2009 Toyota Matrix. Consumer writes in regards to safety and operational issues with vehicle and seeks to return vehicle for refund of the purchase price. The consumer stated she has experienced several near accidents because of the inability to see oncoming vehicles approaching from the left and traffic (particularly pedestrian traffic) blocked completely from her view on the right by the large side mirrors. Additionally, backing up and detecting approaching vehicles from behind created an issue, because the pillars by the rear window blocked her view. In addition, the vehicle made a grinding sound while idling, and the under mount sounded as though there was a metal grinding on metal.

- Vista, CA, USA

I have a 2009 Toyota Matrix and it continues to have issues. Toyota has never sent notification of recalls and this car has a few. When I bring it up to the dealer they act as if I have no idea what I am talking about. My tires need replacement at 20,000 miles and the brakes grind when stopping even after they were replaced at the dealers expense after they told me there was nothing wrong with them twice! I had to go back to the dealer 3 times as the parts people sent the wrong parts twice!! the tire warning light is constantly coming on even though I have had it to the dealership 3 times and they tell me nothing is wrong. I am told that the change in temperature makes the light come on. I am to the point I am going to replace the tires and be done with it. The last thing I need is a tire blow out on the interstate. The engine gets sluggish and bogs down while on the interstate and the interior features keep having to be slammed back into place because they come out of place. I was told by a salesman at a car show that it happens with the Matrixs and they don't know why. Each trip to the dealership I am treated as a woman who knows nothing about cars. My father is a mechanic and I know my way around a car. Cobb county Toyota in kennesaw, Georgia is the worst dealership. I am going to try another dealership or just head to an independent. I saved for 2 years to buy it and now I feel very upset that Toyota cares so little about the customer. I understand there are a few more recalls out on the 2009 Matrix, yet I haven't been notified of them by Toyota. When I brought up the new recalls to the dealer he looked shocked and tried to tell me that wasn't true. Why are new Toyota buyers getting free service when our cars are the problem. I'm going back to Honda! Toyota use to be great. The president of the company should be ashamed and commit seppuku or at least provide current owners free service too.

- Kennesaw, GA, USA

The contact has a 2009 Toyota Corolla matrix. The contact stated that after taking the back of the vehicle apart there was one vent found behind each wheel that allows small animals to get in a set up a nest. The contact found a mouse nest twice in the back of the vehicle and is worried that this can cause an accident if someone is driving and a small animal or snake comes crawling from under the seat. Updated 01/12/10. The pressure relief vents have plastic grill work spacing that allows rodents to enter. The consumer removed the vents and modified the grill to 0.5 opening versus 4X6. Updated 01/13/10.

- Yarmouth, ME, USA