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From time to time you need to change your Toyota Matrix transmission oil. At CARiD you can find the best proven lubricants to reduce the friction almost to the zero. MTF Manual Transmission Fluid is a special light viscosity, low friction oil with superior load carrying and wear protection properties. 2019 2003 Toyota Camry. 2003 Toyota Matrix Manual Transmission (1) 2003 Toyota Matrix Transmission Control Solenoid (10) 2003 Toyota Matrix Transmission Filter (A/T) (3) 2003 Toyota Matrix Transmission Fluid Pan - A/T (2) 2003 Toyota Matrix Transmission Mount (3) 2003 Toyota Matrix Transmission Oil Cooler (9) 2003 Toyota Matrix Transmission Oil Cooler Hose (1).

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2003 Toyota Matrix (Page 1 of 2)

CarComplaints.com Notes: The Toyota Matrix is the mechanical twin of the Pontiac Vibe.

Both models were a joint GM-Toyota venture, manufactured together at a NUMMI production facility in Fremont, CA. Only the heating & A/C systems are different.

2003 Toyota Matrix Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #33

Matrix 4-cyl

• Manual transmission
• 93,000 miles

Manual transmission failure in a 2003 Toyota Matrix. Mostly highway miles, maintained regularly at the dealer. Noticed a noise and took it to the dealer and they said everything was fine. A few thousand miles later, there was a high pitched whine out of fifth gear. Upon stopping and restarting, pretty much all the forward gears were grinding, popping, squealing. Repair at the dealer was quoted $2500 for a used transmission and $3200 for a new! about half the value of the car.

- Athens, OH, USA

problem #32

Matrix

Checking Manual Transmission Fluid Level In 2003 Toyota Matrix For Sale

• 76,000 miles

I recently noticed a strange extra noise in my transmission, noise is a low purring sound and at lower speeds in lower gears.

- Kissimmee, FL, USA

problem #31

Matrix

• 70,268 miles

2003 Toyota Matrix xr manual transmission - 70,000. The transmission needs to be completely replaced. Subtle engine knocking, more noticeable when lift foot off accelerator. Sudden onset while exiting freeway- rpms hovered when shifted into neutral, difficult to put in 1st on start, then horrible noise when started moving forward then completely seized in place. Whole process in less than 60 miles. Assessed at private shop and then dealership which quoted over $4,000. Corporate/regional district office offered no assistance, compensation, or acknowledgment of issue. This is a frequent problem that has been reported in numerous cases in the 5-speed Matrix and Pontiac vibe.

- Fallbrook, CA, USA

problem #30

Matrix

• 60,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2003 Toyota Matrix xrs transmission problems, slipping gears or clutch while under load, recurring problem for the duration of owning the car. It is very unsafe on the highway as it does not get up to or maintain speeds. Filed a complaint with Toyota with no response. Toyota said there was no problem with it when I took it in to get looked at, but it was slipping the whole drive home and since then. I believe there is a definite problem with the transmission and I am not the only one that believes this, how many people must complain or does someone have to die for them to take some action?

- Lititz, PA, USA

problem #29

Matrix

• 66,000 miles

Whilst driving at 55 mph the transmission started to grind and then locked up. At 66,000 miles the transmission was shot. Reading on edmunds this appears to be a common problem. Here is the link. townhall-talk.edmunds.com/webx/.F0D9B0E I had to put a used transmission in at a cost of $2,000 and suspect the same failure will happen with this one. I'm filing a complaint now due to the amount of other Matrix drivers this is happening too.

- Fort Wayne, IN, USA

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problem #28

Matrix

• Manual transmission
• 81,000 miles

My 2003 Toyota Matrix has a manual transmission. A bearing in the transmission started to fail (noise) at 80,000 miles. This type of failure is common for both the Matrix and the Pontiac vibe (identical car). Luckily I had it changed before any accident occurred. Neither Toyota nor GM are providing any customer support despite numerous complaints regarding the 2003 manual transmission.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #27

Matrix

• 90,000 miles

Noticed and increasing grinding noise coming from the transmission. Had the transmission fluid changed also having the mechanic look for metal shaving with none found. Took to transmission specialist who confirmed the 'differential' was going to fail soon and advised to not drive the car until repaired.

- Turnerville, GA, USA

problem #26

Matrix

• 175,000 miles

A rattling noise started under the car. It would disappear when the clutch pedal was pushed down. Over a 2 day period, the noise became very loud and became more like a clacking noise, but not constant. We took the car to a transmission specialist. The transmission is shot and we've ordered a new transmission. I told the technician there were lots of reports about the '03 and '04 transmissions. When the service technician spoke to Toyota about any frequency of this happening with the '03 Matrix, Toyota said they hadn't had any reports on it. (I understand they fixed problems by '05) this is the 3rd Toyota we have had. Never had transmission problems. I hope the replacement transmission does not have the same problems.

- Anderson, IN, USA

problem #25

Matrix

• 130,000 miles

Driving down the highway our (03 Toyota Matrix, manual trans), (North bound I-45 conroe, Texas) the car abruptly started a thumping slapping sound. From the frount end. Asap! pulled to the side of the road, stopped and turned the car off. My husband arrived, to figure out the problem. He had me turn the car on without starting and pushed the vehicle. The thumping, slapping sound is coming from under the engine. To be continued.

- Montgomery , TX, USA

problem #24

Matrix

• Manual transmission
• 100,000 miles

The transmission on my 2003 Toyota Matrix died after 100,000 miles and it's a manual. I purchased the car used and it had about 70K miles on it. I had a transmission fluid flush at about 80K. The car started making noises and then I couldn't shift it into gear and then it completely died. I had to have a new/rebuilt transmission put into the car for about $2,500. Apparently this is fairly common with the Matrix and I don't think it's specific to the 2003 car.

- Arcata, CA, USA

problem #23

Matrix

• 130,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Grinding noise began, shortly thereafter the transmission failed. I've replaced the transmission twice already and cannot afford to replace it again. The car now sits as I continue to make payments on it.

- Ashland, WI, USA

problem #22

Matrix

• 88,000 miles

While driving down the highway one evening, an odd clicking sound was heard from the front end of our 2003 Toyota Matrix (manual transmission with 88,000 miles). The sound was louder with acceleration. After getting off the highway, the sound was noted to be louder in higher gears, and absent when the clutch was pressed down. The vehicle was brought in for service at our local Toyota dealer the next morning. After paying a $95 diagnostic fee, we were told the vehicle needed a new transmission at the estimated cost of $3300, with nothing being covered by any warranty or recall. We brought the car to a transmission specialist for a rebuild. The bearings, rings, and two transfer gears were replaced, along with the clutch, at a cost of $2100. It is noted that the mechanic had a delay in getting the parts due to a manufacturer back order, reportedly from a high demand due to many others with the same problem with this make/model car! this is our first Toyota, which we bought due to their good reputation. It has been regularly maintained and subjected to only normal driving conditions. We have never had a vehicle with transmission problems and are shocked that this expensive repair was needed on such a young car. Toyota should be held responsible for covering the cost of what appears to be widespread transmission failure due to defective/inferior parts used on this vehicle!

- Rockland, MA, USA

problem #21

Matrix

• 103,000 miles

After normal driving and wear and tear (103,000 miles), manual transmission on 2003 Toyota Matrix has gone bad, resulting in a needed replacement of the transmission, clutch, and clutch plate.

- Painesville, OH, USA

problem #20

Matrix

• 138,000 miles

I heard a scraping and grating noise as I exited the freeway that I thought was some trapped debris under the front end or in the wheel well. I pulled into a gas station to investigate, finding a loose plastic plate ( a recurring problem with the cheap plastic screws and fasteners used) I rigged something to hold it up and get home. After a few more blocks the sound intensified and the car began to shudder and shake and I heard a pop. I pulled over, got towed home, and the next morning had it towed to a shop. The mechanic informed me that my transmission was shot and would need to be replaced. The car only has 140,000 miles on it, and I do not drive it like some crazed maniac. An internet chat room has recorded lots of Matrix owners with the same transmission issues..I am going to need a new transmission and a new clutch.

- La, CA, USA

problem #19

Matrix

• 92,000 miles

I own a 2003 Toyota Matrix with a manual transmission. The car only has 92,000 miles and the tranny needs to be replaced due to a bad bearing. From my research on the web I have seen this happen to many others. I spoke to a repair shop that does rebuilds and he informed me that Toyota had gotten bad bearings and used them on a series of transmissions and they tend to go bad around 80K to 120K miles. He himself has rebuilt many.

- Lake Elsinore , CA, USA

problem #18

Matrix

• 94,542 miles

My 2003 Toyota Matrix completely broke down in the middle of a highway. The transmission is dead at 94,542 miles. Toyota refuses to take responsibility.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #17

Matrix

• 115,000 miles

After 200 mile round trip, noticed a grinding noise when accelerating. Took Matrix to dealer, who told us the bearings in the transmission were bad, and needed replaced. 2003 Matrix, 115,000 miles (mostly highway, we have a long commute to work) bearings replaced and clutch work done for $2063. When asked about this, was told 'sometimes things break'.

- Stoughton, WI, USA

problem #16

Matrix

• 63,000 miles

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Matrix. While driving at any speed, the contact hears a ticking sound coming from the transmission. Prior to the noise, the transmission would slip gears occasionally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The current and failure mileages were 63,000.

- Ann Arbor, MI, USA

problem #15

Matrix

• 130,000 miles

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Matrix. The contact stated that the transmission bearings were faulty. While driving at an unknown speed, she heard an odd sound coming from the engine compartment. The dealer found failure with the transmission and verified that the bearings needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not willing to assist with the repairs. Through online research, the contact discovered that the manual transmission failures were common for her year, make, and model vehicle. The failure and current mileages were less than 130,000.

- Kelso, CA, USA

problem #14

Matrix

• 105,000 miles

2003 Toyota Matrix manual 5 speed transmission has completely come apart due to being built with bad throw out bearings. Loud rattling noise began 6 months ago even though the transmission and the entire vehicle has been maintained flawlessly. Two weeks ago, on March 9, 2009 my boyfriend was driving on the 15 freeway going North when the car began to make a horrible rattling noise. My boyfriend pulled the car over to safety off the freeway and took a look. He knew it was the tranny, he didn't need to see anything..the first clue was that it would not go into 1st or reverse gear at all. We had to get it to a place that we could park it legally, so he started it in second gear and the car wailed and whined and sounded like metal was breaking apart as the car literally limped it's way the entire short ride. Warranty good for 100,000 miles, but my car is out of warranty at 105,000 miles. Toyota will not acknowledge the fact that the entire 2003 Matrix line is experiencing this issue, and will not even do anything as a goodwill gesture. A brand new tranny from Toyota is $4000+/-, and the problem will most certainly happen again - as I have seen many, many people attest to. A rebuilt transmission is less $..Toyota needs to be held accountable for this. My car could have been involved in an accident due to this failure on the freeway, to say nothing of the fact that it's very scary and unsafe to leave your vehicle on the side of the road, as well as breaking down in the middle of the night.

- Lake Elsinore, CA, USA

Read the next 13 complaints »

Change the Transmission Fluid on a Manual 2003-2008 (9th Generation) Toyota Corolla

Works For:
2003 Toyota Corolla
2004 Toyota Corolla
2005 Toyota Corolla
2006 Toyota Corolla
2007 Toyota Corolla
2008 Toyota Corolla

Source: ToyotaNation

This is a guide to help you with your manual transmission fluid change, It doesn’t cover automatic transmissions in which different steps, parts, and tools are required.

Notes:I am doing this on my XRS with a C60 6-Speed Manual Transmission (same as the Matrix XRS and Celica GT-S). For the C59 5-speed Scroll down to the 2nd post, it has the link courtesy of JasonA. You can however follow this post because it’s nearly the same on the 5-speed (no 10mm hex key needed).

User Warning: This job has the potential to seriously injure you, and cause extensive damage to your property. Use your personal discression when taking on this task. If you do not feel comfortable performing the task: DON’T. I am not responsible for any incidents or accidents to you, or the damage or malfunction of your property. I trust you will make safe choices if you choose to perform this task.

I apologize if I lack the pictures you would like. I added words and arrows to help.

Time: 1.5 hour

Parts: Gear oil: API GL-4 or GL-5, 2 metal crush gaskets for fill and drain plugs: Toyota Part #90430-18008.

Tools: Jack and Jack Stands, Rubber Gloves, Flashlight/Trouble light, shop rags, Oil catch pan, hammer or mallet.
(C60 6-Speed: XRS) 24mm shallow socket and ratchet, 10mm hex/allen key. Suction Gun or applicable gear oil injecting method.
(C59 5-Speed: CE, LE, S) 24mm socket and ratchet, Suction Gun or applicable gear oil injecting method.

2005 Toyota Corolla Owner’s Manual

MANUAL TRANSAXLE

Oil capacity, L (qt., Imp. qt.):
5-speed 1.9 (2.0, 1.7)
6-speed 2.3 (2.4, 2.0)

Oil type:
Gear oil API GL-4 or GL-5

Recommended viscosity:
SAE 75W-90

Toyota recommends manual transmission changes every 64,000KM’s (40,000 Miles) or 48 months (4 years).

Lets get started!!!
Here’s a pic of some of the stuff you’ll need

This is what I used starting from the back:
3 quarts of Redline MT-90 API GL-4 gear oil, 75W-90.
Suction Gun (For inserting gear oil into filler).
(Left) Ratchet with 24mm shallow socket (deep won’t fit; space issue).
(Right) Rubber Gloves.
(Bottom Left) 10mm Hex/Allen Key.
(Bottom Center) 2 Metal Crush Gaskets for drain and fill plugs.

With your car on hard level ground, e-brake set and car in 1st gear, jack the front up; I used the drivers side jack insert just aft of the front tire, and support the jack with a jackstandrightnext to it. Give the tire (in the air) a good shove to make sure the car is sturdy on the stand (so the car doesn’t fall on you while your working underneath).

Pic of the jack insert, below drivers door.

With the car in the air and safely supported, pop and raise the hood. Now you need to locate your Manual Transmission and its Drain and Fill plugs. My XRS’s (C60) transmission was located on the drivers side after the engine.

Here is the (C60) transmission in reference with the 2ZZ-GE engine. You can actually see the filler (AKA check) plug from up top when you open the hood.
2000 jeep grand cherokee owners manual free download.

Most manual transmission filler/check plugs are located on the side of the transmission case rather than the top.

A closer pic of the filler plug. (Note that I had drained and filled the Tranmission at this point, but I had not cleaned up the mess on the plastic, most of the oil you see was when I was trying to fill it…)

Now that you’ve located the filler plug, you have to find the drain plug. You will have to look under the car for it on (or near) the bottom of the transmission case.

Picture of the (C60) Transmission drain plug.
To the right of that pic is the drivers side front suspension control arm.

Good we’ve found both the drain and the filler plug for our transmission. Before we crack them it’s a good idea to have the metal crush gaskets. If you don’t replace them your transmission might leak…

Checking Manual Transmission Fluid Level In 2003 Toyota Matrix 2

Put on some rubber gloves and place a catch pan under the transmission filler plug and take out the filler plug first with a 10mm hex/allen key. They are usually on tight so you might need to give the 10mm key a couple hits with a hammer. (looking at a bolt counter-clockwise is to loosen, clockwise to tighten. at top: Lefty loosy, righty tighty). After you crack the filler plug you should be able to take it out by hand from the top of the car looking down. When you fully remove the plug some oil might come out, wait till it stops, and wipe down the drips on the transmission case.

Same pic as before.

Now slide under the car and repostion the catch pan under the transmission drain plug and crack the drain plug with a 24mm shallow socket and ratchet (a deep socket wouldn’t work for me because of clearence, and a wench wouldn’t be able to turn it very well because of transmission case obstructions). Take the drain plug out by hand (same as the filler plug). You will notice alot more oil will come out. Pop out from under the car and wait till all the oil drains out of the transmission.

Same pic as before.

Take the metal crush gasket off the old transmission drain plug and put the new metal crush gasket on. Don’t put the new crush gasket over the old crush gasket. With the new crush gasket on the transmission drain plug and no oil coming out of the transmission drain hole, install the drain plug by hand until you can’t spin it. Switch to tighten on your 24mm socket ratchet and tighten the drain plug until it’s nice and tight (the torque for both plugs is 29lb-ft). Double check that it’s good and tight (,don’t take it out again or you might need another crush gasket). Wipe down the drips on the transmission case.

Time for the fun part! Now that the transmission drain is installed and tight it’s time to add the new transmission oil. Reposition the catch pan under the filler hole. Also remove the old metal crush gasket from the filler plug and put the new crush gasket on. You’ll know when to stop adding oil when it starts to come out of the filler hole.

What I did:
I used a “Suction Gun” but there are other methods. Your going to have to find a way to get the new transmission oil from the bottle into the filler hole. I ended up sucking the MT-90 up with the suction gun and transporting it to the filler hole with me standing over the front bumper with the gun vertical and the gun tube making a lazy 90 degree turn from vertical to horizontal into the filler hole. It was messy but it worked. I put in 2 quarts until I saw fluid start to come out of the filler hole. I then lowered the car with the oil catch pan still underneath. Now that the car was level I added the half quart more.

Checking Manual Transmission Fluid Level In 2003 Toyota Matrix Car

Install the filler plug (with new crush gasket on) by hand untill you can’t turn it. Grab the 10mm Hex/Allen key and tighten the filler plug. Double check that the filler plug is nice and tight. Wipe down the drips on the transmission case and plastic. Remove the catch pan from under the car. If you’re car is still in the air/on stands, lower it. Except for cleaning up; you’re done!!! Take it for a test drive, and check for leaks after, and in a couple days.

I’m +1 for Redline MT-90, the XRS’s transmission was smoother just throwing it in 1st gear to get it out of my garage. Sorry for the lack of pictures, If you need more or certain ones I’ll do my best. I’ll be happy to answer any questions, or concerns you have.

Checking Manual Transmission Fluid Level In 2003 Toyota Matrix Problems