2009 Toyota Matrix steering problems

Filed Oct 14, 2016 · Steering · 75,000 miles · NV

I started my car, and the power steering light was on. I tried to tun the wheel, and noted the power steering stopped working. I got the car home, and called for service at my local dealerships. They wouldn't give me an appointment". Researched the web, and noted this issue was a wide spread complaint. I checked the fuses (noted them okay), the steering resumed.... However, this is a real concern, being that the steering appears to be an issue for these cars. What can I do to get this repaired?

Filed Jun 30, 2015 · Steering · 103,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 toyota matrix. Immediately after the vehicle was started, the warning lights illuminated and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.

Filed Jun 1, 2015 · Steering · 51,033 miles · GU

My car would not start after I had stopped to get a hair cut. I cleaned the battery terminals and was able to get it to start. When I tried to turn the steering wheel it was very hard to turn the wheel. I managed to drive it a half block to a napa dealer so I could replace the battery and I was going to buy some power steering fluid. I was surprised I could not even find the power steering reservoir. After I replaced the battery the steering returned to normal. Really scary now after I researched and found out than many others have had the steering go out when they were driving at high speeds. Not sure why there is no recall on this.

Filed Jan 8, 2015 · Steering · 85,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 toyota matrix. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the steering wheel seized and excessive force on the steering wheel was required. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the power steering electronic control unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

Filed Nov 17, 2014 · Steering · 74,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 toyota matrix. While driving 35 MPH, the power steering seized without warning. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle, drove over a road retainer, and landed in a ditch. A police report was not filed. The contact did not sustain any injuries. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Dec 19, 2013 · Brakes, Steering · 70,000 miles · SC

Car was parked. When I returned to the car, the power steering had ceased to function and warning lights were lit for the power steering, ABS and brakes. I understand there is a technical service bulletin on the power steering unit for this vehicle for issues related to the power steering locking up. Luckily I was not driving the car at the time.

Filed Nov 17, 2013 · Electrical, Steering · 44,500 miles · NJ

Power steering malfunction occurred and warning light (on the dashboard) was on. Steering wheel became very hard to turn. Luckily this happened on the parking lot, and not on my way back home (trip on the highway) which for sure would resulted in car accident with serious consequences. I have contact toyota however at this point they are not concerned in this matter as safety issue and will not cover any expenses for such repair (power steering electrical unit/ relay was replaced_parts~ 900$ and labor ~500$).

Filed May 25, 2013 · Steering · 81,900 miles · NY

Warning light for electronic power steering came on, and I lost power steering. Dealer says car too hazardous to drive and I need a new electric power steering motor with cost of installation in excess of $800 - not covered by warranty, outrageous on a four year old,well-maintained vehicle. Now waiting for parts.

Filed May 4, 2012 · Steering · VA

2009 matrix xrs certified vehicle purchased with 33,000 miles around 2010, currently 48,000 miles and has 5 yr, 100,000 mile extended warranty. This vehicle is difficult to drive on the highway. The vehicle wanders into the left or right lanes and driver must fight to keep the vehicle in a straight line. The local chantilly toyota dealership denies the issue and any tsb. The steering on this vehicle is dangerous and warrants further review by ntsb if toyota continues to stonewall its customers regarding safety issues. I will follow up with toyota national.

Filed Apr 8, 2011 · Steering · 18,040 miles · IA

Tl*the contact owns a 2009 toyota matrix. The contact stated that the power steering failed without warning immediately after the vehicle was started. The steering light illuminated and the steering wheel was very hard to turn to the left or right. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer; however, when he made a left or right turn, it was very difficult. The contact had to use the outer lane to safely make a turn. The dealer told the contact that the computerized power steering unit failed. The failure and current mileage was 18,040. Updated 05/05/11*lj the consumer stated on april 8, 2011 the same defective power steering unit was placed in the vehicle and failed. Updated 11/28/11