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2012 Toyota Matrix problems

The most common problem on the 2012 Toyota Matrix is airbags. It has fewer complaints than a typical Matrix model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
95/100
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
218
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
22-29mpg

The worst 2012 Toyota Matrix problems

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

  • Airbags
    4
  • Engine
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Airbags
    4
  • Engine
    1

Recalls 1

Air bags: air bag/restraint control moduleReported January 17, 2020 · 2,891,976 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles. During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly disabling the deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.
Risk
In the event of a crash, air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners that do not deploy as intended may increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ECU and install a noise filter between the air bag control module and its wire harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk beginning March 2, 2020. A second letter notifying owners of the remedy repair will be mailed between March 16, 2020 and June 27, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑888‑270‑9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB03, 20TA03 and 20TA05.

Recall number 20V024000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2012 Toyota Matrix

Technical service bulletins for the 2012 Toyota Matrix 218

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

See all 218 bulletins for the 2012 Toyota Matrix

2012 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‑cylFWD25-2631-3227-29
2.4L 4‑cylFWD212824
2.4L 4‑cylAWD202622

What 2012 Toyota Matrix owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 9, 2017 · Airbags · AL

Takata airbag recall. Repeated attempts for fixing airbag unresponsive from toyota dealers

Filed Jul 11, 2017 · Airbags · FL

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 toyota matrix. The contact stated that the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v006000 (air bags) exceeded a reasonable amount of time for repair. The contact received notification in january of 2018. The dealer (eastern shore toyota 29732 fredrick blvd, daphne, al, 36526) stated that the parts were unavailable for the repair. The manufacturer was also contacted and confirmed the parts were unavailable for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed May 26, 2017 · Airbags · 23,000 miles · TX

Takata recall - received notice in january, 2017 and to date "no remedy" for the airbag recall on my vehicle. Recall advises to avoid having passenger in front seat. I am unable to transport anyone unless in the back seat and am concerned what would happen to me if the airbag goes off while awaiting toyota's remedy. Please advise.

Filed May 19, 2017 · Airbags · CA

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 toyota matrix. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v006000 (air bags); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Feb 14, 2017 · Engine · 135,000 miles · RI

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 toyota matrix. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle made noises underneath the hood and shut down. The oil and service engine indicators illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and later towed to the contact's home. The next day, the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer stated that there was no recall and the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

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Compare the 2012 Toyota Matrix

Other model years

20022003200420052006200720082009201020112012

Questions about the 2012 Toyota Matrix

Is the 2012 Toyota Matrix reliable?

Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2012 Toyota Matrix, fewer than a typical Matrix model year.

What is the 2012 Toyota Matrix year score?

The 2012 Toyota Matrix scores 95 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 2012 Toyota Matrix?

Airbags, with 4 complaints. Next is engine (1).

How many recalls does the 2012 Toyota Matrix have?

1 recall, covering air bags.

Was there a recall on the 2012 Toyota Matrix airbags?

Yes, 1 recall: 20V024000. 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 2012 Toyota Matrix get?

Official estimates for the 2012 Toyota Matrix range from 22 to 29 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.8L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 25-26 city and 31-32 highway.

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