Model year guide

2002 Toyota Matrix

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2002 Toyota Matrix is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 8 on record.

2002 Toyota Matrix at a glance

Safety recallsNone
Owner complaints2

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2002 Toyota Matrix recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2002 Toyota Matrix.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2002 Toyota Matrix common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 54

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 54.

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid,…

Bulletin T-SB-0035-24 Rev2 · Structure · Dec 2024

The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especiall…

Bulletin T-SB-0039-24 Rev2 · Structure · Dec 2024

To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before th…

Bulletin T-SB-0038-24 Rev2 · Structure · Dec 2024

Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to r…

Bulletin T-SB-0061-23 Rev2 · Structure · Dec 2024

Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, r…

Bulletin T-SB-0062-23 Rev2 · Structure · Dec 2024

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid,…

Bulletin T-SB-0035-24 Rev1 · Structure · Jul 2024

To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before th…

Bulletin T-SB-0038-24 Rev1 · Structure · Jul 2024

The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especiall…

Bulletin T-SB-0039-24 Rev1 · Structure · Jul 2024

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid,…

Bulletin T-SB-0035-24 Rev1 · Structure · Jul 2024

To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before th…

Bulletin T-SB-0038-24 Rev1 · Structure · Jul 2024

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the MATRIX. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

About the Toyota Matrix

The Toyota Matrix, officially named Toyota Corolla Matrix, is a compact hatchback manufactured by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada in Cambridge, Ontario and derived from the Corolla. Introduced in 2002 as a 2003 model, the Matrix was the result of a joint venture between Toyota and General Motors, with the GM version being the Pontiac Vibe, which was assembled by New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (NUMMI) in Fremont, California, United States.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2002 Toyota Matrix vehicles on record

Other Toyota Matrix model years

2002 Toyota Matrix — frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Toyota Matrix have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists no safety-recall campaigns for the 2002 Toyota Matrix. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Toyota Matrix?

Across all 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, power train.

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.