repaired · 2021 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2003 Toyota Corolla MatrixProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 36 owner complaints about the 2003 Toyota Corolla Matrix, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 15V-043 the manufacturer reports only 29% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 3, 2024. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2003 Toyota Corolla Matrix has problems
36 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
27Air bags2 crash/fire/injury
4Electrical system
1Engine
1Engine and engine cooling
1Power train
1Structure
1Suspension
1Vehicle speed control
1Visibility/wiper
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 27 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 4 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 | 0 |
| Power train | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2003 Toyota Corolla Matrix recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2021 Q3
Air bags
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle…
repaired · 2021 Q3
Air bags
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle…
repaired · 2016 Q4
Air bags: frontal
Risk. Inadvertent deployment of the air bags or the seat belt pretensioners increases the risk of an injury or crash.
Show 1 more recall
no report yet
Air bags
Risk. Inadvertent deployment of the airbags or the seat belt pretensioners may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Toyota.
Best & worst years
2003 vs. every other Corolla Matrix year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Corolla Matrix median. How we score
'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
3 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2003 Toyota Corolla Matrix, and the recalls they led to.
- Air Bag Inflator RuptureLed to recall 18V-024
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
- Air Bag Inflator RuptureLed to recall 14V-772
In owners' words
What Corolla Matrix owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Corolla Matrix. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V285000 (Air Bags) however, the notification advised not to drive the vehicle and to contact the local dealer for retrieval of the vehicle. After contacting the local dealer, the vehicle had…
AFTER TOYOTA DEALER REPLACED THE AIRBAG, THE CAR AUDIO STOPPED FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. WHEN I CALLED THE TOYOTA DEALER, THEY SAID THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING FOR ME AND HANG UP ON THE PHONE. MY EMAIL TO TOYOTA COMPANY WAS NOT RETURNED.
I CONTINUE TO RECEIVE NOTICES FOR AN AIRBAG RECALL ON A VEHICLE I HAVEN'T OWNED IN TWO YEARS. PLEASE STOP EMAILING ME RECALL NOTICES. I HAVE ATTACHED A RECEIPT I RECEIVED WHEN I HAD THE CAR SCRAPPED. *TR
Own a 2003 Corolla Matrix?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.