RoadVitals

2007 Toyota Corolla Matrix Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
48
Latest Nov 27, 2024
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
12
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2007 Toyota Corolla Matrix, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Airbags3768.5%
  • Electrical35.6%
  • Engine35.6%
  • Body & structure23.7%
  • Brakes23.7%
  • Powertrain (other)11.9%
  • Steering11.9%
  • Tires & wheels11.9%
  • Driver assistance11.9%
  • Interior & seats11.9%
  • Exterior lighting11.9%
  • Other / unspecified11.9%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

37
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I have been waiting over 2 years for this passenger side airbag recall to be remedied. I was told a remedy was available about a year and a half ago, but despite many calls and service appointments where I left the car with Toyota (they even kept my car for nearly 9 hours once), they always tell me they don't have the part available and that they will call me when it becomes available (they still haven't). I tried multiple Toyota service centers in my area with the same results. The airbag was already recalled previously and the remedy was to replace it with an airbag part that was also recalled, so in actuality it has probably been over 5 years since the original recall and after all this time my car still has an airbag inflator that may cause fire, injury or death. I paid for a car so I could use all of the available seating, and for most of my time owning it and for the foreseeable future I'm being told by Toyota not to use the front passenger seat. Totally unacceptable, regardless of parts shortage this shouldn't be a problem to bear solely by the vehicle owner, I have never been offered a loaner or anything to make up for the money I wasted on a car I can't use as advertised.

NHTSA ID 11434402 · filed Sep 26, 2021

I APPRECIATE THAT TOYOTA YOUNGER FIXED THE AIRBAG RECALL. I WOULD HAVE APPRECIATE IF THEY WOULD HAVE WIPED DOWN THE DASH BOARD AFTER INSTALLING. I ALSO NOTICED THE PANEL OVER THE AIRBAG HAS A BUCKLE/CREASE AND IT DOES NOT LOOK SECURE AROUND THE EDGES. I HAVE ATTACHED IMAGES . IT NEVER LOOKED LIKE BEFORE A DROPPED OFF MY CAR.

NHTSA ID 11343992 · filed Aug 7, 2020
All 37 reports naming airbags

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Vehicle keeps stalling while driving if stopped at a light or stop sign or if mrps drop to low engine shuts off lights flicker and no check engine light has come on.

NHTSA ID 11627670 · filed Nov 27, 2024

I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT LAST YEAR AND I WAS SITTING ON THE PASSENGER SEAT AND MY HUSBAND WAS ON THE DRIVERS SEAT ALONG WITH MY TWO CHILDREN IN THE BACK SEAT. WE WERE REAR ENDED BY HIGH SPEED VEHICLE DRIVING ERRATICALLY. ALL OF US SUFFERED WHIP LASH AND BACK INJURIES IN THE ACCIDENT. ALSO, THE AIRBAG NEVER GOT DEPLOYED AND THE AIR BAG SIGN IS ON THE DASH BOARD. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS LIFE AND DEATH SITUATION AND I AM UPSET FOR BUYING A BRAND NEW CAR WHICH I HOPED THAT ALL SAFETY EQUIPMENT WILL BE WORKING. I WAS SHOCKED AND HURT AT THE SAME TIME. AFTER THAT FEW MONTHS LATER I RECEIVED AIRBAG RECALL NOTICE TO TAKE THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIR TO THE NEAREST TOYOTA DEALER SHIP. I WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING AND THEY COULDN'T FIX THE AIR BAG SIGN COMING ON THE DASHBOARD AND THEY DIDN'T FIX THE DEFECTIVE AIRBAG. I AM REFERRING TO THIS SERIOUS ISSUE WITHOUT ANY OUTCOME. MY INJURED TO ME AND MY FAMILY IS NOT WORTH DRIVING DEFECTIVE VEHICLE. I NEED SOMEONE WHO CAN GET BACK TO ME AND PROVIDE SOLUTION. *TR

NHTSA ID 11323606 · filed May 7, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Matrix. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights started flashing and the RPM gauge fluctuated from a low RPM to high RPM. The contact stated that he pulled over and attempted to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The contact had a voltmeter and checked the battery and noticed that the battery was low on charge. The contact had recently installed a new battery. The contact jump started the vehicle and was able to shift into drive (D) however, the vehicle was hesitating and not responsive while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had become a recurring failure. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact had requested vehicle history from the manufacturer and determined that the Electronic Control Unit had been replaced in 2011 under NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V384000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.

NHTSA ID 11523485 · filed May 23, 2023

The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Corolla Matrix. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a transmission center and the contact was informed that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V384000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was contacted and the contact was referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was 143,000.

NHTSA ID 11470853 · filed Jun 24, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY FOUR EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLES ARE MADE UP OF CHEAP PLASTIC AND THEY HAVE DISINTEGRATED. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO OPERATE THIS VEHICLE SINCE GETTING IN AND OUT OF THIS VEHICLE IS NOT EASY. I CAN ONLY ACCESS THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE DRIVER'S DOOR. ALL THE OTHER HANDLES HAVE BROKEN OFF COMPLETELY. WHEN YOU USE THIS VEHICLE IN AN URBAN, TRAFFIC CONGESTED SITUATION, ENTERING THIS CAR BECOMES VERY DANGEROUS. IF THIS VEHICLE WAS EVER INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT, IT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE TO JUST OPEN THE CAR DOORS TO RESCUE PASSENGERS SINCE THE DOOR ARE INOPERABLE.

NHTSA ID 11081865 · filed Mar 28, 2018

PLASTIC DOOR HANDLES BREAK OFF. THIS POSES DANGER TO RESCUE PERSONNEL WHO MAY NEED TO SAFELY AND QUICK REMOVE CAR OCCUPANTS.

NHTSA ID 11039273 · filed Oct 24, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

NUMEROUS TIMES WHILE DRIVING, REGARDLESS OF SPEED (SOMETIMES ON THE HIGHWAY AT 75 MPH, OTHERS WHEN PULLING OUT FROM A STOP TO CROSS A BUSY INTERSECTION), THE VEHICLE SEIZES AND I LOSE CONTROL OF ALL ACCELERATION AND BRAKING MECHANISMS, WHILE THE ENGINE REVS AND THE CAR SLOWS TO ALMOST TOTAL STOP, WITH MY ONLY HOPE OF SWERVING INTO A DITCH TO AVOID BEING REAR ENDED BY THE CARS AND MASSIVE MAC TRUCKS BEHIND MY VEHICLE, IMPOSSIBLE TO AVOID COLLIDING ON THE NARROW STEEP RURAL ROADS. IN THE COURSE OF ONE MILE, TODAY SPECIFICALLY, THE VEHICLE CONVULSED AND SEIZED FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS, WHERE I COULD ONLY TURN MY BLINKER ON AND HOPE PEOPLE COULD GO AROUND ME. I LONG CONSIDERED THIS ISSUE RELATED TO SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS, BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT IT FEELS LIKE, THOUGH EXPERIENCING THE TERROR OF LOSING COMPLETE CONTROL ON A HOT SUNNY, DRY DAY LAST SUMMER PUT THE SEVERITY OF THIS ISSUE INTO PERSPECTIVE- THE DRIVER NEEDS TO BE IN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND THE FULL OPERATOR OF EVERY FUNCTION TO PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM BECOMING A DEADLY WEAPON. THIS VEHICLE INHIBITS MY ABILITY TO PREVENT HARM. IN TRYING TO DIAGNOSE THIS ISSUE, I HAVE SPENT TENS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS, AND THE VEHICLE STILL REMAINS UNSAFE. ON 4/9/18, I SPENT $2,065.29 TO REPLACE WHEEL BEARINGS FOR THE SECOND TIME IN UNDER A YEAR AND A HALF, AS WELL AS SERVICED THE EMERGENCY BREAK, PURCHASED NEW TIRES YET AGAIN, AND REBUILT THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION. BACK ON 11/20/17, THE VEHICLE RECEIVED BRAND NEW LF WHEEL BEARING AND BRAND NEW SPARK PLUGS FOR $535.29 TO CURE THE POWER ISSUE, TO NO AVAIL. ONLY 8 MONTHS EARLIER ON 3/30/17, I SPENT IN EXCESS OF $1200 TO SERVICE THE STRUTS, SHOCKS, REAR BRAKES, BREAK PADS, RODARS, BRAKE CALLIPERS, AND REAR EMERGENCY BREAK, AND STILL THE ISSUE PERSISTED. THE ENGINE, WHEELS, AND BRAKES OF THIS 2007 TOYOTA MATRIX CONTINUE TO IMPEDE MY ABILITY TO KEEP THE PEOPLE ON THE ROAD SAFE.

NHTSA ID 11195934 · filed Apr 12, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA COROLLA MATRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, A KNOCKING SOUND EMITTED FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE PADS AND TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE DEALER FAILED TO FURTHER SERVICE THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE WAS 59,632.

NHTSA ID 10663481 · filed Dec 10, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

NUMEROUS TIMES WHILE DRIVING, REGARDLESS OF SPEED (SOMETIMES ON THE HIGHWAY AT 75 MPH, OTHERS WHEN PULLING OUT FROM A STOP TO CROSS A BUSY INTERSECTION), THE VEHICLE SEIZES AND I LOSE CONTROL OF ALL ACCELERATION AND BRAKING MECHANISMS, WHILE THE ENGINE REVS AND THE CAR SLOWS TO ALMOST TOTAL STOP, WITH MY ONLY HOPE OF SWERVING INTO A DITCH TO AVOID BEING REAR ENDED BY THE CARS AND MASSIVE MAC TRUCKS BEHIND MY VEHICLE, IMPOSSIBLE TO AVOID COLLIDING ON THE NARROW STEEP RURAL ROADS. IN THE COURSE OF ONE MILE, TODAY SPECIFICALLY, THE VEHICLE CONVULSED AND SEIZED FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS, WHERE I COULD ONLY TURN MY BLINKER ON AND HOPE PEOPLE COULD GO AROUND ME. I LONG CONSIDERED THIS ISSUE RELATED TO SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS, BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT IT FEELS LIKE, THOUGH EXPERIENCING THE TERROR OF LOSING COMPLETE CONTROL ON A HOT SUNNY, DRY DAY LAST SUMMER PUT THE SEVERITY OF THIS ISSUE INTO PERSPECTIVE- THE DRIVER NEEDS TO BE IN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND THE FULL OPERATOR OF EVERY FUNCTION TO PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM BECOMING A DEADLY WEAPON. THIS VEHICLE INHIBITS MY ABILITY TO PREVENT HARM. IN TRYING TO DIAGNOSE THIS ISSUE, I HAVE SPENT TENS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS, AND THE VEHICLE STILL REMAINS UNSAFE. ON 4/9/18, I SPENT $2,065.29 TO REPLACE WHEEL BEARINGS FOR THE SECOND TIME IN UNDER A YEAR AND A HALF, AS WELL AS SERVICED THE EMERGENCY BREAK, PURCHASED NEW TIRES YET AGAIN, AND REBUILT THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION. BACK ON 11/20/17, THE VEHICLE RECEIVED BRAND NEW LF WHEEL BEARING AND BRAND NEW SPARK PLUGS FOR $535.29 TO CURE THE POWER ISSUE, TO NO AVAIL. ONLY 8 MONTHS EARLIER ON 3/30/17, I SPENT IN EXCESS OF $1200 TO SERVICE THE STRUTS, SHOCKS, REAR BRAKES, BREAK PADS, RODARS, BRAKE CALLIPERS, AND REAR EMERGENCY BREAK, AND STILL THE ISSUE PERSISTED. THE ENGINE, WHEELS, AND BRAKES OF THIS 2007 TOYOTA MATRIX CONTINUE TO IMPEDE MY ABILITY TO KEEP THE PEOPLE ON THE ROAD SAFE.

NHTSA ID 11195934 · filed Apr 12, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 70MPH ALONG THE BEELINE HIGHWAY OUTSIDE OF PHOENIX AZ AND NEGOTIATING A GENTLE CURVE IN THE ROAD. IT WAS ABOUT 1:30PM ON A CLEAR DAY. I FELT A STRONG LURCH (THOUGHT I HAD BEEN HIT FROM BEHIND ALTHOUGH I KNEW THERE WERE NO CARS AROUND ME) ALMOST IMMEDIATELY I ATTEMPTED TO STRAIGHTEN THE WHEEL AND FOUND MYSELF UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CAR MOUNTED THE MEDIAN ROAD DIVIDER, CAME DOWN, SPUN 360 DEGREES AND GENTLY DRIFTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I WAS NOT INJURED BUT THE CAR WAS TOTALED. I LOOKED ON LINE AFTER THE ACCIDENT AND DID FIND SOME ACCOUNTS OF THIS KIND OF FROZEN WHEEL SCENARIO WITH THE LURCH THAT I FELT BUT ALSO AT MUCH LOWER SPEEDS. AS I UNDERSTAND YOU KEEP STATISTICS ON VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONS I FEEL IT IMPORTANT TO REPORT THIS UNUSUAL ACCIDENT TO YOUR AGENCY.

NHTSA ID 11048559 · filed Nov 27, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA COROLLA MATRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, A KNOCKING SOUND EMITTED FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE PADS AND TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE DEALER FAILED TO FURTHER SERVICE THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE WAS 59,632.

NHTSA ID 10663481 · filed Dec 10, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Vehicle keeps stalling while driving if stopped at a light or stop sign or if mrps drop to low engine shuts off lights flicker and no check engine light has come on.

NHTSA ID 11627670 · filed Nov 27, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I BOUGHT BRAND NEW TOYOTO 2007 MATRIX IN 2007 IN USA. WHY UNTIL NOW IT NOT GIVE ME RECALL PROBLEM FIX??? IN 2019, TOYOTA KNOW MY PHONE NUMBER AND MY CAR 3 MONTHS IT CALLED ME WAIT FOR RECALL FOR 2 MONTH MORE. BUT NOW IT NOT GIVE ME RECALL SUCCESSFULLY.

NHTSA ID 11266034 · filed Oct 4, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Vehicle keeps stalling while driving if stopped at a light or stop sign or if mrps drop to low engine shuts off lights flicker and no check engine light has come on.

NHTSA ID 11627670 · filed Nov 27, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

NUMEROUS TIMES WHILE DRIVING, REGARDLESS OF SPEED (SOMETIMES ON THE HIGHWAY AT 75 MPH, OTHERS WHEN PULLING OUT FROM A STOP TO CROSS A BUSY INTERSECTION), THE VEHICLE SEIZES AND I LOSE CONTROL OF ALL ACCELERATION AND BRAKING MECHANISMS, WHILE THE ENGINE REVS AND THE CAR SLOWS TO ALMOST TOTAL STOP, WITH MY ONLY HOPE OF SWERVING INTO A DITCH TO AVOID BEING REAR ENDED BY THE CARS AND MASSIVE MAC TRUCKS BEHIND MY VEHICLE, IMPOSSIBLE TO AVOID COLLIDING ON THE NARROW STEEP RURAL ROADS. IN THE COURSE OF ONE MILE, TODAY SPECIFICALLY, THE VEHICLE CONVULSED AND SEIZED FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS, WHERE I COULD ONLY TURN MY BLINKER ON AND HOPE PEOPLE COULD GO AROUND ME. I LONG CONSIDERED THIS ISSUE RELATED TO SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS, BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT IT FEELS LIKE, THOUGH EXPERIENCING THE TERROR OF LOSING COMPLETE CONTROL ON A HOT SUNNY, DRY DAY LAST SUMMER PUT THE SEVERITY OF THIS ISSUE INTO PERSPECTIVE- THE DRIVER NEEDS TO BE IN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND THE FULL OPERATOR OF EVERY FUNCTION TO PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM BECOMING A DEADLY WEAPON. THIS VEHICLE INHIBITS MY ABILITY TO PREVENT HARM. IN TRYING TO DIAGNOSE THIS ISSUE, I HAVE SPENT TENS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS, AND THE VEHICLE STILL REMAINS UNSAFE. ON 4/9/18, I SPENT $2,065.29 TO REPLACE WHEEL BEARINGS FOR THE SECOND TIME IN UNDER A YEAR AND A HALF, AS WELL AS SERVICED THE EMERGENCY BREAK, PURCHASED NEW TIRES YET AGAIN, AND REBUILT THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION. BACK ON 11/20/17, THE VEHICLE RECEIVED BRAND NEW LF WHEEL BEARING AND BRAND NEW SPARK PLUGS FOR $535.29 TO CURE THE POWER ISSUE, TO NO AVAIL. ONLY 8 MONTHS EARLIER ON 3/30/17, I SPENT IN EXCESS OF $1200 TO SERVICE THE STRUTS, SHOCKS, REAR BRAKES, BREAK PADS, RODARS, BRAKE CALLIPERS, AND REAR EMERGENCY BREAK, AND STILL THE ISSUE PERSISTED. THE ENGINE, WHEELS, AND BRAKES OF THIS 2007 TOYOTA MATRIX CONTINUE TO IMPEDE MY ABILITY TO KEEP THE PEOPLE ON THE ROAD SAFE.

NHTSA ID 11195934 · filed Apr 12, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .