2007 Toyota Matrix Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2007 Toyota Matrix has a Complaint Index of 63 and ranks 4th worst out of 9 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 96 complaints, 2 recalls, and airbags as the top problem area with 36 complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 63/100
- #4 of 9 Matrix years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 96
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 11
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 7
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 28
- 25.5 city / 32 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 7 / 0
Top 2007 Toyota Matrix problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags36 (38%)
- Engine26 (27%)
- Electrical System13 (14%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires8 (8%)
- Fuel System6 (6%)
- Structure & Body5 (5%)
- Brakes4 (4%)
- Transmission & Powertrain4 (4%)
- Other3 (3%)
- Steering1 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy during low-speed and highway-speed collisions, leaving occupants with injuries like sprained shoulders.
- Some owners reported airbag warning messages appearing after crashes even though the seat belt tensioned properly.
- Engine compartment fires occurred, including burning plastic smells and visible flickers near the dashboard.
- Sudden loss of engine power or acceleration was reported, including a case where the car would not exceed 5 mph.
- Owners described the vehicle lurching or losing control while braking, in one case resulting in a crash into a building.
- Electrical system failures included engine seizing at a stop, inaccurate speedometer readings, and smoke from under the hood.
2007 Toyota Matrix recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 10V384000Aug 26, 2010Engine1,128,659 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling
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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 10V035000Feb 3, 2010Other271,417 vehicles
Equipment:other:labels
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.
Risk: This does not meet the standard requirements.
Remedy: 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.
2007 Toyota Matrix fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 25.5 MPG
- Highway
- 32 MPG
- Combined
- 28 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,325
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2007 compared with other Matrix years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2007 Toyota Matrix reliable?
- NHTSA data shows the 2007 Matrix has a Complaint Index of 63, ranking 4th worst among the 9 model years with data, which puts it in the Caution category.
- What is the top problem area for the 2007 Toyota Matrix?
- Airbags are the top problem area, accounting for 36 of the 96 complaints (38%), with a median failure mileage of 92,500.
- Does the 2007 Toyota Matrix have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2007 Matrix, one for the engine control module on 1ZZ-FE two-wheel-drive engines and one for a tire and rim labeling requirement.
- How does the 2007 Matrix compare to other years?
- The 2007 model's Complaint Index of 63 is better than 2005 (75), 2006 (88), and 2009 (100), all rated Avoid, but worse than 2008 (38, Good) and 2012 (13, Best).