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Matrix Transmission Problems

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Comments

  • marjomarjo Member Posts: 28
    While you're at it, all Canadians write to W5 at CTV. Might not be a big enough story for them, but worth a try. They love car scams. I wrote them a letter but haven't heard back. Wonder what consumer reports' used car guide has for reliability for the 2003-04 Matrix? Should be zero.
  • gmoregmore Member Posts: 11
    I will call them, email them and write them a letter.

    For a good laugh, here is the response I just got from Toyota Canada regarding the my transmission:

    "Toyota Canada Inc. is not aware of any common concerns with the transmission on the Toyota Matrix. However, we suggest discussing this directly with the Service Manager at your Toyota dealership. They would be in the best position to advise you in this regard."

    Poor dealers having to lie on behalf of Toyota Inc not taking responsibility.

    Lets all chant together "Buy a Honda, Buy A Honda, Buy a Honda, Buy a Honda"

    When I get my car fixed, I am going to put a info sheet on both windows as well as stick notes on other Matrix Cars, telling the world what Toyota is doing. Bye Bye Reputation!

    We should all do that!
  • marjomarjo Member Posts: 28
    I've been tempted to leave notes on every Matrix I see, but haven't had the time. I emailed Toyota dealers in Halifax, Dartmouth, Fredericton and Saint John as well as Toyota Canada.
  • gmoregmore Member Posts: 11
    Just so everyone knows the president and CEO of Toyota Canada is named Kenji Tomikawa.

    I am trying to search for an email address or phone number. If anyone can assist, then post what they find on this blog, it would be appreciated.

    Also another problem.....

    Since Toyota will not admit there is a problem, then there is no sure fix. If you purchase a replacement part for your transmission from Toyota, it will blow again. If you purchase a used transmission from the wrecker (if you can find one, because I just called everyone in Greater Vancouver and they are all gone as its a hot item), it will blow again as this is a manufacturing problem.

    Luckily my brother-in-law who is a Honda mechanic is getting a new custom main bearing made for me and doing the work for free. I'll just pay for the parts. So I am luckily. But Toyota is wrong and I will not purchase from them again.

    Until Toyota admits there is a problem, there is no fix. So to those that have fixed their transmissions already, you also need to keep up the pressure as your transmission will blow again - sorry.
  • jamesimcbjamesimcb Member Posts: 13
    No custom bearing is needed. There is a updated kit. The problem is a defective main bearing from Japan. Not sure where the revised kit bearing comes from. My personal opinion is that Toyota will not do anything. The 5 speed transmission is probably only 10-15% of all of the Toyota Matrix on the road. I have heard of some going up to 200K before failure. As it only affects a very limited sub set of customers and most bearings are lasting at least 100K km's I think we are all screwed. If the automatic transmission was failing you could be almost certain that there would be a recall.

    Keep in mind that this is the same Toyota that for years did not admit to the sludge problem in their 4 bangers. The dealers were trained to say that it was normal just as the dealers are trained to say that our 5 speeds wear out and that they have never seen the premature failure before!

    It sucks but it is fixed in the 2005 on. Lesson learned that first gen cars always have more potential for problems until they work out the bugs. Usually in the second or third year of a bran new car.
  • matrixreloadedmatrixreloaded Member Posts: 9
    Alright, I have have heard enough!! I have been on this website for over a year listening to all the complaints about the Toyota Matrix between 2003 - 2005. Is anybody willing to do anything about it???? I go to Japan every year and I can tell you that if the President's of Toyota in Japan knew what was happening in Canada they would be totally ashamed of what is happening. DO YOU KNOW THAT THE MATRIX IS BUILT IN CANADA AND USA? I have a Matrix 2004 XRS manual transmission and had to have the clutch replaced at 113,000, I am waiting for the transmission to go. If YOU ARE SERIOUS ABOUT MAKING SOMETHING HAPPEN THEN I NEED YOUR VIN NUMBER ON YOUR CAR, YEAR, AND CONTACT INFORMATION. I will definitely contact W5 and get this process started. I have been a committed Toyota user for over 20 years and have never had such a lemon as the car I am driving now - 2004 XRS Matrix 6 Speed. STOP COMPLAINING AND MAKE SOMETHING HAPPEN... I went to a Toyota dealer in the lower mainland who fully admitted that there was a problem with the Matrix between 2003 - 2005 because of the gear ratio and transmission. MY DAD IS A MECHANIC AND AGREES WITH THIS! When I logged onto this website there was only 8 pages...now there are 162....LET'S GET THINGS MOVING! PLEASE RESPOND TO THIS AND I WILL GIVE YOU CONTACT INFORMTION....MATRIX RELOADED
  • marjomarjo Member Posts: 28
    Not sure how to contact you directly, but since I sold this car, I don't mind putting the VIN on here.:
    2T1KR32E33C713851
    2003 Matrix Base indigo blue purchased May 2002.
    Only became available Feb'02 so mine was in one of the earliest batches of cars.

    My 1986 Corolla was way better than this piece of crap and had 230,000km on it when I sold it. Hence the reason I bought another Toyota! I like my Honda Fit, but it's kind of small and I don't appreciate a new car payment again after just paying off the last lemon.
    I did email W5, but the more people who do the better. I tried w-five@ctv.ca
    I'd still love to get my $2000 back from the repair job. Sold it 2mths after I fixed it so I could get a reasonable amount of cash for a down payment for a new one rather than waiting for re-failure.
  • gmoregmore Member Posts: 11
    Hey,

    Thanks for your help.

    Here is what I have now done.

    1. Wrote a letter to W5
    2. Wrote a letter to the Ministry of Transportation who is responsible for Vehicle recalls.
    3. Wrote a letter to Toyota Canada
    4. Went to my local dealer whom I bought the car from and complained to the service manager (whom, without outright admitting there is a problem, said there is one and that the new bearing will not explode).
    5. Sent a link for the blog to Toyota Canada and my dealer.

    I think your idea of complaining directly to Japan would be awesome. Also, I have been trying to get a lawyer who would be willing to take this to a class action level. I will keep trying.

    I dont want to post my details on a blog, so please email me at chickadees98@yahoo.com and I will follow up.

    Thanks
  • cruperjes8cruperjes8 Member Posts: 2
    I own a 03 Matrix XRS "AUTOMATIC!" and it currently has 67,000miles. I purchased the car summer of 04 as a "CERTIFIED" pre-owned with just over 8,000 miles. The car has been making a "GRINDING" sound like it is stuck between gears and it is getting louder and louder to the point "my teenage boys hate seating in the back seat." The noise is worst when I'm on the highway "loudest between 55mph and 70mph." I had taken the car for new tires at SEARS where the mechanic took the car for a test drive and confirmed the bearing on the car needed to be addressed. I'm will be scheduling an appointment with the dealership this week in hopes this will not turned in to a nightmare. :( I will post outcome.
  • pannobajipannobaji Member Posts: 8
    there is a court case going on in toronto against toyota canada as regards transmission failure
    toronto provincial courthouse
    347 sheppard avenue east
    toronto ontario canada
    10.00am july 11, 2008
    third floor
    i am not sure of the room number its probably 304 but if i am wrong try room 301
    might help your cause
  • aleonaleon Member Posts: 2
    I wrote around 2 to 3 wks back about my 2004 XR Matrix 5spd. I wrote that the transmissions going out due to a faulty bearing. I stopped driving it immediately. Was taking the bus, bumming rides, and always was on other peoples time. I bought the matrix off of a coworker and I came to find out she had an extended warranty on it. My mileage was at 61,0000. I first found out through my mechanic, then i took it to a transmission shop, lastely upon finding out my coworker had an extended warranty that she did not disclosed a year ago... I took it to the dealership. They replaced a brand new transmission free under warranty. It was to easy! I felt truly blessed! Lets hope that this baby lasts!! Also, the dealership has a goodwill program. The customer service and finance department folks are nuckleheads and do not know about what they can and can't do. Climb the chain.. be determine. Get your Matrix fixed. Be Strong!!
  • pannobajipannobaji Member Posts: 8
    i have posted info on entry 167 and nobody has reacted stop complaining and do something about the problem here is a court hearing about problem you are having TAKE NOTICE OF THIS TRIAL
  • marjomarjo Member Posts: 28
    Any idea who the law firm is? I'll be in TO this weekend and could sign paperwork in person if they want more people on the case, though I bet their office won't be open. I'd gladly sign onto the cause, I just can't be there July 11. Or is there a court website where I can look up the info?
    Thanks.
  • tuxristotuxristo Member Posts: 5
    hey,

    I haven't posted in a long time
    mine went out a few years back and my original post is #17!! of this ever growing thread.

    Anyway, the court case cought my attention and i think we should find out more about it.

    from some googling, there is a courthouse at 47 sheppard ave east in toronto .... phone number for their small claims is 416-326-3554
  • pannobajipannobaji Member Posts: 8
    thank you for correcting the address its 47 sheppard ave east and its the third floor
  • picnicpacpicnicpac Member Posts: 1
    I bought my 2005 Matrix with an AUTOMATIC transmission and only 45,000 miles on it on June 9th. It's back at the dealer for the 3rd time in 2 weeks. The first 2 fixes didn't work, so now they're putting in a 'brand new transmission'. I'm just sick over this. This is the newest and most expensive car I've ever purchased, and I've NEVER had these kinds of problems with my Hondas or other Toyotas, even when they had 195,000 miles on them! Although I live in Ohio, I'm going to follow this court case and I'm going to send my info to Matrix Reloaded as soon as I get the car back (the vin# is in my dash). Wish I would have done more thorough research first. I live by Consumer Reports, and they aren't showing any of these problems. :cry:
  • gmoregmore Member Posts: 11
    Aweseome on the Court Case!!!!!

    Tell me more about the Court Case. I am in Vancouver, BC, so I cant make it.

    Update on my car. Its fixed!!! Yes!! And its running just like new.

    Thankfully my brother in law is a mechanic and did all the labour for Free! I bought him a gift card, beer, pool game etc, etc.

    It was the main bearing just like everyone else. And we determinded that the fith gear is not broken by the bearing, but by when toyota pulls the gear off to get at the bearing. Interesting. The bearing only costs $50!!! Its all labour, so dont believe the dealer when they say its $600 parts - they are lying. Call up your local dealer and ask what the price of the main bearing is and they will say $50!!!!

    By the way, someone at toyota did say that the new bearing will not blow like the last one. Unfortunately, we will not get him on record, but the good news is once it is fixed, your done.

    I am also looking out for other matrix owners and when I see them I tell them about this site.

    Way to go on the court case keep it up.
  • pannobajipannobaji Member Posts: 8
    The bearing on the fifth gear is failing and will keep failing.
    The transmission code on the 5sp is C59. Check inside of the drivers
    door where it tells the date your car was made. C59 refers to the transmission
    used in the car. And by the way it is the same transmission code used from
    2002 to the brand new 2009. So they have not redisgned this transmission.
    The expert witness said that it will keep failing. I have replaced this trans 7 times.
    I have approx 535000kms on the car. I have no complaints with the rest of the
    car. Just the transmission.
    Basically this is a slam dunk case. Toyota on the other hand is trying anything
    to get off. That is obvious. Good luck to them. But we will keep pursuing till
    the end.
  • pannobajipannobaji Member Posts: 8
    If you could get W5 to the court house on July 11 then that would
    be best. It is at the toronto small claims court July 11 10 am 47 sheppard
    ave. east toronto 3rd floor . Any media would be good. The people
    need to know what is going on.
  • canonlawcanonlaw Member Posts: 20
    You replaced it seven times? Why would you keep doing that? That would be crazy! Did you keep putting in another transmission, or did you rebuild it?
  • jliberijliberi Member Posts: 4
    Hello,
    I have a general question:
    Is this still a problem on the 2009 XRS with a 5 speed auto as I was just about to purchase this car but now I am verrrrry worried.

    any info would be helpful
  • canonlawcanonlaw Member Posts: 20
    I think it is too new to know for sure. Someone here posted that the manual transmission part code is the same in the 09s as it is in the 2003, although they could have updated the failing parts like others have suggested. If it were me, I don't know that I would get the XRS, simply because they seem to not be able to handle their own power, at least the MT ones can't. I would, however, get a new Matrix S (is that the same as the XR?)
  • jliberijliberi Member Posts: 4
    I am looking at the auto trans not the manual.
    is it only the 5 speed manual that is having this problem?

    what do you mean by "not be able to handle their own power"? is the car rolling or becoming unstable?
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    I think you will find that the '09 XRS uses the Camry powertrain in its entirety, not the transmissions that are mated with the 1.8L engine in the '03-'08 Matrix.

    As such, you should have no particular cause for concern. If you research 4-cylinder Camrys, you will find nothing out of the ordinary with regard to problems with engine or transmissions.

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • jliberijliberi Member Posts: 4
    Do you know this to be fact?
    If so, that is good to know as I am looking at the 2.4 liter engine.
  • dallasdude1dallasdude1 Member Posts: 1,151
    Sounds like there is some Asian denial going on here. Fear not!!! I had mega problems with an 92 Camary (that was the first front wheel drive Camary). Everyone was just acting as if Toyota's were so so reliable and this just couldn't happen. Now I see that there is data out there which is consistent with the 92, 93, 94, 95 are just pieces of fecal matter. With all the hype about Japanese being superior, even that has gone to their head. they claim that if the car has one defect off the assembly line (at the Camary plant), IT CRUSHED. Well they missed one in 92.........lol
    Prior I had a 79 Celica and an 82 Supra. Both were awesome and built to foster brand loyalty. However, since that 92 Camary, I won't buy another Toyota. They never admitted to their errors and their egos have gotten bigger ever since. Toyota is living on a past reputation and we all know that catches up with them soon. Toyota or Lexus, they don't have transmissions which they would warranty for 200,000 miles, which they claim is low mileage for their product. Neither will after market warranty companies take that risk.
  • rich505rich505 Member Posts: 33
    I have a 94 Camry V6 LE with 94K+ miles. I have had some problems in the last few years that have been not cheap to fix: water pump seal leak and the ABS actuator failed. They had to replace the front calipers and rotors when they did the ABS as there were problems with the calipers seizing. The card had been through 12 Illinois winters where copious quantites of salt are used instead of plowing the streets.

    You see lots of high milage 92-96 (or whatever year models had the similar trunk lid lighting system) still on the road in Illinois and Pennsylvania where we live now.
  • loudog2loudog2 Member Posts: 83
    Are any of the AWD models having trans issues? We had an 2004 xr 4wd. No problems. Now we have a 2009 S AWD. Just wondering if I need to worry.
  • pannobajipannobaji Member Posts: 8
    Can anyone get the media to the court house on July 11/2008 at 10:00am
    W5 / the star / marketplace
    47 Sheppard ave east
    toronto, ontario
    Floor 3
  • rich505rich505 Member Posts: 33
    I beg to differ again, I just noticed more misinformation in your post.

    I had an 88 midyear (they called it an 88 1/2) made-in-Japan V6 Camry. I got that one in the Spring of 1988. It had 165 HP, the 4-wheel disk brakes were not very good, long stopping distances. That was the first V6 Camry and it was front wheel drive.

    I sold the 88 in November 1993 when I took delivery of one of the first US-made V6 Camrys. The braking in my 94 Camry with the optional ABS is/was better than most comparable cars at that time. The 94 had more horsepower than my 84 Supra.
  • gmoregmore Member Posts: 11
    Hi Everyone,

    I appreciate the comments, but we are going on a BIG TAGENT. I dont want to see this blog go off its rails as I have just replaced my matrix transmission and I want some positive results.

    So please please, just post problems with your Matrix Transmission on this blog.

    Sorry that I cant make it to the court house on the 11th as I am in Vancouver. I was a media person for a Ski Resort here. I can write a press release, but it will need a contact person in Toronto. Please email me directly at chipmore@telus.net to discuss further. Yes, I still have my media list. Its a couple of years old, but it should do.

    Great work. Keep it up.

    By the way, the new improved bearing just did a 5 hour Mountain Highway freeway drive from Vancouver to Kamloops. It did so well I got a ticket doing 144 km/h. Man, that sucked. No more speeding for me. Anyways, new improved bearing works!
  • pannobajipannobaji Member Posts: 8
    AGREED!!! LET'S KEEP THIS BLOG TO TOYOTA MATRIX 5SPEED MANUAL
    TRANSMISSION FAILURES DUE TO FAILURE OF THE BEARING INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    TRY EMAILING THE STAR EDITOR FOR AUTOMOBILES
    OR W5 PRODUCER!!!!!!!! THIS IS STORY THAT NEEDS TO BE
    HEARD FOR ALL THE SMALL GUYS IN THIS WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • pannobajipannobaji Member Posts: 8
    Someone on this blog said the car can .not handle the power.
    This is kind of true. But they did not explain why! Here it is!!!
    What the experts have told me is that there are two bearings
    on the lower shaft of the transmission. Both bearings will fail.
    But the one on the outside towards the drivers wheel seems to
    be more prone to failure. Why you ask! Well it can not handle the load
    when you accelerate/downshift etc. It only has 7ball bearings in it.
    the expert told me it should really have 9 ball bearing inside the bearing.
    Then it probably will not fail.
    And secondly that bearing is in a different compartment they
    told me and that lubrication is minimal to this bearing causing
    it to pit etc.Because there is plate between that bearing and the rest of the transmission. He told me there is no upgrade bearing out there.
    Have to use the original equipment only.
    That is why it keeps failing.
    Only way to fix this transmission is a redisgn!!!! That would cost
    millions since you may have to recast alot things , redesign the end
    part of the transmission where the fifth gear sits with this bearing.
    I learnt of this recently from the experts.
  • mantechmantech Member Posts: 28
    It does make sense! I hope the 2005 model and onward were all redesigned! :surprise:
  • dallasdude1dallasdude1 Member Posts: 1,151
    The first front wheel drive claimed that the coolant was good for 100,000 miles. It wasn't as they all the auto makers acknowledge now. It ate through the freeze plugs, water pump, radiator, and anything it came in contact with. True that here in Texas the heat takes a toll on cars. Then the motor mounts gave way and took out the power steering. Both front windows had their motors replaced. The brake lines justed busted one day. The AC quit twice. This was anything but cheap to keep, unlike my prior Toyota's (79 Celica/82 Supra). I had more in repairs than the sale price of the car new and it was a disappointment in ride comfort/performance.
  • dallasdude1dallasdude1 Member Posts: 1,151
    No disrespect intended but I just had to google it. Old people forget alot. And your right.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Camry

    I had the 82 Supra and there isn't any Camry, now or then, which could even compare in performance. It came with Ricaro seats, pop up head lights, Crager designed mag wheels, and a nine band graphic equalizer. It had 4 wheel disc brakes and the parking brake housed inside the rear disc rotor. It made the 82 VETT look sick and handled much better. The motor was a double over head cam V6 which looked like a V12. Over 70% of Porche's business is consultation and in 79 the Tagra band, large pistons, and large crank on the Celica reeked of German engineering.

    I know this is way off topic. However, I have a 2002 Z28 which is fast over, 300 horse power. The way they measured HP then as to today is different. They use it as a steroid to sell cars today and prior they tried to hush it down so the car would be insurable.
  • gmoregmore Member Posts: 11
    PLEASE READ. THIS IS A BLOG FOR MATRIX TRANSMISSIONS NOT A BLOG FOR TOYOTA CAMRY OR HOW BAD TOYOTA CARS ARE NOW!!!

    There are a lot of people posting on this blog out $2500 or more each for a failed main bearing in a Matrix transmission. We are using this blog as a means to organize and do something about it. Please start your own blog and enjoy the rest of your conversation.

    PLEASE START YOUR OWN BLOG AS THE REST OF US ARE TRYING TO GET OUR MONEY BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!- !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • gmoregmore Member Posts: 11
    How did the court case go???
  • cruperjes8cruperjes8 Member Posts: 2
    Okay, so I scheduled my appointment for the dealership to take a look at my bearing issue, and so they did. Results: Right rear bearing along with Hub needs to be replaced, everything else looks fine. It took them 5 hours to do the job of replacing the parts. Total cost $410.29, only paid $50 for out of pocket based on my extended "CERTIFIED" warranty. No more "LOUD SOUND" car is running smooth. The dealer was great dealing with the situation, they also provided me with a loaner during repairs. I hope this is the end of my problems! I'm very happy with the outcome. :shades:
  • canonlawcanonlaw Member Posts: 20
    Wow, they must have worked on them a bunch before. I have never heard of it being so cheap. Most of the time, they have to tear into the whole transmission.
  • gmoregmore Member Posts: 11
    Ummm.....

    The reason that it was so cheap was because they fixed your WHEEL bearing, not the main bearing INSIDE the TRANMISSION. Book time to remove the transmission is 6 hour, plus another book time of 6 hours to put it back on, plus a book time of 18 hours to rebuild.

    Lots of bearings on car, fortunately, your problem was the wheel hub not your transmission.
  • hatethematrixhatethematrix Member Posts: 4
    Add me to the list of failed transmission. My 5 speed 03 went out at 72,000miles. Had the same noise issue as every one else. Took it into the dealer and told me not to worry. Had the transmittion fluid flushed 2 weeks prior. Waht can we do to hold toyota responsible?
  • marjomarjo Member Posts: 28
    Still heard nothing more on this so called court hearing. Any chance at all of me ever getting my $2000 back?!! Does anyone else get angry every time they see the new commercials for the '09 Matrix at the movie theatres?! I used to love the old ads because I was so proud of my Matrix. Hate the piece of crap bloody things now. Still pissed that I'm paying $350 a month for a new car when I already had one that should have lasted 15y+. So few people actually have '03-04 5spds compared to the total number of cars that Toyota sells that it doesn't matter what we do. No one cares.
  • hatethematrixhatethematrix Member Posts: 4
    My 03 5 speed just went out at 72000 miles. I can not give you the vin number as the car is stranded 5 hours away at some small town garage awaiting it's used new transmission. What can we do?
  • panamafacepanamaface Member Posts: 1
    my 03 5 speed @80k is garbage.....toyota is just a name that is way upthere for what it really is......people lets do something about this and let "toy"ota to make real cars not toys.
  • circuitsmithcircuitsmith Member Posts: 117
    I've almost always bought cars in the last year or two of a generational run, when the bugs are worked out. My '81, '85 and '88 Accords were all fine, trouble free machines. The '88 still functions as my second car at 217K miles. I bought an '06 Matrix 5-speed in April '07. It didn't have the wheel alignment problem and I'll keep my fingers crossed for the tranny.
  • marjomarjo Member Posts: 28
    Fine and dandy plan... but were you shopping for a small station wagon or hatch in 2002 in Canada? I'm thinking not because the options were Protege, Focus, Impreza, Golf or new Matrix/Vibe. The choice was obvious at the time since I couldn't afford a Subaru. The Matrix was supposed to be a Corolla wagon. Corolla's have been around forever without problems, so I assumed Matrix had the same stuff under the hood. My new Honda Fit is small, but at least it works and is not the first year model! Mom and brother had 16y old Hondas with zero problems. I will never buy another Toyota.
  • circuitsmithcircuitsmith Member Posts: 117
    "were you shopping for a small station wagon or hatch in 2002 in Canada?"

    First, I never buy brand new cars. I aim for used ones ~3 years old. That would have opened more options. VW's would be out because they're not reliable. I'd have to look at the details from back then, but a '99-'02 Accord or Camry wagon would have been my starting point. I would have bought an Accord or Camry wagon last year if they still made them. The Matrix is a little smaller than my ideal. I maybe would have got a CRV or RAV4 if they weren't so thirsty and had the stupid tire on the back. And the new CRV? No stick shift? Bo-oh-gus!

    Anyway, my '06 Matrix had 8200 miles on it when I got it; newer and smaller than my new-old car target, but I still managed to pay for it with cash.
  • gmoregmore Member Posts: 11
    Here is a reply I got from the Minister of Transportation's Office.

    Please read and EVERYONE call the number!!

    By the way a seized transmission at high speed will cause a car to loss control.....

    Thank you for your correspondence of June 12, 2008, to the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, regarding transmission problems with your Toyota Matrix. The Minister has asked me to reply on his behalf.

    At the outset, please be assured that Transport Canada’s top priorities are safety and security. As such, the department establishes motor vehicle safety standards and enforces the Motor Vehicle Safety Act (MVSA). Section 10 of the MVSA requires a manufacturer or importer, upon discovering a defect in the design, construction or functioning of a vehicle or equipment that may affect the safety of any person, to notify the Minister of Transport and all affected vehicle or equipment owners.

    The “Vehicle Defects and Recalls” section of Transport Canada’s website offers more information about the process by which potential defects are assessed by the Defects Investigation and Recalls Division.

    With respect to your complaint, you may telephone a Defect Investigator at 1-800-333-0510 on weekdays between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The investigator will require the 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number of your Toyota Matrix. You may also file a complaint online via the Public Complaint Form .

    I should mention that Transport Canada only has jurisdiction over safety issues. This being the case, matters involving financial disputes regarding dealer or manufacturer warranties are not covered by the MVSA and therefore cannot be addressed by the department.

    I trust that the foregoing will be of assistance. Again, thank you for writing.

    Yours truly,

    Andrew Walasek
    Senior Special Assistant
  • hatethematrixhatethematrix Member Posts: 4
    Thanks for the work. I live in the USA but my matrix was made in the Canada so i'll be calling the number. My transmission went out whilst doing 55 mph and I felt the front of the car was going to ripe of the frame. It scared me. To top it of I had my wife, her friend and most importantly my 3 year old in the car at the time. Let collectively make Toyota own up.
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