2008 Toyota Matrix Electronic stability control Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 8%of 38 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 30,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the electronic stability control of the 2008 Toyota Matrix, 8% of the 38 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving on the highway at a speed of 45-50 MPH, my car engine shut off, almost causing me to crash. I I was at a complete stop on a busy highway when I clearly saw my engine light on. I could not restart my car. I waited 5 minutes and I was able to start the car but only drive another mile at speed of 45-50 MPH before my car engine again shut off. I then had to have my car towed to a local mechanic who was unable to look at my car until the morning. In the morning I received a call from my mechanic that it is the ECM and Toyota had a recall on my make/model and year. …”
NHTSA complaint #10504769, filed 2013-03, 55,000 miles“Sudden acceleration in 2008 Matrix automatic: first known failure. Car brought new in september 2007; odometer: 6000 miles. While driving approximately 35 MPH on even straight smooth roadway, there was a sudden acceleration to greater than 70 MPH. When brakes were applied, they depressed to floor without any effect. Car continued to accelerate rapidly. Shifted to neutral without success. Car slowed after being placed in reverse. Coasted to a stop. Placed gear in 2 and drove slowly home - approximately 1/2 mile. …”
NHTSA complaint #10343697, filed 2010-07, 6,000 miles“Safety recall letter received november 2010, part available march 2011 made appointment with dealer march 5th 2011 dealer said I need the replacement part for the ECM but no part available will call when part is available. No contact since. Received yet another recall letter august 15, 2011 starting the process all over again. I have complied but wasted my time already with no results. It is now august 2011.”
NHTSA complaint #10419603, filed 2011-08Electronic stability control: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 Toyota Matrix
11 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Toyota Matrix
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology