2006 Toyota Matrix: jerking or lurching

6 of the 170 complaints about the 2006 Toyota Matrix describe jerking or lurching.

owner complaints: 6
of this car's complaints: 4%
typical mileage: 56,500
recalls: 0

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

Jerking or lurching by model year

2009
5
2008
1
2007
1
2006
6
2005
3
2004
3
2003
7

What owners say

Filed Mar 29, 2010 · Electrical · 37,000 miles · MA

Computer failure, quite suddenly the car stopped working, jerked and slowed down. All the service lights on the dash board came on. After a couple minutes the car could be turned on but after about 1.5 miles the same thing would happen. The highway was avoided but it occurred on a local road with lots of cars. The hazards were turned on but it was a frightening and concerning incident. Aaa was called to tow the car to the dealer. At the dealer a computer part was replaced. The car has been working for 48hrs. The car was only four years old.

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 Mar 5, 2010 · Electrical · 56,500 miles · SC

I was stopped at a busy intersection during morning rush hour when my car stalled. I tried unsuccessfully several times to restart the engine. After allowing it to sit for several minutes, the car finally restarted. I moved the car into a parking lot and allowed it to sit, idling, for several minutes. When I put the car back into drive, it lurched forward. Despite pressing on the gas, it would not accelerate past 10 MPH. I had the car towed to the dealership, where they said the engine control module had failed. It was under warranty but, had it not been, would have cost me $900. I purchased this car new in 2006, and it has been serviced regularly.

Filed Feb 25, 2010 · Electrical, Transmission · 113,000 miles · MO

I have a 2006 toyota matrix and the vehicle started jerking when it shifted out of 1st gear. It jerked so hard that I had to be careful to not lose control of the vehicle. Also the vehicle would stall when I would be in heavy traffic. The shifting issue occurred every time I drove it after the problem started. The stalling issue occurred around 5-6 times when I was driving. I recently took it into the dealership and they replaced the ECM for a cost of over $700 since I was out of factory warranty. So far, the problem has been corrected however, I noticed a service bulletin in 2007 which I believe toyota should have informed customer's. This was very scary when it occurred and luckily I didn't end up in an accident.

Filed Jun 23, 2009 · Steering · 19,000 miles · VA

1. Driving down road at 35mph on a clear sunny day. 2. 2006 toyota matrix jerked uncontrollably to the side as if the steering wheel was turned even though it was held straight for normal driving. This resulted in losing control of the car and nearly causing an accident with our infant in the backseat. 3. Towed to maintenance center and they mentioned they had seen this problem several times before. They told us of a steering technical service bulletin st005-01 that mentioned this problem. We have now towed it to the dealer and are waiting final resolution.

Filed Apr 20, 2008 · Engine · 39,522 miles · NJ · crash

Was driving the car normally to work as I have for the past 2 years. Was stopped at a stop sign with a vehicle directly in front. Took my foot off the brake to allow the car to roll forward and the car took off about 4-6 feet into the car in front. The only sign of a problem was the rpms jumped slightly as the car took off. Tried using the brake but it couldn't hold the car. Minor damage to my vehicle and no damage to vehicle struck. Called the dealer, was told to bring the car in. When they looked at the car they said it was fine and I needed new rotors. Asked about why the car jerked forward, was told there was nothing they could do about it since they were not there. Frustrated, took the car to be privately inspected elsewhere, again, could not find anything wrong with the car. Mechanic could not explain why the car jerked forward. Was told to monitor crackling noise I complained about just in case it became worse, at current time was fine but could be early sign of a timing chain tensioner problem. Car has currently 39,855k and has had 2 new belt tensioners installed, 1 new belt, and 1 new timing chain tensioner replaced. Have previously complained of brake problems, including the feeling of being rear-ended at a low speed, as well as the car jerking forward while driving at low speeds. The car also on occasion continues to gas engine even after gas pedal has been released, when brake or gas is tapped the car resumes to normal operation. Was told by dealer that they could not duplicate problem and car was fine.