2009 Toyota Matrix: common problems and reliability

The 2009 Toyota Matrix has 192 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and vehicle speed control. Owners most often flag excessive oil consumption (2.4l engine) — engine burns a significant amount of oil, potentially requiring a litre every 1,000 miles (1,600 km); a known, severe issue specific to the 2009 2.4l. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2009 model year

192
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
34
Crash reports
1
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2009 Toyota Matrix vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

air bags
78
vehicle speed control
45
steering
22
service brakes
19
engine
11

Recalls affecting the 2009 Matrix

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 16V340000

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350, 2010-…

equipment:other:labels

Campaign 10V035000

GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETW…

vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal

Campaign 10V023000

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 COROLLA, VENZA AND MATRIX PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN…

What owners say across generations

Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability, practicality, and value for money. The vehicle is consistently praised as an extremely durable and economical choice, with numerous reports of reaching 200,000 miles (322,000 km) and beyond wit

  • Excessive oil consumption (2.4L engine) — Engine burns a significant amount of oil, potentially requiring a litre every 1,000 miles (1,600 km); a known, severe issue specific to the 2009 2.4L. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Rust corrosion — Particularly in rear wheel arches, rocker panels, and around the rear subframe mounting points; can become structural and lead to vehicle being unsafe or scrapped, especially in Canada and northern US states. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Rear differential failure (AWD models) — Complete failure requiring very costly replacement (quoted at $5,000 CAD / ~$3,700 USD), reported on high-mileage examples. Frequency: isolated.
  • Cold start VVT-i gear rattle — A rattling noise on cold startup related to the variable valve timing gear; a known issue with a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) for repair within warranty. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Interior component failures — Common failures include the radio display becoming half-lit or fully failed, broken radio knobs, and dome/cargo light electrical issues. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Matrix.

Typical used price

Used Matrix listings typically run $5,900–$9,175 across 2003 to 2013 model years.

Other Matrix model years

2008 Matrix
Full Toyota Matrix owner reportCompare against another car