AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
2011 Toyota Matrix
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 10 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2011 Toyota Matrix, most frequently naming the airbags category. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 211 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 2016 | 2 | 2 |
| Sep 2016 | 1 | 3 |
| Dec 2016 | 1 | 4 |
| Jul 2017 | 1 | 5 |
| Sep 2017 | 4 | 9 |
| Feb 2018 | 1 | 10 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Airbags10100.0%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
2 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V340000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED WEST KENDALL TOYOTA AT (786) 619-3668 (LOCATED AT 13800 SW 137TH AVE, MIAMI, FL 33186) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
- NHTSA ID
- 11066468
- Incident
- Dec 20, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA MATRIX. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, IT WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN FROM THE SCENE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THERE WAS ONE INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT SUFFERED FROM A TEAR IN HER ROTATOR CUFF. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 58,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11024249
- Incident
- Nov 30, 2016
- Mileage
- 58,000 mi
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V006000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED IRA TOYOTA (468 MAIN ST TEWKSBURY, MA) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
- NHTSA ID
- 11024229
- Incident
- Mar 6, 2017
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V340000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (SLOANE TOYOTA OF MALVERN, PHONE NUMBER: 484-329-7300) DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACTS VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
- NHTSA ID
- 11023433
- Incident
- May 23, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V340000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SAN FRANCISCO TOYOTA (3800 GEARY BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118 (415) 750-8300) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
- NHTSA ID
- 11022639
- Incident
- May 23, 2016
TAKATA RECALL: IN JULY 2016 I RECEIVED NOTICE FROM TOYOTA OF PASSENGER AIR BAG RECALL & TOLD NO ONE CAN RIDE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. I HAVE A DISABLED DAUGHTER WHO CANNOT SIT IN THE BACK. I CALLED TOYOTA CORP AND THEY ARRANGED WITH THE LOCAL DEALER TO PROVIDE ME WITH A RENTAL CAR. MY CAR HAS BEEN SITTING OUTSIDE IN THE DESERT HEAT, BLOWING SAND AND SUN FOR A YEAR NOW. IN DECEMBER 2016 THE DEALER REFUSED TO PAY THE RENTAL BILL OF $1085 AND MY CREDIT CARD WAS CHARGED. I FOUGHT FOR A MONTH AND A HALF WITH THE DEALER, THE RENTAL COMPANY AND TOYOTA CORP AND FINALLY RECEIVED A CHECK FOR $1085. THE JANUARY 2017 BILL WAS PAID BUT NONE SINCE AND I NOW HAVE ANOTHER $1085 ON MY CREDIT CARD AND THE POSSIBILITY OF ANOTHER FOUR MONTHS OF CHARGES. THE DEALER REPRESENTATIVES REFUSE TO RETURN MY CALLS OR OFFER ANY EXPLANATION OTHER THAN THEY NEVER GOT THE BILLS. I FAXED THE BILLS TO THEM AND THE MGR. OF ENTERPRISE RENTAL WENT TO SEE THEM PERSONALLY - TO NO AVAIL. TOYOTA CORP SAYS THEY CAN DO NOTHING ABOUT THE DEALER NOT PAYING. THERE IS NO PLAN FOR WHEN MY CAR WILL BE FIXED NOR WHAT KIND OF CONDITION IT WILL BE IN WHEN AND IF I EVER GET IT BACK. PLEASE ADVISE IF I HAVE ANY OPTIONS. I AM 84 YEARS OLD, AND CAREGIVER FOR A DISABLED DAUGHTER WHO NEEDS TO TRAVEL 100 MILES AWAY ONCE OR TWICE A MONTH FOR MEDICAL ATTENTION. WE BOTH NEED WALKERS, SO I NEED A CAR THAT I CAN LOAD AND UNLOAD ON THESE TRIPS. THE RENTAL CAR IS PERFECT, BUT I CANNOT AFFORD $1085 A MONTH WHEN THE DEALER HAD AGREED TO THIS ARRANGEMENT.
- NHTSA ID
- 11006578
- Incident
- Jul 28, 2016
- Mileage
- 70,000 mi
TAKATA RECALL- THIS CAR HAS HAD A RECALL FOR THE FAULTY PASSENGER AIRBAG AND I USE THIS CAR FOR TRANSPORTING MY CHILD. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM FIXED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AS I'M PUTTING MY CHILD'S SAFETY AT RISK IN ITS CURRENT CONDITION. IF TOYOTA CAN'T RESOLVE THIS IN A TIMELY MANNER I NEED A RENTAL CAR UNTIL THEY ARE ABLE TO RESOLVE IT. THANKS
- NHTSA ID
- 10934807
- Incident
- May 23, 2016
- Mileage
- 75,000 mi
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V340000 (AIR BAGS) AND HAD NOT RECEIVED THE SECOND NOTICE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE PARTS MAY BECOME AVAILABLE TO RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
- NHTSA ID
- 10910493
- Incident
- Jun 1, 2016
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: •Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. •Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. •Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. It is the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.
STRUCTURE:BODY
The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. It is the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting.
STRUCTURE:BODY
To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to remove the RapgardTM protective film within 90 days from initial application.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to clean vehicles that may have been subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles such as rail dust during rail transportation or extended storage near industrial areas.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.