2012 Toyota Matrix Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2012 Toyota Matrix ranks 8th of 9 model years with a complaint index of 13, the second-lowest among all years, and earns a Best verdict. NHTSA lists 5 complaints, 1 recall, and no crashes, fires, or deaths for this year.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 13/100
- #8 of 9 Matrix years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 5
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 21 city / 28 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2012 Toyota Matrix problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags4 (80%)
- Engine1 (20%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the engine losing power and shutting down at highway speed, accompanied by oil and service engine warning lights.
- Multiple owners describe long delays getting Takata airbag recall parts, with dealers reporting parts unavailable for extended periods.
- One owner said the airbag defect meant avoiding front-seat passengers until the recall repair was completed.
- Owners report repeated attempts at Toyota dealers to fix an unresponsive airbag recall issue with no resolution.
2012 Toyota Matrix recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V024000Jan 17, 2020Airbags2,891,976 vehicles
Air bags: air bag/restraint control module
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles. During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly disabling the deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.
Risk: In the event of a crash, air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners that do not deploy as intended may increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ECU and install a noise filter between the air bag control module and its wire harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk beginning March 2, 2020. A second letter notifying owners of the remedy repair will be mailed between March 16, 2020 and June 27, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB03, 20TA03 and 20TA05.
2012 Toyota Matrix fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 21 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 24 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,700
- 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.
2012 compared with other Matrix years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Toyota Matrix reliable?
- Among 2012 Toyota Matrix model years, 2012 has a complaint index of 13, the second-lowest of the nine years with data, and carries a Best verdict.
- What problems does the 2012 Toyota Matrix have?
- NHTSA lists 5 complaints for 2012, with 4 involving airbags (80% share) and 1 involving the engine, which failed at a median of 135,000 miles.
- Does the 2012 Toyota Matrix have a recall?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 20V024000) covers the airbag electronic control unit, which Toyota addresses by installing a noise filter in the airbag control module.
- What year Toyota Matrix should I avoid?
- Based on complaint index, 2009 (100) and 2006 (88) are the highest-risk Matrix years and carry Avoid verdicts, unlike 2012.