2003 Toyota Matrix: transmission slipping

9 of the 268 complaints about the 2003 Toyota Matrix describe transmission slipping.

owner complaints: 9
of this car's complaints: 3%
typical mileage: 58,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 8 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Transmission slipping by model year

2006
2
2005
1
2004
1
2003
9
2002
1

What owners say

Filed Jul 19, 2012 · Brakes · 30,000 miles · MN

Parking brake doesn't hold vehicle on slope. Mechanic has fixed twice, but problem re-occurs in about two years. This is a safety issue since this is also the emergency brake and there is no warning when brake will start slipping again after repairs.

Filed Oct 5, 2011 · Transmission · 35,000 miles · CA

Clutch began slipping at 35000 miles while still under warranty. Dealer claimed there was no problem and no adjustment required. Clutch continued to get worse. On subsequent trips to the dealer, they repeated that there was no problem and that the clutch was normal. An independent shop told me otherwise. The slipping continued to get worse until by 75000 miles it was undrivable. Then the dealer said it needed a clutch and that the wear was normal. I have driven manual transmission cars for 40 years and never encountered such a short lifespan on a clutch or a more unresponsive dealer. I have service records indicating that the dealer was notified about the problem within the warranty period and on more than one other occasion and that they did not adequately inspect for this issue.

Filed Mar 10, 2010 · Transmission · 60,000 miles · PA

2003 toyota matrix xrs transmission problems, slipping gears or clutch while under load, recurring problem for the duration of owning the car. It is very unsafe on the highway as it does not get up to or maintain speeds. Filed a complaint with toyota with no response. Toyota said there was no problem with it when I took it in to get looked at, but it was slipping the whole drive home and since then. I believe there is a definite problem with the transmission and I am not the only one that believes this, how many people must complain or does someone have to die for them to take some action?

Filed Jul 21, 2009 · Transmission · 63,000 miles · MI

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 toyota matrix. While driving at any speed, the contact hears a ticking sound coming from the transmission. Prior to the noise, the transmission would slip gears occasionally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The current and failure mileages were 63,000.

Filed Jun 18, 2008 · Transmission · 58,000 miles · PA

I have a 2003 toyota matrix auto transmission, that has 58,000 miles on it. A month ago the 1st and reverse gears started to slip and was hard to get into gear. I took it to the toyota dealer and they said they couldn't find anything wrong. I left the dealer and it started again. 2 days later I was not able to get it in to reverse at all. I took it to a transmission shop since the 'check engine' light came on and they checked the codes and looked at the transmission. The engine needs to be rebuilt now and will cost me $2400. I love this car. I baby it all the time. I change the oil regular and always keep up on the maint. I don't understand how a transmission can go out on a car that is only 5 yrs. And 4 mo. Old and only 58,000 miles on it ! I did call toyota and they said nothing was reported and all was fine. I asked them to pay for the fix and they said the warranty was only 5yrs. 60,000 miles. I'm over by 4 mo. I found a website that has about 10 other people with this same yr and make car that had transmission issues.

Filed Mar 12, 2008 · Transmission · TN

I bought a used 2003 matrix in may of 2007. In november (90k miles), I started noticing that the transmission was slipping. When I took it to the dealer where I bought it, they said that I needed a new clutch ($1200). I was shocked because I have driven stick shifts for over 15 years now & have never had to replace a clutch. Found another mechanic to install the new clutch for $800. He informed me that this is not the first time the clutch had been replaced in this car. Apparently the clutch in the 2003 matrix is made to burn out every 50k miles! Toyotas are supposed to have a better reputation than this !@#$%!

Filed May 2, 2005 · Transmission · TX

I have an 2003 toyota matrix xrs. Clutch started slipping and you can smell it most of the time. Has 53,000 miles. I have driven many standards over the years and never had this much trouble with a manual transmission. The last clutch I had to replace was on a 1991 suzuki swift that had over 220,000 miles. Toyota used to be a good vehicle. They really need to fix this issue. Have read lots of problems from other people on http://www. Matrixowners.com.

Filed May 16, 2004 · Transmission · VA

Premature clutch failure, the clutch start slipping around 15000 miles, the dealer said will not replace clutch due to wear and tear. Have another 92 corolla for 6 years with clutch never had a problem. Others are complaining about that matrix xrs clutch too, not just only me. Feels like toyota betrayed their customers.

Filed Mar 23, 2004 · Transmission · 34,000 miles · VA

At 34,000 miles the clutch began slipping. Toyota stated that it was from misuse, that my wife was driving it improperly. My wife, age 57, has been driving clutch cars all her life and averages 100,000 miles per clutch. The tires are still good and worn evenly, which shows lack of abuse. Toyota has not stood by their vehicle on this one, we're apparently on our own for the repair. So much for the 60,000 mile warranty.