The 2008 Toyota Matrix's elevated safety profile includes 1 recall campaigns and 38 owner-reported complaints. Make recall verification part of your pre-purchase checklist.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

10V3840002010-26-08

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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.

THERE ARE A VARIETY OF WARNINGS AND CONSEQUENCES ASSOCIATED WITH THE DEFECT. THE ENGINE WARNING LAMP COULD BE ILLUMINATED, HARSH SHIFTING COULD RESULT, THE ENGINE MAY NOT START, OR THE ENGINE COULD SHUT OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN. AN ENGINE SHUTOFF WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

The 2008 Toyota Matrix has accumulated 38 NHTSA complaints over 1 years, with vehicle speed control leading the pack. Know what to look for before you buy.

01Vehicle Speed Control7

02Air Bags4

03Electrical System2

04Tires2

05Steering,electrical System2

38 total across 1 model years (2008–2008)Full data at NHTSA.gov

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Toyota Matrix Fuel Economy

EPA fuel economy data for all 2008 Toyota Matrix trims

27–29mpg combined

25-26city

31-33hwy

$2,350-$2,500/yr

With 2 configurations tested, the 2008 Toyota Matrix ranges from 27 to 29 MPG combined. That's a 2 MPG gap that can add up to hundreds of dollars a year in fuel costs.

By Trim

Matrix - Manual 5-spd

29mpg

1.8L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

26 city33 hwy~$2,350/yr-1/10 Poor

Matrix - Automatic 4-spd

27mpg

1.8L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

25 city31 hwy~$2,500/yr-1/10 Poor

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Is the XRS Worth It?

Common questions about the 2008 Toyota Matrix XRS

How does the XRS compare to other Toyota Matrix trims?

Every Toyota Matrix trim targets a different buyer. The 2008 model page compares all available trims side by side.

What should I know about maintaining the 2008 Toyota Matrix XRS?

The XRS shares its core mechanicals with other Toyota Matrix trims, so major service intervals are similar. Watch for vehicle speed control issues, the most commonly reported problem area. There are 1 recall to verify before purchase. The 2008 model page has the details.

What are the best years for the Toyota Matrix XRS?

Check the price-to-mileage ratio for each Toyota Matrix XRS year. The last year before a generation change is usually the most refined; the first year after is when resale drops fastest. The Toyota Matrix overview compares all years side by side.

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