The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Matrix. The contact stated that while driving 45 mph, the check engine warning lamp illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that the computer was not sending the correct voltage to the transmission. As a result, the torque converter clutch solenoid malfunctioned, the transmission and PCM needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 76,660.

- North Lauderdale, FL, USA

When going up a hill in 4th gear car shifts down to 3rd gear to maintain speed & there is a loud noise that shakes the car (as if the engine's going to fall out). Happened about 20 times so far. Toyota dealer mechanics got car to repeat this 3 times (once hooked up to a computer). The mechanics & the service manager all feel that the transmission needs to be replaced. I have 100,000 mi. Extended warranty. The person from Toyota (not from the dealership) that has to approve putting in a new transmission refused saying it is an intermittent problem. He then said it was the way I use the gas pedal. Then why did it happen on the 3 roadtests when brought to dealer. The shift into 3rd (on a hill) is so violent that I'm afraid to keep up speed on the parkway when going up a hill. I pull into the slow lane & put on my flashing lights & stay at 50 mph or less. I feel that the car is unsafe to drive. I have 90,000 mi. On it. I have reported this incident to Toyota customer relations on the phone (they are based in California). They said they would look into it & get back to me in 3 days (tomorrow). I have bought 4 Toyota in a row & got my sister-in-law & her son to each buy one. If this is how Toyota treats a loyal customer (all cars are serviced at Toyota) then I guess I & my family won't be buying one again. I paid a good deal of money for the extended warranty. A lot of good it's doing me. Thanks for listening.

- Wappingers Falls, NY, USA