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.
Toyota Matrix loss of power problems
14 of the 1,177 owner complaints about the Toyota Matrix describe sudden loss of power, most of them for the 2007 model year.
- owner complaints
- 14
- worst model year
- 2007
- typical mileage
- 81,900
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below
By model year
- 20101
- 20092
- 20081
- 20074
- 20061
- 20051
- 20041
- 20033
Often reported together
Power steering loss 4Stalling 2Check engine light 2Engine failure 1
What owners say
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota matrix. While driving various high speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle completely lost power on three occasions. The contact coasted the vehicle to the right side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle over a period of 15-20 minutes on each occasion. Warrens auto repair in bishop, california was made aware of the issue, but could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue and stated that there was no recall related to the failure. The failure mileage was 152,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota matrix. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power and stalled without warning. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Prior to the failure, when the vehicle was started, an abnormal knocking sound emitted from under the hood of the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 171,580.
There multiple times were my vehicle will lose all power and not restart after being turned off. I have had the battery changed to brand new, plus a different alternator installed with no fix to the issue. I do believe my vehicle ECM has gone bad and I have not received a recall notice.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 toyota matrix. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle lost power. The contact attempted to accelerate; however, the vehicle would not move. The engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the ECM need to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 262,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota matrix. While driving approximately 30 MPH, there was a loss of power steering without warning. Additionally, an unusual burning odor emitted inside the vehicle. The steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road for a few moments where the engine was turned off. After restarting the vehicle, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic from the residence. The mechanic discovered that a bolt fractured and the fragments remained in the engine. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 147,000.
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.
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 toyota matrix. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle began to lose power and the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where who confirmed that the fuel pipe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired by the dealer. The failure mileage was 54,387.
Toyota matrix xr 2008:bought new. One driver car. Twenty-two months of driving with 11,000 miles on it. Took to dealer on march 12, 2010 because leaking transmission fluid. Diagnosed as faulty harmonic equalizer on front axle which caused scaring on axle and inside transmission installed new axle and transmission. Ten minutes after picking up car after first problem corrected: car lost power while I was driving. Nearly killed by semi-truck but avoided accident. Diagnosed as faulty computer. Dealer installing new computer now. Updated 03/29/10 *bf updated 05/05/10.
Sudden lose of power affecting steering and braking. When taken to the dealer I read the toyota service bulletin issued in sep 2007 that specifically stated that warranty repair only in the event a customer complains. Toyota has left many drivers of corollas and matrix with defective computer which causes lose of power which includes loss of power steering and braking at high speeds. This is dangerous especially on a turn or with an elderly driver. This should have been a recall and proactively repaired.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 corolla and corolla matrix vehicles. The engine control module (ECM) for the subject models equipped with the 1zz-fe engine and two-wheel drive may have been improperly manufactured. There is a possibility that a crack may develop at certain solder points or on varistors on the circuit board.
- Risk
- There are a variety of warnings and consequences associated with the defect. The engine warning lamp could be illuminated, harsh shifting could result, the engine may not start, or the engine could shut off while the vehicle is being driven. An engine shutoff while the vehicle is being driven increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the production number of the ECM and replace the ECM if necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Toyota will mail an interim owner notification the middle of september 2010 to advise owners of this defect and recall. This interim notification will inform owners that they will receive a future notification when parts become available to have the free remedy performed on their vehicle. The safety recall began on november 29, 2010. Owners may contact toyota at 1‑800‑331‑4331.
Recall number 10V384000 · Recall details
Questions about the Toyota Matrix loss of power
Which Toyota Matrix years have sudden loss of power problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2007 (4 complaints), 2003 (3 complaints) and 2009 (2 complaints).
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