CarRecallDB

2008 Toyota Matrix recalls and problems

2 recalls and 38 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Toyota Matrix.

2
recalls
38
owner complaints
6
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2008 Toyota Matrix recalls

Engine and engine cooling

NHTSA campaign 10V384000 · reported August 26, 2010 · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 1,128,659 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The fix
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.

Equipment: other, labels

NHTSA campaign 10V035000 · reported February 3, 2010 · GULF STATES TOYOTA, INC. · 271,417 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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 between september 1, 2005 and june 2, 2008 without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.
The risk
This does not meet the standard requirements.
The fix
Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact gulf states toyota at 713-580-3300.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Mar 3, 2020 · Electrical system

2008 TOYOTA MATRIX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TOYOTA COMPUTER SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER HAD NOT REPLACED THE ECM, BUT CLAIMED IT WAS REPLACED.

Oct 26, 2018 · Engine · 97,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA MATRIX. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND ON IN ORDER TO DRIVE PROPERLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES, ESPECIALLY AT RED LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BENNETT TOYOTA…

Jul 7, 2017 · Tires · 105,000 miles

DANGEROUS, POOR TRACTION ON WET PAVEMENT SUMITOMO TOUR PLUS LS-H WHEN ON A STEEP ROAD IN SAN FRANCISCO, MY TIRES SKIDDED RATHER THAN GRAB THE ROAD ON A RAINY DAY IN THE WINTER OF 2016. THIS ALSO HAPPENED DURING THE WINTER OF 2017. IT IS DANGEROUS. I NEED TO CHANGE THE TIRES BEFORE SELLING MY CAR TO ANOTHER PERSON.

Apr 27, 2017 · Air bags · 235,000 miles · crash reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF THE CONTACT MADE AN UNEXPECTED STOP CAUSING THE CONTACT TO REAR END THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THERE WAS FRONT-END DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…

Jul 28, 2016 · Air bags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V127000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS…

Matrix model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2005 1213102
2006 3170170
2007 296112
2008 23860
2009 3192341
2010 44550
2011 21010

Across all years, the 2003 Matrix has the most complaints (268). All Toyota Matrix years →

Questions

Does the 2008 Toyota Matrix have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2008 Toyota Matrix, the most recent reported on August 26, 2010 (Engine and engine cooling). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Toyota Matrix?
Owners have filed 38 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is vehicle speed control (11 complaints), followed by electrical system (8).
How many 2008 Toyota Matrix complaints mention a crash or fire?
6 of 38 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received March 3, 2020.