2006 Toyota Matrix: engine failure

Filed Jul 26, 2015 · Engine · 175,262 miles · ID

I purchased a used 2006 toyota matrix as is no warranty from a dealer in boise, idaho. The dealer told me, my daughter and her friend that although the car had 175,262 miles on it, he had replaced the engine with a 55,000 mile engine he bought from florida. Apparently the old engine had seized up with the previous owner. The dealer assured me that the car would last me a long time. However, after only six weeks of driving the car the engine quit and stranded me in traffic. I had the car towed to my trustworthy mechanics, who ran the diagnostic tests on the car. I took their repair estimate to the dealer. He towed the car, with my permission, to his mechanic. I have been researching recalls, and found that toyota matrix cars manufactured between 2005-2008 have been recalled for engine problems. I don't know if my car was ever recalled, or the problems fixed. My car has the exact same engine as the one in the recalls. Now I'm concerned that if the car does get fixed, it might malfunction again with me driving it, and cause an accident.the dealer won't pay for the repairs as idaho has no used car 'lemon' law. I am a senior citizen on a fixed income. I can make the car payments, but certainly can't pay to have the car repaired every time it breaks down, plus I feel there is a safety issue which concerns me since I live alone and have no one else to depend on for help.

Filed Jul 6, 2010 · Engine · 32,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 toyota matrix. The contact was driving approximately 15 MPH entering the highway when the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle restarted; however, immediately after shifting into drive gear, the engine stalled again. The failure occurred repeatedly. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where the technician replaced the engine control module. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000. Updated 8/25/10 *cn upated 08/27/10 updated 08/30/10

Filed May 17, 2010 · Transmission · 68,900 miles · CA

My rear differential in my 2006 toyota matrix xr 4wd was making a whining noise that increased in volume as speed increased. I took it to the dealership and was informed that it was the rear diff. And would cost $2300 to replace. Car has 68k. Powertrain warr. Is 5 yrs. Or 60k. Dealer quoted me price of $2388 to fix?? I said it should not have gone out as I have done every maintenance on this car. They then offered me a measly 10% as a whiner/consolation fee. I then called the "customer center" of toyota and was eventually told that they would up the "offer" to $600, and that was their final offer. They then called me the next day and told me that it was actually the transmission coupling assy, and that it would cost another $400. Toyota said they would cover the difference of $400 since it was misdiagnosed. I said they should cover all of it since it was clearly defective. They refused. Then I found a toyota technical service bulletin on the internet describing the exact problem, dated august 23, 2007. So they knew about the problem, and did not notify me. I know this must have happened over a long time, and I could have brought the car in to be inspected, well within its warranty, but toyota did nothing. I think toyota is not standing behind their product. $2417 later, toyota would not acknowledge that this was a defective part, and forced me to pay for it. I shudder to think what might have happened had this part seized up on me at 65 MPH in traffic, or on one of our icy mountain roads in the winter.

Filed Mar 5, 2010 · Electrical, Transmission · 126,220 miles · MD

Engine code p2610: ECM / PCM internal engine off timer performance experienced issues: - abrupt jerking to left during acceleration - harsh shift of transmission during cruising speed - intermittent non-start condition action taken: dealer replaced engine control computer (part no. 89661-02k41).

Filed Feb 14, 2010 · Electrical, Engine · 29,972 miles · CA

While driving 25 MPH the engine died. Power brakes and steering failed so stopping was difficult. The engine refused to start for about five minutes. Toyota replaced the electronic computer unit at no cost to me the next day.

Filed Apr 15, 2008 · Engine, Transmission · 7,100 miles · NY

I had check engine light on and couldn't get inspection. Dealer said I need new transmission and had replace the transmission with the same problem and they replace engine control module again.

Filed Apr 12, 2008 · Electrical · 5,393 miles · NY

My toyota matrix engine stop running and had to replace engine control module at 5,393 miles.

Filed Dec 17, 2007 · Engine · 19,805 miles · CA

Vehicle stalled while driving. After restarting, vehicle would only run in low speed, and stall again. Vehicle towed to dealership. Service center replaced engine computer and thrott body assembly.