2003 Toyota Matrix Consumer Discussions Page 2

Matrix Transmission Problems

Re: Need some advice for the 2003 Toyota Matrix [upyourstoyota]

Written by: jamborski on Jun 23, 2009 02:02 PM

I bought a rebuilt transmission from Anaheim Gear, in Anaheim CA, they warranty their tranny for one year and said that toyota just got a bad batch of bearings, and that I shouldnt have a problem with it. the tranny cost me $1000 after trading in the old one. I recommend looking them up. I swapped the tranny myself, whcih is no small task but new tranny and clutch and ... Read More...

Need some advice for the 2003 Toyota Matrix

Written by: upyourstoyota on Jun 23, 2009 00:34 PM

Hi, I guess I want to add my woes to this thread. I need some advice from people who have had similar experiences with their 2003 5 Speed Toyota Matrix. My car recently broke down about 2 and a half hours from where I live. My car was towed to the dealership where I was informed I would need a brand new transmission. The car has 103,000 miles on it. This isn't supposed to ... Read More...

03-04 Matrix, Vibe, Corolla 5-speed Tranny Problems

Written by: zbadrex on May 23, 2009 00:26 AM

I know this is a Matrix forum - but I have pertinent information as I have been dealing with the same issues on my 2003 Pontiac Vibe (same lovely Toyota drivetrain). I too had a bearing disintegrate the week after Christmas at 124,000mi that wallowed out my housing to the point of replace rather than fix. Good luck finding a good 5-speed! I have been researching other ... Read More...

Re: 2003 MATRIX MANUAL TRAN FAILURE [jamborski]

Written by: aliensurfer on Mar 09, 2009 04:26 PM

Add us to the list of failed transmissions. 2003 Matrix 5sp. 155,000km. Dealer where we bought the car, and have had serviced faithfully - including 2 transmission fluid changes - no help whatsoever. Quoted $4000 plus tax for new transmission, clutch, pressure plate, throwout bearing, etc. Asked about any sort of 'Goodwill' program to help with parts and/or ... Read More...

Re: 2003 MATRIX MANUAL TRAN FAILURE [keilse]

Written by: jamborski on Mar 08, 2009 03:54 PM

What year is your Matrix? I'm assuming it's a FWD since it's a 5 speed and therefore you don't have a transfer case. So unfortunately you've just joined the long list of victims of Toyota. Your Tranny is shot. I recommend putting an overhauled tranny in. I purchased one from Anaheim Gear with a one year warranty for $1,000. they say there's only a few bearing manufacturers ... Read More...

Re: TOYOTA MATRIX TRANSMISSION BREAK DOWN [stebocz]

Written by: nippononly on Feb 17, 2009 09:26 AM

The postings in this thread are related to problem MANUAL transmissions in 2003 and 2004 MY cars. I am not aware of any widely reported transmission problems among AUTOMATIC last-gen Matrixes like yours. So take heart and wait to see what the mechanic tells you. Good luck! :-) Read More...

2009 Sienna headrest's design

2009 Sienna headrest's design

Written by: nws_reader on Jan 30, 2009 08:37 AM

After driving for a couple of weeks, we noticed that the front seat headrests are curved too outward. Unless you are the Hunchback of Notre Dame, you can't comfortable rest your shoulders and head at the same time. I removed the headrest and re-inserted it facing backward and now it's very comfortable (of course, I can't adjust the height of the headrest since ... Read More...

Matrix Transmission Problems

Re: Matrix 2003 XR Converting Manual to Automatic? [hiddot84]

Written by: jamborski on Jan 16, 2009 08:40 AM

it seems to me that Toyota gave you one of the trannys from the bad lot of bearings they received, in speaking with a transmission shop here in southern california they said that they use rebuild kits that are not toyota original parts and should hold up better. if you have another new transmission you might be able to find out when it was manufactured and if it was ... Read More...

Matrix 2003 XR Converting Manual to Automatic?

Written by: hiddot84 on Jan 15, 2009 03:25 PM

Hello, I had my second , yes, second Transmission go out in my 2003 Matrix XR 5 Speed 1.8L FWD , the first one @ 30k and the second at 120,000 (which toyota put both in for me brand new). However, I want to Convert my 5 Speed Transmission to an Automatic , and wanted to know if I could do this or not? Someone please let me know, so I don't have to spend another $2500 on a new transmission ... Read More...

Transmission rebuild services available!

Written by: beyondredline on Dec 07, 2008 08:42 AM

Hello everyone, My name is Tim and I work for an automotive facility in Green Bay Wisconsin. We are typically a performance shop that modifies vehicles for racing and other competitive use, however I happened to own a 2003 Matrix XR with a manual transmission. Its actually my wife's car, but for a while I had been hearing a grinding noise when the car was in gear and ... Read More...