2005 Toyota Matrix Engine cooling Problems

“I purchased my 2005 Toyota Matrix 5/7/05. 1 week after I purchased my vehicle I experienced a intermittent starting problem. Even after 4 attempts by Toyota to fix the problem it is still current. It usually happens more often when the engine is warm. It usually cranks 5-10 seconds before starting. Sometimes the vehicle will not start at all and I have to turn the key back and retry to start the vehicle. …”

“My car died while I was driving on a saturday. I called the dealership and told them, they confirmed it was due to the recall on the ECM [1zz-fe], yet I had to pay to have the car towed in. They said they would run test to confirm that was the problem then fix it. 3 hours later they called and said that changing the computer part that was recalled could fix the problem, but they didn't have any - I asked for a loner car since it was not my fault I would be without a car, they said they were not responsible for that. …”

“I was halted in the left turn lane of a 6 lane highway behind another car also waiting to turn. My car(1,600 miles) was idling in drive. Suddenly the engine began racing and by virtually standing on the brake I prevented forward movement and after a few seconds I slipped it into neutral. When I did that, the engine seemed to race all the more - virtually screaming. I finally thought to turn the ignition off. The car promptly restarted and the problem did not recur again. The potential for a serious accident from this problem is huge.”

“Took car to dealership in july, 2006, because the A/C was blowing hot, a check engine light had come on, and it wasn't always starting, and/or sputtering while driving. They replaced the fuel pump, a new A/C control switch, and a sensor in the engine because the check engine light would not go off and they could find nothing else wrong. Repairs occurred over a two week period with me having to return the car to the same dealership for service for the same three complaints a total of three times- A/C blowing hot, check engine light on, and sputtering when driving/hesitation when starting. …”

“Dt: the clutch was difficult to depress/to engage the starter. The consumer stated that there was a problem when trying to work the clutch because there was not enough room in the floor area ,and the wheel well made a hump in this area. Also, the vehicle was designed with a foot rest that the consumer had removed because it made it more difficult to drive. On several different occasions the vehicle stalled. Twice it put the consumer in dangerous situation although, there were no accidents. The first time was in august 2004. The second time was in september or october 2004. …”