Vehicle Data Hub

2003 Toyota Matrix engine problems

Owners reported engine problems in 34 complaints for the 2003 Toyota Matrix, 11% of the complaints on file.

At a glance

Complaints
34 11% of this year's complaints
Typical mileage
82,000 miles 27 complaints with mileage
Crashes and fires
1 and 0
Injuries and deaths
1 and 0

Source: NHTSA owner complaints

When engine problems show up

Engine complaints by mileage, 2003 Toyota Matrix Complaints by odometer reading in 20,000-mile steps. The median is about 82,000 miles. 0k to 20k miles: 3 complaints 20k to 40k miles: 4 complaints 40k to 60k miles: 2 complaints 60k to 80k miles: 3 complaints 80k to 100k miles: 4 complaints 100k to 120k miles: 6 complaints 120k to 140k miles: 1 complaints 140k to 160k miles: 2 complaints 160k to 180k miles: 1 complaints 180k to 200k miles: 1 complaints 200k+ miles: 0 complaints 040k80k120k160k200k miles Typical: 82,000 miles
Based on 27 complaints that include mileage. 33% were reported before 60,000 miles. The amber marker shows the median: half of these complaints happened before that mileage.
View the numbers
MileageComplaints
0k to 20k miles3
20k to 40k miles4
40k to 60k miles2
60k to 80k miles3
80k to 100k miles4
100k to 120k miles6
120k to 140k miles1
140k to 160k miles2
160k to 180k miles1
180k to 200k miles1
200k+ miles0

What the data shows

Of the 27 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 82,000 miles, and 33% were reported before 60,000 miles.

These complaints mention 1 crash, 1 injury.

What owners wrote

I took the matrix in twice shortly after I bought it because the car would unexpectedly lunge forward while at a complete stop. I also complained that the brakes felt "loose" and did not "catch" as they should. I was advised both times by the service manager that they could not duplicate the problem and that nothing abnormal was found with car. While I was beginning to look into "lemon laws", in september of last year I was at a stop light with the brake pedal fully engaged.

Reported at 11,450 miles, September 2003 CrashInjury

My son was driving our 2003 toyota matix, accelerating up to speed after pulling onto the interstate on-ramp when the engine began to make a loud clicking sound. There was no engine warning light or smoking from the engine or exhaust system. He reduced speed, pulled over and exited at the next exit. Although the car had lost significant power, he was able to continue to drive to the dealership, located nearby. The oil pressure switch had failed and the oil had leaked out. There was no level on the dipstick.

Reported at 129,000 miles, June 2011

Other problems reported for the 2003 Toyota Matrix

Engine problems in other years

Engine problems across all Toyota models