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.
Toyota Matrix stalling problems
71 of the 1,177 owner complaints about the Toyota Matrix describe engine stalls while driving, most of them for the 2006 model year.
- owner complaints
- 71
- worst model year
- 2006
- typical repair cost reported
- $900
- typical mileage
- 60,000
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Check engine light 23Engine failure 6Warning lights 3Transmission failure 2Sudden acceleration 2Loss of power 2Jerking 2Adaptive cruise 2
Trouble codes mentioned
P0607 1
What owners say
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.
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.
Vehicle stalled sitting at a red light and also stalled making left hand turn at intersection. Speed was approximately 35 MPH. Vehicle was on small highway at the stop light and city street the 2nd incident. We just bought the vehicle used in april of 2017
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota matrix. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would stall as the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis, but the details of the diagnosis could not be provided. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 10v384000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota matrix. While driving 15 MPH, the engine stalled and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart on the second attempt; however, the failure recurred. The first time the vehicle was diagnosed the dealer was unable to determine the failure and disengaged the check engine warning sensor. The failure recurred and the vehicle was taken to a second dealer. It was diagnosed that the seal on the fuel cap failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The VIN was excluded from the federal safety agency campaign number: 10v384000 (engine and engine cooling). The failure continued. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota matrix. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the third and fourth gears were not getting any oil and tearing the bearing and transmission apart. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
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.
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
While driving, the car stalls. Everything turns off and I'm dead on the street, turnpike or highway. I have taken the car in twice, but toyota has no idea what is happening. Sometimes it does not happen for a while, and then it will start stalling again. I have taken the car in again after stalling on the pa turnpike. This is a major safety issue. I am stalling on city roads, highways, turnpikes, and I risk an accident or being killed. This is a dangerous issue. I have informed the toyota car dealership this will be their last time to find the problem and fix it.
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 stalling
Which Toyota Matrix years have engine stalls while driving problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2006 (21 complaints), 2005 (13 complaints) and 2009 (13 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix engine stalls while driving on the Toyota Matrix?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $900 (median of 10 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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