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Toyota Matrix power steering loss problems

10 of the 1,177 owner complaints about the Toyota Matrix describe loss of power steering, most of them for the 2009 model year.

owner complaints
10
worst model year
2009
typical mileage
72,483
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.

By model year

  • 2009
    4
  • 2008
    2
  • 2007
    1
  • 2005
    1
  • 2003
    2

What owners say

Filed Jan 4, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 155,000 miles · CO

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota matrix. While driving 70 MPH, the engine completely shut off. Also, the electrical system shut off and the power steering stopped working. Perry motors (310 s main st, bishop, ca 93514, (760) 872-4141) stated that there was no recall; therefore, the contact would have to pay for the repairs. The dealer believed that the engine control module was the source of the failure. The manufacturer stated that they could not assist since there was no recall. The failure mileage was 155,000.

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 Jan 20, 2016 · Electrical, Steering · 55,318 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota matrix. The contact stated that there was an internal electrical short that progressed intermittently for three years. In addition, the instrument cluster flickered, various internal and external lights randomly illuminated, and the power steering failed, which caused the steering wheel to be extremely tight. The contact also indicated that the vehicle stalled multiple times without warning. The first dealer diagnosed that the battery would not hold a charge. The dealer replaced the battery and the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the first dealer who then flushed the engine assembly, replaced the drive belt, and inspected the ecu for an internal failure. The first dealer replaced the ecu and restructured the main control plug on the body control module, but the vehicle continued to randomly stall without warning. The vehicle was towed to a second dealer where it was diagnosed that the junction control failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 55,318.

Filed Mar 17, 2015 · Engine · 147,000 miles · MA

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.

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 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

Filed Mar 9, 2010 · Electrical · 53,000 miles · FL

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.

Filed Feb 17, 2010 · Electrical, Steering · 48,000 miles · LA

Several months ago I drove through a puddle of water in our parking lot at work. It was storming with the wind blowing as well. When I drove through the puddle, my battery light came on and I lost steering. Then engine never stopped. Once I traveled a few yards, the steering started working and the battery light went off. It happened another 3 more times before I ever left my work facility. I was able to drive to a toyota dealership for them to check it out. They found nothing wrong with the car. I told them something makes me lose steering associated with water. The gentleman at toyota told me not to drive through puddles. I did not think it was funny. It has happened a few more times with my husband driving. We live in louisiana and it rains. I can not avoid going through water when it rains. I need help.

Filed Nov 25, 2009 · Electrical, Steering · 72,483 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 toyota corolla matrix. When starting the vehicle all of the warning lights illuminated on the instrument control panel. The speedometer failed, and then there was a loss of power steering. The vehicle was taken to the toyota dealership for inspection. A technician stated that because they could not duplicate the failure they could not provide a remedy. The current and failure mileages were 72483. Updated 12/17/09 *bf the warning lights remained on until the ignition was turned off. The speedometer and tachometer never left zero. Updated 12/21/09

Filed Dec 20, 2002 · Engine, Fuel system · 1,130 miles · CA

While driving, consumer attempted to make turns and steering was very hard. Consumer visually noticed a fluid leaking from under vehicle. Dealer diagnosed that the power steering pump had failed. Ts the next day, consumer noticed more fluid leaking. Dealer replaced crankshaft and keyway. Dome lit inoperative. Bulb replaced. Check engine light was on. Dealer found evaporative system malfunctioned.

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Questions about the Toyota Matrix power steering loss

Which Toyota Matrix years have loss of power steering problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2009 (4 complaints), 2003 (2 complaints) and 2008 (2 complaints).

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