2004 Toyota Matrix: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Oct 27, 2013 · Transmission · 59,500 miles · OR

Low noise from engine area, then heard a pop or thud. After this came a scratchy/grinding noise when car was in gear and coasting. The noise went away when clutch was depressed or car was taken out of gear to coast. I called a service repair to make an appointment the same day. The very next day the car locked up and was undriveable. Sounded like the engine had fallen out the bottom with horrible metal grinding noise. I had to have it towed ($150) and the service center said I would need a new transmission and clutch and that this is a common problem with toyota matrix and corolla. After reading online, it seems there is a problem with toyota owners with low miles having bearing issues and that this problem has gone unaddressed. Even though I was going only 10 miles per hour, the car locks up. This issue will kill someone, someday. Cost of repair will be around $3,100+.

Filed Aug 25, 2010 · Transmission · 20,000 miles · KY

I purchased the vehicle used in 2007 with 15,000 miles on it. Within a year the transmission went out. Got this repaired by the dealership and within a year the transmission went out again. I have been doing research on this model year matrix to see if it was just my car doing this, but it looks like there have been other people with 2004 matrix that have the same problem. What happens is parts of the fly wheel or clutch dysfunction. It makes the car stop and it makes a grinding noise. It happened once while I was on a remote section of highway and the other time I was starting my car in the morning to leave for work. My car has close to 70,000 miles on it now, but as I stated previously, it happened at around 20,000 miles the first time, which is unusual for a toyota, or any car for that matter. Parts were replaced by the dealership both times, but I'm scared it's going to happen again. I do not trust this vehicle to drive over extended periods or miles.

Filed Jan 11, 2010 · Transmission · 130,000 miles · MN

Manual transmission failed on my 2004 toyota matrix. Started making clunking and grinding noises and fifth gear stopped providing forward movement. I was able to use lower gears.

Filed Dec 30, 2009 · Transmission · 98,000 miles · FL

While on the highway, our 2004 toyota matrix, approx. 98k miles started to buck and make a terrible grinding noise. We then lost 4th and 5th gears. We were fortunate to be able to take control of the vehicle and get to the side however we were stuck at night on the highway. The transmission bearings shredded causing the clutch to fail. Replacement cost $3500.00. Since, we had read about hundreds of other similar complaints about this vehicle and were shocked that toyota has not accepted responsibility for inferior parts and recalled the transmission. Toyota's reputation and thought of dependability and safety has faltered. It is sad because we have owned several other toyota's in the past but will not consider purchasing another. We feel we were put knowingly into danger driving this vehicle as so many others unfortunately shared the same experience with same model/yr toyota.

Filed Dec 29, 2009 · Transmission · 143,000 miles · NC

Driving home from work, heard a grinding noise drove to the mechanic we use and was told the transmission is bad and needs to be replaced.

Filed Dec 21, 2009 · Transmission · 70,000 miles · TN

Had to replace the transmission on my 2004 matrix. The car has been making noise for the last several months. I did not take it to the shop to find the noise because it ran fine. The last time I started the car before it broke down the noise was really loud and did not drive very well. The transmission and clutch shifted fine. Car broke down on the interstate. Was able to get off the first exit. Took it the repair shop. They described it as a metal grinding noise and saw heavy vibrations from the transmission when the car was on the lift. Replaced the transmission for $2700. Got the car back, drives fine. No noise.

Filed May 8, 2009 · Transmission · 94,620 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 toyota matrix. While driving approximately 65 MPH on normal road conditions, the contact downshifted to fourth gear and heard a grinding and squealing noise. The noise occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing and it was discovered that the gear bearings were worn, which resulted in gear fluid leakage from the seals. The gear fluid was dispensed into the fluid reservoir. The technician recommended replacing the manual transmission and clutch. The vehicle is currently inoperative and has not been repaired. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 94,620.

Filed May 16, 2008 · Acceleration, Body · FL · 2 injuries

2004 toyota matrix - windows, door handles and surging electric windows rattle, grind and pop. Dealer could not address problem. Eventually the window fell out. Engine surges while stopped at light or in traffic. Dealer could not address problem. The door handles have a "metallic" finish that peels away. Occupants have cut their fingers on the edge of metal/plastic that was coming away. Eventually got worse to where you could see the white plastic handle underneath so I peeled away the remaining sharp edges and caution occupants. Dealer offered to repair at my expense. Contacted the toyota customer service experience center and was referred back to a dealer.

Filed Feb 4, 2008 · Transmission · 77,432 miles · WI

1.) putting car into fourth gear and heard a loud whining and grinding metal sound. No indication before that there was any issues with car. Continued hearing grinding sound when putting car into different gears. 2.) took to dealer and found that the transmission needed to be replaced. 3.) took to a transmission shop and is currently being investigated for extent of damage. Bad bearings for sure and possibly need a rebuild on transmission.