YearToAvoid

2008 Toyota Matrix Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Good

Complaint Index

38/100

#6 most-complained of 9 Matrix years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2008 Toyota Matrix has 38 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 38 out of 100 — #6 highest of 9 Matrix model years (verdict: Good). The most reported problem area is engine (15 complaints, 39% of the total). Complaints report 6 crashes and 2 injuries.

Complaints
38
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
6 / 0
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
28
25.5 city / 32 hwy

Top 2008 Toyota Matrix problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine15 (39%)
  2. Electrical System8 (21%)
  3. Brakes7 (18%)
  4. Airbags6 (16%)
  5. Steering4 (11%)
  6. Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (8%)
  7. Transmission & Powertrain3 (8%)
  8. Other2 (5%)
  9. Structure & Body2 (5%)
  10. Visibility & Wipers2 (5%)
2008 Toyota Matrix complaints: complaints filed per month7Feb 2008Jan 2010May 2010Jul 2011Jul 2015May 2016Oct 2018
52 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2008 to Mar 2020; peak Mar 2010 (7).

2008 Toyota Matrix recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

2008 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.

2008 compared with other Matrix years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100200520062007200820092010201120122013
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2006Avoid88170326
2007Caution6396228
2008Good3838228
2009Avoid100192324
2010Caution5045424

All Toyota Matrix years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2008 Toyota Matrix a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2008 Toyota Matrix ranks #6 of 9 among Matrix model years (Complaint Index 38/100, verdict: Good). It has 38 complaints and 2 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Toyota Matrix?
The most reported problem areas are engine (15 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints), and brakes (7 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 35,169 miles.
Does the 2008 Toyota Matrix have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2008 Toyota Matrix, most recently reported 2010, covering engine and other.
What is the fuel economy of the 2008 Toyota Matrix?
EPA rates the 2008 Toyota Matrix at 28 MPG combined (25.5 city / 32 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,325. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.