NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 96 owner complaints for the 2007 Toyota Matrix. Most complaints involve air bags (36) and vehicle speed control (12). The EPA rates it 27–29 mpg combined.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER TOYOTA WHITTIER LOCATED AT 14577 E, WHITTIER BLVD, WHITTIER, CA 90605, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG COIL WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA MATRIX. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS EXITING A PARKING GARAGE AND WAITING AT A TOLL BOOTH, IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND A RETAINING WALL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE MINOR INJURIES, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000. UPDATED 04/19/17 *LJ *CN”
“THERE MULTIPLE TIMES WERE MY VEHICLE WILL LOSE ALL POWER AND NOT RESTART AFTER BEING TURNED OFF. I HAVE HAD THE BATTERY CHANGED TO BRAND NEW, PLUS A DIFFERENT ALTERNATOR INSTALLED WITH NO FIX TO THE ISSUE. I DO BELIEVE MY VEHICLE ECM HAS GONE BAD AND I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matrix Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 33 | 29 | $2,200 | 306 |
| Matrix Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 31 | 27 | $2,400 | 329 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 96 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (36), vehicle speed control (12), electrical system (12). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2007 Toyota Matrix at 27–29 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).