Model year guide

2008 Toyota Matrix

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2008 Toyota Matrix is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 24 on record.

2008 Toyota Matrix — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2008 Toyota Matrix at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints38
Combined28 mpg
Typical price$5,756

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2008 Toyota Matrix recalls 2

Engine And Engine Cooling NHTSA Campaign #10V384000 · 26/08/2010

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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE PRODUCTION NUMBER OF THE ECM AND REPLACE THE ECM IF NECESSARY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. TOYOTA WILL MAIL AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION THE MIDDLE OF SEPTEMBER 2010 TO ADVISE OWNERS OF THIS DEFECT AND RECALL. THIS INTERIM NOTIFICATION WILL INFORM OWN…

Equipment:other:labels NHTSA Campaign #10V035000 · 03/02/2010

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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2008 Toyota Matrix common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 38 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.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2008 Toyota Matrix MPG & running costs

Combined28 mpg
City26 mpg
Highway32 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,200

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2008 Toyota Matrix worth?

Low
$3,400
Typical price
$5,756
High
$8,100

From 24 comparable 2008 Toyota Matrix listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2008 Toyota Matrix costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$11,000
Depreciation (5 yrs)$2,750
Total$13,750
Per mile$0.18

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($5,756) with the same model 5 model-years older ($3,007), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2008 Toyota Matrix trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · XR
Engines
1.8L 4-cyl 126 hp

2008 Toyota Matrix vehicles on record

2008 Toyota Matrix 2008 Toyota Matrix XR2T1KR32E68C705573 2008 Toyota Matrix Base2T1KR32E88C708104 2008 Toyota Matrix 2008 Toyota Matrix Base2T1KR32E28C713041 2008 Toyota Matrix 2008 Toyota Matrix Base2T1KR32E58C697076 2008 Toyota Matrix 2008 Toyota Matrix XR2T1KR32E98C705938 2008 Toyota Matrix 2008 Toyota Matrix XR2T1KR30EX8C699330 2008 Toyota Matrix Base2T1KR32E58C704429 2008 Toyota Matrix XR2T1KR32E48C717530 2008 Toyota Matrix 2008 Toyota Matrix Base2T1KR32E68C695272 2008 Toyota Matrix XR2T1KR32E48C709217 2008 Toyota Matrix 2008 Toyota Matrix Base2T1KR32EX8C720156 2008 Toyota Matrix 2008 Toyota Matrix Base2T1KR32EX8C695579 2008 Toyota Matrix Base2T1KR32E08C696305 2008 Toyota Matrix 2008 Toyota Matrix Base2T1KR32E48C699918 2008 Toyota Matrix Base2T1KR32E18C704914 2008 Toyota Matrix 2008 Toyota Matrix XR2T1KR32E28C714206 2008 Toyota Matrix 2008 Toyota Matrix XR2T1KR32E78C697015 2008 Toyota Matrix 2008 Toyota Matrix Base2T1KR32E08C719498 2008 Toyota Matrix 2008 Toyota Matrix XR2T1KR32E48C715101 2008 Toyota Matrix 2008 Toyota Matrix Base2T1KR32EX8C718178 2008 Toyota Matrix 2008 Toyota Matrix XR2T1KR30E38C712712 2008 Toyota Matrix 2008 Toyota Matrix Base2T1KR32E78C699931 2008 Toyota Matrix Base2T1KR32E08C709134 2008 Toyota Matrix2T1KR32E48C697568

Other Toyota Matrix model years

2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

2008 Toyota Matrix — frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Toyota Matrix have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2008 Toyota Matrix. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Toyota Matrix?

Based on 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, air bags, vehicle speed control.

What gas mileage does the 2008 Toyota Matrix get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2008 Toyota Matrix at about 28 mpg combined (26 city / 32 highway).

How much is a 2008 Toyota Matrix worth?

Comparable 2008 Toyota Matrix listings run roughly $3,400–$8,100, typically around $5,756 (from 24 vehicles).

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