2012 Toyota Matrix Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
33/100
#3 most-complained of 4 Matrix years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2012 Toyota Matrix ranks 3rd out of 4 model years, with a complaint index of 33 and a Good verdict relative to other years. It has 5 complaints, 1 recall, and no crashes, fires, or deaths reported.
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 21 city / 28 hwy
Top 2012 Toyota Matrix problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags4 (80%)
- Engine1 (20%)
What owners report
- Owners report delays getting parts for the Takata airbag recall, with dealers unable to complete the repair for extended periods.
- Some owners describe the airbag as unresponsive despite repeated dealer visits.
- One owner reported being told to avoid front-seat passengers until the recall remedy was completed, due to airbag deployment concerns.
- One owner reported the engine making noises and shutting down at highway speed near 65 mph, with oil and service engine lights illuminating before the vehicle needed towing, at 135,000 miles.
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?
- Compared to other Matrix model years, 2012 ranks well. It has a complaint index of 33, ranking 3rd best out of 4 years, and carries a Good verdict.
- What problems does the 2012 Toyota Matrix have?
- NHTSA lists 5 complaints for the 2012 Matrix, with airbags making up 80% of them and engine issues making up the remaining 20%. There have been no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths.
- Does the 2012 Toyota Matrix have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2012 Matrix, campaign 20V024000, covering an airbag electronic control unit issue that can affect deployment during certain crashes.
- What year Toyota Matrix should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA data, 2010 is the year to avoid, with 45 complaints, 4 recalls, and a complaint index of 100. The 2012 model year is comparatively Good, with an index of 33.
- At what mileage do 2012 Toyota Matrix problems occur?
- NHTSA data show a median mileage at failure of 79,000 across all complaints. Airbag issues showed a median mileage of 23,000, while the engine complaint occurred at 135,000 miles.