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2009 Toyota Matrix problems

The most common problem on the 2009 Toyota Matrix is airbags, typically around 46,000 miles. It has 2.0 times the complaints of a typical Matrix model year.

Year to avoid2.0x the typical complaints
Year score
46/100
Owner complaints
192
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
215
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
22-28mpg

The worst 2009 Toyota Matrix problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2009 Toyota Matrix

Sudden acceleration 19Stalling 13No deployment 11Check engine light 7Adaptive cruise 6Pulling 6Engine failure 5Jerking 5

Recalls 3

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported May 23, 2016 · 1,754,517 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, Lexus IS250C, Lexus IS350C and Lexus GX460, 2011 Sienna, 2007-2011 Lexus ES350, and 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2007-2008 Toyota Yaris, 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350 and 2007-2008 Lexus ES350 vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles of these model years and models that were not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's numbers for interim notification for this campaign are G1P (Toyota Zone A), G1R (Toyota Zone B), G2G (Lexus Zone A), and G2H (Lexus Zone B). Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), GLG (Lexus Zone A), and GLH (Lexus Zone B).

Recall number 16V340000 · Recall details

Equipment: other: labelsReported February 3, 2010 · 271,417 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Gulf states toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold between september 1, 2005 and june 2, 2008 without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.
Risk
This does not meet the standard requirements.
Remedy
Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact gulf states toyota at 713‑580‑3300.

Recall number 10V035000 · Recall details

Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedalReported January 27, 2010 · 1,126,915 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 highlander, model year 2009-2010 corolla, venza and matrix passenger vehicles. The accelerator pedal can get stuck in the wide open position due to its being trapped by an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat. This recall is an expansion of a campaign of 3.8 million other toyota vehicles announced in 2009 for the same issue (see 09v‑388).
Risk
A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
Remedy
Toyota will modify or replace the accelerator pedals on the subject vehicles. Floor surface modifications are also being considered and will be included for any model for which it is deemed appropriate. Initially, dealers will be instructed on how to reshape the accelerator pedal for the repair. As replacement parts with the same shape as the modified pedal become available, they will be made available to the dealers for the repair. Customers who have had the pedal reshape remedy completed will have the opportunity to receive a new pedal if they desire, after replacement pedals become available. In addition, toyota will replace any toyota all-weather floor mat in a subject vehicle with a newly designed mat, free of charge. For those customers who have the previous design all-weather floor mat but do not need or want the newly designed all-weather floor mat, toyota will recover the previous design all-weather floor mat and reimburse its price. The safety recall began march 30, 2010. Owners may contact toyota at 1‑800‑331‑4331.

Recall number 10V023000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2009 Toyota Matrix

Defect investigations

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpened September 17, 2021, still open

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

EA21002

Technical service bulletins for the 2009 Toyota Matrix 215

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 215 bulletins for the 2009 Toyota Matrix

2009 Toyota Matrix fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.8L 4‑cylFWD25-2631-3228
2.4L 4‑cylFWD2128-2924
2.4L 4‑cyl4WD202622

What 2009 Toyota Matrix owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 29, 2019 · Airbags · 48,000 miles · NY · crash · 1 injury

Tl* takata recall. The contact owned a 2009 toyota matrix. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle was involved in a head-on collision. The air bags deployed and metal fragments passed through the airbag cushion material. As a result, the metal fragments entered the contacts eye and caused a long term injury. The contact also sustained a fractured upper jaw and nose injury that required medical attention. The contact mentioned having continual doctor visits for his eye injury. The vehicle was totaled and towed to junk yard. A police report was not filed. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 18v024000 (air bags). The failure mileage was 48,000. *dt*jb *dt recalls incomplete 'parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).'

Filed May 2, 2018 · Airbags · FL

Letter from congressman deutch on behalf of constituent regarding toyota vehicle airbags: this was the third recall. *ld

Filed Mar 12, 2018 · Airbags · WI

"takata recall" we received our recall notice letter and immediately contacted our local authorised toyota in rhinelander wi and were told it would take a few weeks for the replacement parts to arrive. After not hearing from them in that time we phoned again, and after once again giving our VIN and information , we were told who ever took the call had not submitted the order . So once again we are told it's on backorder and they will contact us when it comes in so they can set up a appointment time to fix it. The recall notice recommended not having a occupant in the front passenger seat. We should be provided with a safe vehicle by toyota to use with the length of time this is taking until this is fixed.

Filed Dec 5, 2017 · Airbags · MD

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 toyota matrix. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v006000 (air bags). The parts to do the repair were unavailable. Heritage toyota owings mill (9801 reisterstown rd, owings mills, md 21117, 844‑202‑9429) confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts would become available. The VIN was invalid. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Oct 4, 2017 · Airbags · CO

"takata recall" I am wondering when the fix for this recall will be available in my area.

Filed Sep 12, 2017 · Airbags · IL

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 toyota matrix. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v340000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called toyota of river oaks at (708) 862-0700 (1970 river oaks dr, calumet city, il 60409) where it was confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Aug 29, 2017 · Engine · 170,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 toyota matrix. While driving 30 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine. Also, the vehicle stalled and the check engine and oil indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic in detroit michigan. The vehicle was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted or made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

Filed Aug 26, 2017 · Airbags · IL

Takata recall the federal safety agency is aware of this recall but may not appreciate the full impact on the owner of the car. I feel unsafe driving it due to this recall but there is no remedy. I can't get it fixed. When I went to the dealer and asked when remedy is available no one knows. So I said fine let me trade it in and buy a new car. However, since there is a recall the dealer said he couldn't offer full trade in price because he would be unable to sell it until the remedy is made. So I don't feel safe driving it and I can't sell it without a loss in value. Neither are my fault. Takata has me stuck in a very poor position and I am disappointed with toyota's response

Filed Aug 24, 2017 · Airbags · IL

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 toyota matrix. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v006000 (air bags); however, the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to grossinger toyota (located at 7225 n cicero, il 60712), but the part was not available for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms part not available.

Filed Aug 24, 2017 · Airbags · AE

Takata recall. Safety recall not remedied.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2009 Toyota Matrix before you buy

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Other model years

20022003200420052006200720082009201020112012

Questions about the 2009 Toyota Matrix

Is the 2009 Toyota Matrix reliable?

Owners have filed 192 complaints about the 2009 Toyota Matrix, 2.0 times a typical Matrix model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2009 Toyota Matrix year score?

The 2009 Toyota Matrix scores 46 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Toyota Matrix: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2009 Toyota Matrix?

Airbags, with 78 complaints, typically around 46,000 miles. Next is acceleration (45).

How many recalls does the 2009 Toyota Matrix have?

3 recalls, covering air bags, equipment and vehicle speed control.

Was there a recall on the 2009 Toyota Matrix airbags?

Yes, 1 recall: 16V340000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Toyota Matrix have bad airbags?

The Toyota Matrix model years with the most airbags complaints are 2005 (103 complaints), 2009 (78 complaints) and 2003 (57 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2009 Toyota Matrix get?

Official estimates for the 2009 Toyota Matrix range from 22 to 28 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.8L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 25-26 city and 31-32 highway.

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