2008 Toyota Matrix Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Matrix years
- Far fewer complaints than other years 8th of 12 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 2 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 38 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Toyota Matrix. That ranks 8th out of 12 Matrix model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is vehicle speed control (11 complaints, 29%), typically at around 28,750 miles. Complaints mention 6 crashes, 2 injuries. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year.
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- 38owner complaints
- 2safety recalls
- 0NHTSA investigations
- 6complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2008 Toyota Matrix problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Speed Control | 11 | 29% | 28,750 | — | — |
| Electrical System | 8 | 21% | 48,000 | — | — |
| Air Bags | 6 | 16% | 42,651 | — | — |
| Steering | 4 | 11% | 51,659 | — | — |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 3 | 8% | 30,500 | — | — |
| Power Train | 3 | 8% | 46,000 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 3 | 8% | 32,120 | — | — |
| Engine | 2 | 5% | 105,500 | — | — |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 2 | 5% | 65,000 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Electric | 2 | 5% | 100 | — | — |
| Tires | 2 | 5% | 60,000 | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 2 | 5% | 6,000 | — | — |
| Visibility | 2 | 5% | 5,000 | — | — |
| Equipment | 1 | 3% | 6,000 | — | — |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 3% | 25,735 | — | — |
| Seats | 1 | 3% | 25,735 | — | — |
| Structure | 1 | 3% | — | — | — |
| Suspension | 1 | 3% | 10,750 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2008 Toyota Matrix recalls (2)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Engine and engine cooling
Problem: 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 develop at certain solder points or on varistors on the circuit board.
Risk: There are a variety of warnings and consequences associated with the defect. The engine warning lamp could be illuminated, harsh shifting could result, the engine may not start, or the engine could shut off while the vehicle is being driven. An engine shutoff while the vehicle is being driven increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the production number of the ecm and replace the ecm if necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Toyota will mail an interim owner notification the middle of september 2010 to advise owners of this defect and recall. This interim notification will inform owners that they will receive a future notification when parts become available to have the free remedy performed on their vehicle. The safety recall began on november 29, 2010. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Equipment:other:labels
Problem: 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 requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.
Risk: This does not meet the standard requirements.
Fix: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact gulf states toyota at 713-580-3300.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
2008 toyota matrix. Consumer writes in regards to toyota computer safety recall. *ld the consumer stated the dealer had not replaced the ecm, but claimed it was replaced. *js
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota matrix. When the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle shut off. The contact would have to turn the vehicle off and on in order to drive properly. The contact stated that the same failure occurred numerous times, especially at red lights. The vehicle was taken to…
Dangerous, poor traction on wet pavement sumitomo tour plus ls-h when on a steep road in san francisco, my tires skidded rather than grab the road on a rainy day in the winter of 2016. This also happened during the winter of 2017. It is dangerous. I need to change the tires before selling my car to…
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota matrix. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 mph when the vehicle in front of the contact made an unexpected stop causing the contact to rear end the vehicle in front. There was front-end damage to the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The…
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 toyota matrix. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v127000 (air bags); however, the parts needed to perform the repair were unavailable. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin…
Other Toyota Matrix years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 Matrix | 0 | 1 |
| 2012 Matrix | 5 | 1 |
| 2011 Matrix | 10 | 2 |
| 2010 Matrix | 45 | 4 |
| 2009 Matrix | 192 | 3 |
| 2008 | 38 | 2 |
| 2007 Matrix | 96 | 2 |
| 2006 Matrix | 170 | 3 |
| 2005 Matrix | 213 | 1 |
| 2004 Matrix | 138 | 1 |
| 2003 Matrix | 268 | 1 |
| 2002 Matrix | 2 | 0 |
See all Toyota Matrix problems by year, every Toyota model, or the Toyota VIN decoder.
Similar Toyota models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Toyota Matrix?
Owners most often report vehicle speed control, electrical system, air bags problems. The top one, vehicle speed control, accounts for 11 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2008 Toyota Matrix?
Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2008 Toyota Matrix a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Matrix model years, the 2008 has far fewer complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.