2008 Toyota Matrix Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2008 Toyota Matrix has a complaint index of 38, ranking 6th out of 9 model years, and earns a Good verdict. It had 38 complaints, 2 recalls, and no fires, with engine issues being the top problem area.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 38/100
- #6 of 9 Matrix years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 38
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 6
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 28
- 25.5 city / 32 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2008 Toyota Matrix problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine15 (39%)
- Electrical System8 (21%)
- Brakes7 (18%)
- Airbags6 (16%)
- Steering4 (11%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (8%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (8%)
- Other2 (5%)
- Structure & Body2 (5%)
- Visibility & Wipers2 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Rear window glass has spontaneously shattered while driving at highway speed with no sign of impact.
- Airbags failed to deploy in low-speed rear-end and front-end collisions.
- Some owners report the car drifting to one side at highway speeds despite steering correction.
- Premature tire wear was reported at low mileage, which owners attributed to alignment rather than the tires themselves.
- One owner reported sudden acceleration when braking was attempted in wet conditions.
2008 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.
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
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Toyota Matrix reliable?
- Compared with other Matrix model years, 2008 ranks 6th out of 9 with a complaint index of 38 and a Good verdict based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls.
- What problems does the 2008 Toyota Matrix have?
- NHTSA lists 38 complaints for the 2008 Matrix, led by engine issues (15 complaints, 39% share) followed by electrical system and brake complaints.
- Does the 2008 Toyota Matrix have any recalls?
- Yes, two recalls: one for a possible engine control module manufacturing issue and one for a tire and rim labeling compliance issue. Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
- What year Toyota Matrix should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA data, 2005, 2006, and 2009 are rated Avoid for the Matrix, with complaint indexes of 75, 88, and 100 respectively, all higher than the 2008 model's index of 38.
- How does the 2008 Matrix compare to the 2012 model?
- The 2012 Matrix has a much lower complaint index of 13 and is rated Best, while the 2008 model's index of 38 earns a Good verdict, making 2012 the stronger choice among these two.