Model year guide

2009 Toyota Matrix

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2009 Toyota Matrix is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 99 on record.

2009 Toyota Matrix — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2009 Toyota Matrix at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints192
Combined26 mpg
Typical price$6,412

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

2009 Toyota Matrix recalls 3

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module NHTSA Campaign #16V340000 · 23/05/2016

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, Lexus IS250C, Lexus IS350C and Lexus GX460, 2011 Sienna, 2007-2011 Lexus ES350, and 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, …

Fix: Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer s…

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.

Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal NHTSA Campaign #10V023000 · 27/01/2010

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 COROLLA, VENZA AND MATRIX PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT. THIS RECALL IS AN EXPANSION OF A CAMPAIGN OF 3.8 MILLION OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES ANNOUNCED IN 2009 FOR THE SAME ISSUE (SEE 09V-388).

Fix: TOYOTA WILL MODIFY OR REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR PEDALS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. FLOOR SURFACE MODIFICATIONS ARE ALSO BEING CONSIDERED AND WILL BE INCLUDED FOR ANY MODEL FOR WHICH IT IS DEEMED APPROPRIATE. INITIALLY, DEALERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED ON HOW TO RESHAPE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FOR THE REPAIR. AS…

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.

2009 Toyota Matrix common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 192 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

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.
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.

2009 Toyota Matrix safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2009 Toyota Matrix 4-DR. w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2009 Toyota Matrix MPG & running costs

Combined26 mpg
City23 mpg
Highway30 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,375

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

What's a 2009 Toyota Matrix worth?

Low
$4,100
Typical price
$6,412
High
$9,000

From 98 comparable 2009 Toyota Matrix listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2009 Toyota Matrix costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$11,875
Depreciation (5 yrs)$2,950
Total$14,825
Per mile$0.20

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 ($6,412) with the same model 5 model-years older ($3,472), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2009 Toyota Matrix trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · S · XRS
Engines
1.8L 4-cyl 132 hp · 2.4L 4-cyl 158 hp

2009 Toyota Matrix vehicles on record

Other Toyota Matrix model years

2009 Toyota Matrix — frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 Toyota Matrix have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2009 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 2009 Toyota Matrix?

Based on 192 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, engine.

What is the 2009 Toyota Matrix safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2009 Toyota Matrix crash-test ratings of frontal 5★, side 5★, rollover 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2009 Toyota Matrix get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2009 Toyota Matrix at about 26 mpg combined (23 city / 30 highway).

How much is a 2009 Toyota Matrix worth?

Comparable 2009 Toyota Matrix listings run roughly $4,100–$9,000, typically around $6,412 (from 98 vehicles).

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