Model year guide

2012 Toyota Matrix

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 Toyota Matrix is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 3 on record.

2012 Toyota Matrix — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2012 Toyota Matrix at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints5
Combined25 mpg

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

2012 Toyota Matrix recalls 1

Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module NHTSA Campaign #20V024000 · 17/01/2020

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles. During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly disabling the deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ECU and install a noise filter between the air bag control module and its wire harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk beginning March 2, 2020. A second letter notifying owners of the remedy repair will…

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.

2012 Toyota Matrix common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 5 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.

2012 Toyota Matrix MPG & running costs

Combined25 mpg
City23 mpg
Highway29 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,460

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

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2012 Toyota Matrix costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,300
Fuel only$12,300
Per mile$0.16

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2012 Toyota Matrix trims & engines on record

Trims
S
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl 158 hp

2012 Toyota Matrix vehicles on record

2012 Toyota Matrix 2012 Toyota Matrix S2T1KE4EE8CC048703 2012 Toyota Matrix 2012 Toyota Matrix S2T1KE4EE5CC048643 2012 Toyota Matrix 2012 Toyota Matrix S2T1LE4EE0CC021726

Other Toyota Matrix model years

2013 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

2012 Toyota Matrix — frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Toyota Matrix have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2012 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 2012 Toyota Matrix?

Based on 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, engine.

What gas mileage does the 2012 Toyota Matrix get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2012 Toyota Matrix at about 25 mpg combined (23 city / 29 highway).

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