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2010 Toyota Matrix problems

The most common problem on the 2010 Toyota Matrix is airbags, typically around 69,186 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Matrix model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
85/100
Owner complaints
45
Recalls
4
Service bulletins
222
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
22-28mpg

The worst 2010 Toyota Matrix problems

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

  • Airbags
    27
  • Brakes
    6
  • Acceleration
    4
  • Engine
    3
  • Steering
    3

Problems by type

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

  • Airbags
    27
  • Brakes
    6
  • Acceleration
    4
  • Engine
    3
  • Steering
    3
  • Visibility
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Recalls 4

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

Equipment: other: labelsReported February 3, 2010 · 153,418 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Southeast toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 passenger vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.
Risk
A driver may overload a vehicle which may increase the risk of a crash.
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. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact southeast toyota at 1‑800‑301‑6859.

Recall number 10V036000 · 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 4 recalls for the 2010 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 2010 Toyota Matrix 222

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

See all 222 bulletins for the 2010 Toyota Matrix

2010 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‑cylAWD202622

What 2010 Toyota Matrix owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 11, 2019 · Steering · 116,000 miles · OH

"electric power steering" while driving the steering does not center causing you to have to recorrect constantly. It seems like a saftey issue but toyota swindled their way out of a recall.

Filed Oct 24, 2018 · Acceleration, Airbags · 40,000 miles · KS · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 toyota matrix. While pulling into a parking space, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and crashed into an apartment building. The driver stated that the brake pedal was depressed during the failure. The front end of the vehicle was severely damaged, but the air bag did not deploy. The driver sustained a fractured sternum, which required medical attention. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home. The cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact indicated that the vehicle was previously serviced for both unintended acceleration and an unknown air bag recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not notified. The failure mileage was 40,000. The VIN was invalid.

Filed Mar 29, 2018 · Electrical · 160,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 toyota matrix. While traveling various speeds, the vehicle experienced a complete loss of power and several warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the emc valve was defective and needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist because the VIN was not included in any recalls. The failure mileage was 160,000.

Filed Dec 12, 2017 · Acceleration · 50,000 miles · OR · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 toyota matrix. While the contact was placing the vehicle in drive, the accelerator pedal became stuck in the depressed position. As a result, the contact crashed into a wall in the parking garage. There were no injuries. The side and frontal air bags deployed. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home to be retrieved by state farm insurance. The insurance claim number was 372327j90. The failure mileage was 50,000.

Filed Sep 17, 2017 · Airbags · NY

"takata recall". I purchased the vehicle on 4/27/2017. I received a recall notice approxiamately 1 week later. I called the dealer I purchased it through, they told me when I receive a letter from toyota that the airbags are available, to call back. It has been almost 5 months and the vehicle has not yet been repaired. I really would like my car repaired soon, as the weather here in rochester is going to get snowy in the next few months. I want to feel safe in my car, as I transport my daughter that is 3 1/2 years old. Can you please give me some guidance as to how I can get my vehicle repaired soon?

Filed Aug 29, 2017 · Airbags, Visibility · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 toyota matrix. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 15v689000 (visibility) and 16v340000 (air bags); however, the remedy parts were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. An unknown dealer was contacted and the contact was informed that the parts were not available. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Aug 17, 2017 · Airbags · LA

Takata recall - I have contacted several toyota dealerships in my area (baton rouge, la), some of them more than once. None of them are able to do the airbag recall, claiming they do not have the necessary part and do not know when they will have it. This has been going on for probably about a year now. One of them actually suggested that the remedy was to prevent anyone from sitting in the front passenger's seat. I have a wife and 2 small children; that is not an option, and it was ridiculous and insulting to suggest it. I bought a car with 4 doors and (at least) 4 seats for a reason, and that's what I expect to have. Totally unacceptable answer there. Anyway, I have been unable to resolve this with the local dealerships, so I am filing a complaint here. I wish I had found out about this form 6 or 9 months ago. Thanks in advance.

Filed Aug 13, 2017 · Transmission · 78,851 miles · MI

On several occasions while city driving in july 2016 my 2010 toyota matrix vcs light began blinking, both the skid light and the engine light came on and the acceleration had little to no response.though it has not resolved the cause of the problem, I was able to reset the system so the lights are now off. My vehicle will then accelerate and work for a period before repeating the symptoms. I don't know if this issue is a program error or a part defect. Based on the error codes when I took my vehicle in for service (aug 2016) a certified licensed technician replaced the original ECM module with one that was purchased at a certified toyota dealership and programmed it. I had to take my vehicle back in for service this month (aug 2017) since this same issue reoccurred. Fortunately, it was still covered under the parts/service warranty and a second ECM module from the same dealership was installed and programmed. However, after getting a tank of gas today, this happened again as I pulled away from the pump! And yes, my cap was properly secured. I sent an email to toyota to ask how the company is able to resolve this issue for me since this may be the fourth one installed in my car if I count the original one.I am very concerned that my vehicle will fail while driving on a highway between two semi trucks causing serious injury or death to myself and/or others. I have read that other owners of this make/model vehicle have had similar experiences; and that there was a recall for this problem on older models.(2005-2008 matrix hatchback due to engine stalling issues) if this is not a recall problem for my year/make/model, it should be. Please note that I have had this happen several times and at various speeds.

Filed Jul 12, 2017 · Airbags · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 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. A local dealer (autonation toyota hayward located at 24773 mission blvd hayward, ca 94544 510‑224‑4854) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy after the contact left the vehicle at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Jul 11, 2017 · Airbags · CA

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 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 roseville toyota dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2010 Toyota Matrix before you buy

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2010 Toyota Matrix

Is the 2010 Toyota Matrix reliable?

Owners have filed 45 complaints about the 2010 Toyota Matrix, fewer than a typical Matrix model year.

What is the 2010 Toyota Matrix year score?

The 2010 Toyota Matrix scores 85 out of 100 (good). 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 2010 Toyota Matrix?

Airbags, with 27 complaints, typically around 69,186 miles. Next is brakes (6).

How many recalls does the 2010 Toyota Matrix have?

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

Was there a recall on the 2010 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 2010 Toyota Matrix get?

Official estimates for the 2010 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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