2004 Toyota Matrix: common problems and reliability

One of the weaker Matrix years.

138 owner complaints, most about power train. 3 recalls.

Should I buy a 2004 Matrix?

The 2004 Toyota Matrix has 138 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and air bags.

Safety record for the 2004 model year

138
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
18
Crash reports
2
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2004 Toyota Matrix vehicles (US, public record).

The Year Score compares this year with other Matrix years only. How we score it

Is 2004 a good year for the Matrix?

Across the 11 Matrix model years we track, complaint volume runs from 2 (2002) to 269 (2003). With 138 complaints, the 2004 Matrix sits above the model's median of 96.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

power train
37
air bags
35
vehicle speed control
15
visibility
13
electrical system
9

Recalls affecting the 2004 Matrix

visibility:glass, side/rear

Campaign 08V162000

TOYOTA IS RECALLING 662,178 MY 2003-2004 COROLLA, COROLLA MATRIX AND PONTIAC VIBE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER WINDOWS. THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER DOOR GLASS BOLTS MAY LOOSEN AND COME OFF, CAUSING THE DOOR GLASS TO SEPARATE FROM THE WINDOW REGULATOR. DUE TO THE COMPONENTS BECOMING LOOSE AND POSSIBLY RATTLING, AN ABNORMAL NOISE MAY BE HEARD FROM THE DRIVER AND /OR FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WHEN OPERATING THE POWER WINDOWS.

exterior lighting

Campaign 09E012000

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

exterior lighting:headlights

Campaign 06E023000

CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

What owners say across generations

Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability, practicality, and value for money.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Matrix. See the full Matrix owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used Matrix listings typically run $7,075–$9,498 across 2003 to 2013 model years.

Other Matrix model years

Compare every Matrix year side by side to see how 2004 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Matrix against its rivals

Looking at a specific car?

We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.

One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy