2003 Toyota Matrix: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Toyota Matrix: 6 recalls, 304 owner complaints and up to 28 mpg combined.
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #08V162000 · 2008 · 662,178 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: The door glass May separate from the window regulator, bind and shatter during operation of the power windows, causing driver distraction and/or injury.
The fix: 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #13V029000 · 2013 · 887,709 vehicles
What's wrong: The supplemental restraint system (SRS) circuits are susceptible to internal shorting. The electrical short May create an abnormal current flow and increased heat which can damage the circuits. This could result in an inadvertent deployment of the front airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners.
Why it matters: Inadvertent deployment of the airbags or the seat belt pretensioners May increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Toyota will re-notify their owners who have already had their vehicles repaired with a noise filter, but did not receive a new airbag control module, and general motors will re-notify theirs. Dealers previously installed a supplemental harness containing an electrical filter between the airbag…
Airbags Vehicle recall #15V043000 · 2015 · 1,006,849 vehicles
What's wrong: Due to electrical noise, a component in the air bag control module May fail, causing the front air bags, side air bags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.
Why it matters: Inadvertent deployment of the air bags or the seat belt pretensioners increases the risk of an injury or crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac vibe owners will be notified by gm. Dealers will replace the air bag control module, free of charge. The recall began on August 24, 2015. Toyota
Airbags Vehicle recall #15V285000 · 2015 · 1,973,468 vehicles
What's wrong: On June 16, 2015, Toyota expanded the recall to include an additional 1,270,468 vehicles, including model year 2002-2003 and 2005-2007 sequoia, 2005-2006 tundra, 2003-2007 corolla, 2003-2007 corolla matrix, 2003-2007 Pontiac vibe and 2002-2007 Lexus sc vehicles. This is to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag inflator which May produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to…
Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: 2003-2004 corolla and corolla matrix vehicles that are recalled under both 15v-043 and 15v-285 are under a do not drive advisory. Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac vibe owners will be…
Airbags Vehicle recall #15V286000 · 2015 · 1,069,055 vehicles
What's wrong: S. Virgin islands, guam, saipan and american samoa. On June 16, 2015 Toyota expanded the recall to cover an additional 769,055 vehicles, including certain model year 2002-2004 Lexus sc, Toyota sequoia, 2003-2004 Toyota corolla matrix, Toyota corolla, Pontiac vibe, and Toyota tundra vehicles, as well the vehicles covered by the May 13, 2015 notification in the portions of georgia, alabama, louisiana, mississippi and…
Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: 2003-2004 corolla and corolla matrix vehicles that are recalled under both 15v-043 and 15v-286 are under a do not drive advisory. Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac vibe owners will be…
Airbags Vehicle recall #18V025000 · 2018 · 116,126 vehicles
What's wrong: As of January 30, 2018, Toyota is additionally recalling 3,347 model year 2010 Pontiac vibe vehicles located in states listed above. Also included in this recall filing is 98,194 model year 2003-2008 Toyota corolla matrix vehicles, located throughout the u.s., that previously received a âlike-for-likeâ interim air bag inflator replacement. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as…
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag assemblies with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 29, 2018.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E023000 · 2006 · 292,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Anzo will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 26 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (84): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (24), noise or vibration (23), stalls / loses power (11).
- Airbags (84): the most common themes are fails to deploy (9), warning light on (9).
- Engine & cooling (26): the most common themes are warning light on (11), stalls / loses power (7), leaks (5).
- Speed control / throttle (22): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (6).
The 2003 Toyota Matrix has 304 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 12 Matrix model years for complaints (2.3× the average Matrix year). Complaints peaked in 2015 (50 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 75,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (2 complaints, 0 recalls), 2004 (167 complaints, 6 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 33 | 28 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 30 | 27 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 28 | 25 | Premium |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 24 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Toyota Matrix.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2003 Toyota Matrix have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2003 Toyota Matrix, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 Toyota Matrix problems?
Owners have filed 304 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (84), airbags (84), engine & cooling (26).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Toyota Matrix get?
EPA ratings run up to 28 mpg combined (1.8 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Toyota Matrix repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.