What is the worst year for the Toyota Matrix?

The 2010 Toyota Matrix is the worst year based on NHTSA data, with 45 complaints and a complaint index of 100, mostly tied to airbag failures.

Is the 2011 Toyota Matrix reliable?

The 2011 Matrix is rated Caution, with 10 complaints and a complaint index of 67, lower risk than 2010 but still notable for airbag-related reports at a median 70,000 miles.

Which Toyota Matrix year is best to buy?

Among the years covered, 2012 has the fewest reported problems, with only 5 complaints and a complaint index of 33; 2013 had zero complaints logged.

Does the 2010 Toyota Matrix have an airbag recall?

Yes. NHTSA recall campaign 16V340000 covers airbags on the 2010 Matrix, and airbags account for 60% of that year's complaints.

What problems do 2010 Toyota Matrix owners report most?

Owners most often reported airbag failures (60% of complaints), followed by engine issues (16%) and brake problems (13%), with brake failures reported at a median 39,000 miles.

Toyota Matrix Best and Worst Years (2010–2013)

The 2010 Toyota Matrix is the year to avoid, with 45 complaints and a complaint index of 100, driven mostly by airbag issues (60% of its complaints). 2012 is the strongest year with just 5 complaints and an index of 33; no year is marked Best in this dataset.

Avoid 2010

Model years: 4; 2010–2013
NHTSA complaints: 60
Recall campaigns: 5
Crashes reported: 6
Fires reported: 0
Top problem area: Airbags

Matrix Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Toyota Matrix problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Avoid	100	45	5	4	Airbags	24	—
2011	Caution	67	10	1	2	Airbags	24	—
2012	Good	33	5	0	1	Airbags	24	—
2013	No verdict	0	0	0	1	—	24	—

Matrix years to avoid: what went wrong

2010 Toyota Matrix Index 100 · 45 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2010 Matrix logged 45 complaints, the most of any year covered, and carries a complaint index of 100, the worst in the lineup. Airbags were the top concern, making up 60% of its complaints, with a median failure mileage of 69,186 miles; owners described airbags failing to deploy in crashes. Brake complaints (13% share) reported failure to stop at a median 39,000 miles, including one case ending in a totaled vehicle. Engine issues (16% share) included accelerator pedals sticking, with a median failure mileage of 40,000 miles. The year had four recall campaigns, including one covering airbags and two tire-label compliance recalls.

2010 airbags problems →

Most common Toyota Matrix problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Airbags41 (68%)
Engine8 (13%)
Brakes6 (10%)
Other3 (5%)
Steering3 (5%)
Structure & Body2 (3%)
Visibility & Wipers2 (3%)
Electrical System1 (2%)
Seat Belts1 (2%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (2%)

Frequently asked questions

What is the worst year for the Toyota Matrix?: The 2010 Toyota Matrix is the worst year based on NHTSA data, with 45 complaints and a complaint index of 100, mostly tied to airbag failures.
Is the 2011 Toyota Matrix reliable?: The 2011 Matrix is rated Caution, with 10 complaints and a complaint index of 67, lower risk than 2010 but still notable for airbag-related reports at a median 70,000 miles.
Which Toyota Matrix year is best to buy?: Among the years covered, 2012 has the fewest reported problems, with only 5 complaints and a complaint index of 33; 2013 had zero complaints logged.
Does the 2010 Toyota Matrix have an airbag recall?: Yes. NHTSA recall campaign 16V340000 covers airbags on the 2010 Matrix, and airbags account for 60% of that year's complaints.
What problems do 2010 Toyota Matrix owners report most?: Owners most often reported airbag failures (60% of complaints), followed by engine issues (16%) and brake problems (13%), with brake failures reported at a median 39,000 miles.