2004 Toyota Matrix: complete transmission failure

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 Jul 6, 2011 · Transmission · 63,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota matrix. The contact stated the bearings in the transmission failed, causing the vehicle to decelerate to a complete stop. The contact stated there were no warnings prior to the failure. The contact took the vehicle to a mechanic and was told that the transmission would need replacing. The failure and current mileage was 63,000. Updated 09/12/11

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 May 16, 2010 · Transmission · 107,000 miles · MI

Heard rattling when car in gear. Our mechanic said it is the main bearing in the transmission and it would get louder and then seize up eventually. This car has been regularly and well maintained and has only 107 k on it. The clutch is still original and the trans needs replacing before it ? Local dealer says there is nothing he do. We are going to put a new transmission in and drive it for another 40 k then dump it. Am completely disappointed in this car and in toyota.

Filed Feb 17, 2010 · Transmission · 111,234 miles · WA

2004 matrix transmission failed while wife was driving on highway on a rainy night. Prior to this the transmission began to have noises which one might attribute to an auto at 110,000 miles. After this failure transmission would not shift except with great difficulty. I had the matrix towed home and am in the process of determining solution. The rest of the car is flawless but this early failure of a manual transmission in a toyota is discouraging. The situation was a dangerous one as failure of the transmission caused those vehicles around her to become aggressive towards the slowly moving matrix. My wife was extremely fortunate to coax the car to safety. These unexpected repairs will cost me around $2500 to $3000 to resolve. The auto is of no value without the repair, and with the repair resale not much greater.

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 · 111,250 miles · NY

Transmission failure due to faulty bearings.

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 Oct 5, 2009 · Transmission · 82,000 miles · NC

Transmission went out on highway.

Filed Aug 21, 2009 · Transmission · 105,000 miles · NC

My 2004 toyota matrix transmission failed. Not the clutch, bearings or pressure plate...the transmission. Had to have it replaced to the tune of $3800. Apparently I am not the only one with the problem...just do a google search for 2004 toyota matrix manual transmission failure and look at the 30+ pages of comments on edmunds site. Toyota needs to acknowledge this as a defect and refund our money. We need your help, please.

Filed Jan 7, 2009 · Transmission · 149,000 miles · CA

Transmission failure on 2004 toyota matrix with manual transmission. The transmission is 4 years old and seems to have experience a bearing failure. Problem begins with loud rattling noise in the engine, which eventually leads to transmission failure as stated by similar owners. I discovered the chronic problem after reading a internet forum with 26 pages of the similar users with the same issues. Link is listed below: http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f0d9b0e/130 with my situation, the car is in the repair shop, not sure what action to take as problem will occur with undetermined amount of time.

Filed Jun 6, 2008 · Transmission · 61,000 miles · AZ

Bought a 2004 toyota matrix xr with only 60,000 miles. Transmission went out due to a faulty bearing.... No recall and no fault according to toyota.