFICIAL LABOUR TIMES (OLP)
Standard labour hours from a database of 6.6M+ real shop operations, with an indicative labour-cost estimate for your country.
Brakes8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| ABS Module | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| ABS Pump | 2.5h | € 112–€ 187 |
| ABS Tone Ring | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Front | 0.8h | € 36–€ 60 |
| ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Rear | 0.8h | € 36–€ 60 |
| Brake Bleed - All Four | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Brake Caliper - Front | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Brake Caliper - Rear | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
Cooling3 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling Fan Assembly | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Cooling Fan Motor | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Cooling Fan Relay | 0.3h | € 13–€ 22 |
Electrical8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Airbag - Driver | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Airbag - Passenger | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Airbag - Side | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Airbag Module/Computer | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Amplifier | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Antenna | 0.5h | € 22–€ 37 |
| Backup Camera | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Battery | 0.3h | € 13–€ 22 |
HVAC8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| AC Accumulator | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| AC Compressor | 2.5h | € 112–€ 187 |
| AC Compressor Oil Add | 0.5h | € 22–€ 37 |
| AC Condenser | 2.5h | € 112–€ 187 |
| AC Evaporator | 6.0h | € 270–€ 450 |
| AC Expansion Valve (TXV) | 4.0h | € 180–€ 300 |
| AC High Pressure Switch | 0.5h | € 22–€ 37 |
| AC Hose - High Side | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
Steering8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Center Link/Drag Link | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Electric Power Steering Module | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Electric Power Steering Motor | 2.5h | € 112–€ 187 |
| Idler Arm | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Pitman Arm | 1.2h | € 54–€ 90 |
| Power Steering Rack | 4.0h | € 180–€ 300 |
| Rack and Pinion Boots | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Steering Angle Sensor | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
Suspension8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Air Line | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Air Spring/Air Bag | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Air Suspension Compressor | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Air Suspension Height Sensor | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Air Suspension Valve Block | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Ball Joint - Lower | 1.8h | € 81–€ 135 |
| Ball Joint - Upper | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Ball Joints - Upper and Lower | 3.0h | € 135–€ 225 |
WORKSHOP LABOUR RATES BY COUNTRY
Average independent-workshop hourly labour rates, to estimate repair costs in your country.
🇩🇪Germany€95/h
🇪🇸Spain€55/h
🇫🇷France€75/h
🇮🇹Italy€45/h
🇬🇧UK£80/h
🇺🇸USA$120/h
Reference rate
€45/h
Source: Eurostat 2024
💧 FLUIDS & LUBRICANTS
🔧 SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
Brake Fluid36 months
Battery12 months
Wiper Blades6 months
Engine Oil And Filter8,000 km / 6 months
Tire Rotation8,000 km / 6 months
Body And Chassis Inspection8,000 km / 6 months
Brake System Inspection8,000 km / 6 months
Steering And Suspension Inspection8,000 km / 6 months
📋 RECALLS & TSB (9)
NHTSA 10V023000
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal
Date: 27/01/2010
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 ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT. THIS RECALL…
NHTSA 10V384000
Engine And Engine Cooling
Date: 26/08/2010
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 COROLLA AND COROLLA MATRIX VEHICLES. THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) FOR THE SUBJECT MODELS EQUIPPED WITH THE 1ZZ-FE ENGINE AND TWO-WHEEL DRIVE MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT A CRACK MAY DEVELO…
NHTSA 16V340000
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module
Date: 23/05/2016
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 IS250C, Lexus IS350C and Lexus GX…
NHTSA 20V024000
Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module
Date: 17/01/2020
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles. During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly disabling the deployme…
NHTSA 06E023000
Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Date: 13/03/2006
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, AN…
NHTSA 08V162000
Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear
Date: 10/04/2008
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 B…
NHTSA 09E012000
Exterior Lighting
Date: 07/04/2009
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…
NHTSA 10V036000
Equipment › Other › Labels
Date: 03/02/2010
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATI…
NHTSA 10V035000
Equipment › Other › Labels
Date: 03/02/2010
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 VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISIT…
COMMON OBD2 CODES TO CHECK
P0420
P0420
Powertrain
P0171
P0171
Powertrain
P0300
P0300
Powertrain
P0128
Coolant Thermostat Below Regulating Temperature
Powertrain
P0455
P0455
Powertrain
P0700
P0700
Transmission
P0442
P0442
Powertrain
P0172
P0172
Powertrain
P0401
P0401
Powertrain
All documented fault codes for this vehicle
The most documented diagnostic codes for this model, by system and severity. Tap a code for the full guide.
P1765
powertrain
HIGHP1630
powertrain
HIGHP1129
powertrain
HIGHP1780
powertrain
HIGHP1700
powertrain
HIGHP1565
powertrain
LOWP1500
powertrain
MODERATEP1520
powertrain
MODERATEP1705
powertrain
HIGHP1127
powertrain
HIGHP1335
powertrain
CRITICALP1633
powertrain
CRITICALP1600
powertrain
MODERATEP1128
powertrain
CRITICALP1125
powertrain
HIGHP1121
powertrain
HIGHP1120
powertrain
HIGHU0253
network
CRITICALC0431
chassis
MODERATEU0197
network
LOW
DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS — UNIVERSAL GUIDE
60 warning lights classified by urgency. Appears on your vehicle? Check the urgency level.
Show all dashboard warning lights
🔴 IMMEDIATE STOP — pull over
Oil Pressure WarningEngine
Engine Temperature WarningCooling
Brake System WarningBrakes
Immobilizer / Key FaultSecurity
🟠 WARNING — check soon
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) / Check EngineEngine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)Emissions
Battery / Charging SystemElectrical
Low Fuel WarningFuel
ABS WarningBrakes
Brake Pad Wear IndicatorBrakes
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)Brakes
Power Steering WarningSteering
ESC / Stability Control FaultChassis
Tire Pressure Warning (TPMS)Chassis
Transmission Temperature WarningTransmission
Transmission / Gearbox FaultTransmission
Airbag / SRS WarningActive safety
EGR / Exhaust Gas Recirculation FaultEmissions
Catalytic Converter / Emissions FaultEmissions
AdBlue / DEF Level LowEmissions
Coolant Level LowCooling
Hybrid / EV System WarningHybrid
EV Charge System FaultHybrid
12V Battery (Hybrid/EV Auxiliary)Hybrid
Suspension Fault / Air SuspensionSuspension
CAN Bus / Network Communication FaultNetwork
Water in Fuel FilterFuel
Diesel Injector FaultFuel
Steering Angle Sensor FaultSteering
Turbo / Boost Pressure FaultEngine
Regenerative Braking Fault (Hybrid/EV)Hybrid
Master Warning (Toyota)Electrical
🟡 MONITOR
Fuel Cap / Evap SystemEmissions
4WD / AWD SystemDrivetrain
Bulb Failure WarningLighting
Headlight Range / Leveling FaultLighting
Service / Maintenance DueMaintenance
A/C System FaultHvac
Clutch Wear WarningTransmission
Cruise Control / ACC FaultADAS
Pre-Collision System Off (Toyota)ADAS
Lane Departure Alert Off (Toyota)ADAS
Slip Indicator (Toyota)Chassis
🔵 INFORMATION
Engine Temperature Low (Blue)Cooling
Glow Plug / Diesel PreheatEngine
Traction Control / ESC OffChassis
Seatbelt ReminderActive safety
Rear Fog Light IndicatorLighting
Lane Departure / LDWS WarningADAS
Forward Collision Warning (FCW/AEB)ADAS
Blind Spot Monitor FaultADAS
Rear Parking Sensor / Camera FaultADAS
Windshield Washer Fluid LowMaintenance
Door Open WarningBody
Hood / Trunk Open WarningBody
Gear Shift Indicator (Manual)Transmission
Sport / Performance Mode ActiveTransmission
READY Light (Toyota)Electrical
EV Mode Indicator (Toyota)Electrical
B-Ready (EV Brake) (Toyota)Brakes
REPORTED COMPLAINTS & PROBLEMS (NHTSA)
1175 owner complaints filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Toyota Matrix across model years 2003–2014. These are real, verified reports submitted by vehicle owners.
121 crash reports 10 fires 85 injuries 2 deaths
Complaints by model year (most reported first)
Model year 2003268
Model year 2005213
Model year 2009192
Model year 2006170
Model year 2004138
Model year 200796
Model year 201045
Model year 200838
Most reported components (all years)
Air Bags401
Power Train169
Vehicle Speed Control134
Electrical System90
Engine And Engine Cooling90
Tires69
Sample reports
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V286000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUF… (MY 2005)
2003 MATRIX ENGINE QUIT WORKING WHILE DRIVING. TOOK TO REPAIR SHOP AND THEY STATED THE ENGINE HAS CEASED UP. PUZZLED BECAUSE CLEAN OIL, TAKEN EXTREME CARE OF, REGULAR OIL CHANGES. FRUSTRATING. *TR (MY 2003)
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ALIGNMENT WAS UNEVEN, CAUSING EXCESSIVE WEAR ON THE TIRES. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE TIRES THREE TIMES. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER. THE… (MY 2004)
WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY, OUR 2004 TOYOTA MATRIX, APPROX. 98K MILES STARTED TO BUCK AND MAKE A TERRIBLE GRINDING NOISE. WE THEN LOST 4TH AND 5TH GEARS. WE WERE FORTUNATE TO BE ABLE TO TAKE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND GET TO THE SIDE HOWEVER… (MY 2004)
Source: NHTSA complaints database (U.S. data.gov). Figures cover production years 2003–2014.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Toyota Matrix have any safety recalls?
Yes — 9 official NHTSA recall campaign(s) affect this model, mainly: VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR, EXTERIOR LIGHTING. Check the recalls section for your exact year/VIN.
What does fault code P0071 mean on the Toyota Matrix?
Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Range/Performance This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0070 mean on the Toyota Matrix?
Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0011 mean on the Toyota Matrix?
A Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1) This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
Are electrical problems common on the Toyota Matrix?
Yes — 218 of 1157 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the electrical. One owner reported: “TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS IDLING AT A RED LIGHT, THE SEAT BELT AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM ERRONEOUSLY ACTIVATED AND FORCEFULLY SECURED THE DRIVER INTO THE SEAT. DU…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are engine problems common on the Toyota Matrix?
Yes — 226 of 1157 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the engine. One owner reported: “TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART ON THE SECOND ATTEMPT; HOWEVER,…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are airbags problems common on the Toyota Matrix?
Yes — 366 of 1157 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the airbags. One owner reported: “TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE FRONT END OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED, BUT THE AIR BAGS DI…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
What tyres does the Toyota Matrix (2003–2014) use?
The original OEM tyre size for the Toyota Matrix (2003–2014) is 215/55 R16. Compatible alternative sizes: ["245/45R19", "205/55R16"]. See the Tyres section on this page to compare offers from the main suppliers.
What is the right battery for the Toyota Matrix (2003–2014)?
The battery specified for the Toyota Matrix (2003–2014) is group 35 (BCI), with a cold cranking rating of 640A. See the Battery section on this page for the main cross-references between brands.
Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Toyota Matrix (2003–2014)?
Commonly documented OBD2 codes across many vehicles include: P0420, P0300, P0171. Find the full description, likely causes and estimated repair costs in the OBD2 Codes section on this page.
How often should the Toyota Matrix (2003–2014) be serviced?
Routine maintenance for the Toyota Matrix (2003–2014) typically includes an oil change every 6,000–9,000 miles (10,000–15,000 km), an air filter every 12,000–18,000 miles (20,000–30,000 km) and a brake inspection every 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Check the full plan with specific intervals in the Scheduled Maintenance section on this page.
Considering buying a Toyota Matrix (2003–2014)? Use this guide to check expected maintenance costs, the most reported fault codes and parts availability on the market. Real data, zero commercial estimates.