The gauge cluster in the 2003 Toyota Matrix is in red. In bright sunlight, it can be impossible to read the gauges. I have tried various makes of sunglasses and some seem to help somewhat. But it is still a hazard.

- Costa Mesa, CA, USA

The instrument panel lighting is inadequate. Most of the time I simply cannot ready the instrument panel, including the speedometer. While I haven't had any accidents or tickets, I believe this is an unsafe situation. I have taken it to the dealer and they said it works as designed.

- Columbus, OH, USA

Consumer called complaining about having problems with the speedometer. The speedometer has a red back light and as a result the driver cannot see the vehicles speed while driving during the day light. The driver has no problems while driving during night time. The manufacturer was contacted and stated this was not a safety issue for them.

- New Orleans, LA, USA

Consumer stated that they were having problems seeing the functions in the instrument panel due to the lights. Dealer notified. The instrument and radio light faded out when driving in sun light. In shade or at night, this happened a lot.

- Asheville, NC, USA

While driving, consumer attempted to make turns and steering was very hard. Consumer visually noticed a fluid leaking from under vehicle. Dealer diagnosed that the power steering pump had failed. Ts the next day, consumer noticed more fluid leaking. Dealer replaced crankshaft and keyway. Dome lit inoperative. Bulb replaced. Check engine light was on. Dealer found evaporative system malfunctioned.

- Hayward, CA, USA