2003 Toyota Matrix engine problems

Filed Nov 29, 2016 · Engine, Fuel system · 145,000 miles · NJ

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, the failure recurred. The first time the vehicle was diagnosed the dealer was unable to determine the failure and disengaged the check engine warning sensor. The failure recurred and the vehicle was taken to a second dealer. It was diagnosed that the seal on the fuel cap failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The VIN was excluded from the federal safety agency campaign number: 10v384000 (engine and engine cooling). The failure continued. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

Filed Sep 13, 2016 · Engine, Transmission · 107,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota matrix. While driving, the check engine sensor indicator illuminated and the vehicle experienced hard shifting. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ECM was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 107,000.

Filed Apr 25, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · 171,580 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota matrix. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power and stalled without warning. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Prior to the failure, when the vehicle was started, an abnormal knocking sound emitted from under the hood of the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 171,580.

Filed Jun 10, 2015 · Engine · 112,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota matrix. While driving at 35 MPH, a very loud noise emitted from the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The results of the diagnostic were unknown, but the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 112,000. Ma 10/14 updated 10/19/2017

Filed Mar 17, 2015 · Engine · 147,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota matrix. While driving approximately 30 MPH, there was a loss of power steering without warning. Additionally, an unusual burning odor emitted inside the vehicle. The steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road for a few moments where the engine was turned off. After restarting the vehicle, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic from the residence. The mechanic discovered that a bolt fractured and the fragments remained in the engine. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 147,000.

Filed Oct 2, 2014 · Brakes, Engine · 182,000 miles · MD

I was approaching a stop light and all of a sudden the engine started to accelerate; this has never happened before. I pressed on the brake as hard as I could but the brake wouldn't go all the way down and it was very stiff. Since I was going slow I was able to get the car to stop but the engine was revving as if I had the gas pedal to the floor. I decided to put the car in neutral so it wouldn't accelerate while I was at the stop light (the whole time the engine is revving to its max and the brake was stiff; I also used the hand brake. When the light turned red I placed the car in drive since I had to move and the car wanted to take off so I kept my foot planted on the brake this was at full strength. I was able to get the car into a parking lot and then home an hour later. I was driving the car locally so I was about one mile from home. I have never seen a car do this in my life. I did call toyota about it and they said it wasn't sudden acceleration and said what do you want from toyota which I thought was extremely rude. I feel if I was going faster say on the highway I would have lost control of the vehicle.

Filed Mar 2, 2014 · Engine · 16,600 miles · TX

I have received several different recall notices from toyota regarding this vehicle. I have also had several problems with the vehicle since purchasing it. It is currently not running at all and immediately after I paid the vehicle off, things like door handles and interior fixtures began breaking off. I work full time and have a very strict budget which does not allow me to take time off of work to have to take my car to the dealership with every recall notice I have received. I just want my money back. I paid more than three times the vehicle blue book value but I believe it is still possibly worth $3500.00. Your help would be greatly appreciated in trying to facilitate a deal with toyota wherein they pay me the $3500 and take the vehicle back. I would be satisfied with that and will not contact an attorney until I get a response regarding this request. Thank you very much and god bless.

Filed Jan 23, 2014 · Acceleration, Engine · 34,000 miles · MA

I was exiting on a ramp from the highway. I stopped the car before coming off the ramp on an incline when the engine suddenly revved up with my foot on the brake. I immediately put the shifter in neutral and it returned to normal rpms. This is the second time that this has happened in three weeks.

Filed Apr 17, 2013 · Engine · 76,820 miles · WA

I went to the toyota dealer to have my check engine light check and found out the I need to replace my catalyst converter and ecu replace. Dealer says that I need to pay $3000 plus tax. The reason why I need to replace the catalytic converter and the electronic control module because they have a new module. I own my car since 2003. This is toyota's fault, I should be inform when a new module comes out in the market and I should not have to pay for that. This is a safety hazzard. If I don't get it fix, my car will not start and I am not able to renew my tab because of the check engine lights.

Filed Nov 9, 2011 · Engine · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota matrix. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was inspected by a mechanic, but the mechanic was unable to locate a failure with the vehicle. The contact had the engine replaced but the failure recurred within one year. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer were it was found that the engine control module needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was unknown.