Toyota Matrix engine failure problems

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 Mar 28, 2016 · Electrical · 100,000 miles · GA

I just narrowly missed an accident with a train. My car engine shut off right over the train track today. My 2009 toyota matrix first problem started stalling suddenly in traffic last year, but now very frequently stalls even on highways at high speeds. No warnings. When stalled all lights comes on in dash, including "check engine" light. Completely turn off ignition and restarting is the only way to start the car again. After restarting the check engine light goes out. Occurred several times in all sorts of weather, but more frequent on hot summer days. Restart cleared engine computer, dealership had difficult time replicating failure. But, advise to replacement the engine control module as it was a well known safety recall for the year models up to 2008. Dealer refuse to assume the cost of replace the engine control module (ECM). The federal safety agency campaign number: 10v384000

Filed Aug 13, 2015 · Airbags, Electrical · 85,000 miles · CA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 toyota matrix. While stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle engine seized without warning. The vehicle restarted and while driving less than 10 MPH, the speedometer read 20 MPH. The failure recurred multiple times. The contact mentioned that smoke started emitting from under the hood, as well as, the right passenger seat. The contact heard a loud abnormal noise. The contact stated that the engine sounded like it was going to start on its own and then the windshield wipers activated and the dashboard lights flashed. The firemen arrived and unplugged the battery. A report was filed by the fire department. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and then was taken to the dealer for investigation. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

Filed Jul 26, 2015 · Engine · 175,262 miles · ID

I purchased a used 2006 toyota matrix as is no warranty from a dealer in boise, idaho. The dealer told me, my daughter and her friend that although the car had 175,262 miles on it, he had replaced the engine with a 55,000 mile engine he bought from florida. Apparently the old engine had seized up with the previous owner. The dealer assured me that the car would last me a long time. However, after only six weeks of driving the car the engine quit and stranded me in traffic. I had the car towed to my trustworthy mechanics, who ran the diagnostic tests on the car. I took their repair estimate to the dealer. He towed the car, with my permission, to his mechanic. I have been researching recalls, and found that toyota matrix cars manufactured between 2005-2008 have been recalled for engine problems. I don't know if my car was ever recalled, or the problems fixed. My car has the exact same engine as the one in the recalls. Now I'm concerned that if the car does get fixed, it might malfunction again with me driving it, and cause an accident.the dealer won't pay for the repairs as idaho has no used car 'lemon' law. I am a senior citizen on a fixed income. I can make the car payments, but certainly can't pay to have the car repaired every time it breaks down, plus I feel there is a safety issue which concerns me since I live alone and have no one else to depend on for help.

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 Feb 27, 2012 · Engine · 80,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota matrix. The contact started the ignition and the engine failed to start. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated to the contact that the malfunction was related to the ECM, which would need to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired at the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed Dec 11, 2011 · Transmission · 92,000 miles · OR

While driving, the car seized up and locked - dead in the middle of the road. Luckily we had taken side streets and not the freeway, where we would have surely been rear ended. My 8-year-old was in the backseat. Mechanic is saying a gear blew out and tore through, melting part of the transmission core. We already replaced clutch at 80,000. Car is not salvageable. This is very dangerous. We sat (unable to push the car, it was locked up - 6 people tried) in the middle of the street, a few feet from the intersection - nearly hit several times, with flashers on until tow truck could come. This is not the first report of this - it needs to be made public so people can get their transmission looked at and fixed before someone dies.

Filed Aug 27, 2010 · Engine · 114,300 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota matrix. The contact was driving 55 MPH when the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road and the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer. The dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure yet the engine was replaced. The failure did not recur. The failure mileage was 114,300.

Filed Aug 11, 2010 · Electrical, Engine · 23,000 miles · CT

My car is a toyota matrix s 2009, this vehicle has given me problems since the eight months it was purchased with a mileage of 8000 miles at the time of the incident, the check engine light, vsc off, 4wd and warning slip was seized without reason, and the engine made me a very loud noise, like a big truck engine, this has already been happening to me for 6 consecutive times lately I have this problem 3 times in a row in a month, each time I replaced the crank sensor and water pump, but the problem persists, I transported daily to my child in this car and I am appalled every day fearing an accident, do not want this car but now I'm in the process of arbitration return, do not I have confidence in the toyota corporation, has had many concerns about security in their products.