Hi folks. My first post. Yup, odometer got to 299,999 and quit. Trip odometer works just fine. Wondering if this is an electronics problem (bad module)? Or a mechanical issue? I'm reluctant to take it to the dealership...smells like a big money fix for a relatively minor issue. Anyone got any suggestions? Thanks in advance for the help!! Markham

I don't have a Matrix, so I am assuming it's a mechanical odo. If it is, then all the nines have to push over the 2 to a 3 and I am guessing something involving dirt is stuck in the gears.
Next to insurance/legal reasons, it should not cause a problem. Any dealer is just going to replace the entire thing. Once again, I don't know how involved that is on the Matrix.
If you have some tools, a service manual, and a bit of luck, I bet you can take it apart and clean the dirt out.

The other issue could be that the odo just does not go any higher. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) Sell it and buy a new one.

Unfortunately, the odometer is digital. And I wouldn't care but I use the car for business and REvenue Canada requires you to keep a log and note the beginning and end mileage of trips. My guess is that a module went on the fritz....just need some guidance as to which one and how to replace it without having to take the dash apart. Thanks for the post.

I too have had my Odometer stop at 299,999. what has been your solution since your last post?

Nothing. I was hoping someone on this forum would have a solution. I'm reluctant to take the car to a dealership....I can just imagine the size of that bill!! Anybody out there got a diagnosis or a fix for this problem?

I called a few dealerships, they have not heard of any problems yet, Petes Perfermance in San Diego did some research for me(I was impressed that they went that far), they said the parts dept at a dealer wasn't getting any requests for that problem, but did suggest to bring it in for a diag(about $90.00). Maybe the Odometer or computer is to blaim. I too am reluctant to spend the$. Petes did say that if we were the first to find this error, Toyota should refund the money with a reciept shown. until then I'm keeping my 2nd trip intact to monitor mileage.

Hello! I read this odometer issue two years ago from the Toronto Star's Wheels section and I just remembered it again when I saw this thread yesterday. This is applicable to Canadian Toyota Matrix models. The article came out on Oct 13, 2007. Here it is:


Odometer dies at 299,999 km
Oct 13, 2007
Eric Lai

Q: On the Toyota Matrix and Corolla (and Pontiac's Matrix-based Vibe), the digital odometer seizes at 299,999 km – as it did on our 2005 Matrix.

It must then be replaced at substantial cost.

This clearly opens up an enormous potential for fraud on resale vehicles.

We have come to a partial resolution with Toyota Canada. They, our dealer and ourselves will each pay a third ($185) of the total replacement cost of $555.

Any comment?

A: Nicole Grant of Toyota Canada public relations replies:

Toyota has become aware that on 2003-2008 model-year Corolla and Matrix vehicles, odometer mileage is recorded accurately only up to 299,999 km.

A new odometer must then be installed.

Our dealerships record mileage and service dates when an odometer is replaced. A copy of these records is placed in the owner's manual, along with a sticker on the odometer indicating that it was replaced.

Should a used-car buyer have any questions concerning the odometer reading, they may contact Toyota Canada or inquire at the motor vehicle office in the province where the vehicle was originally sold.

A: Mohamed Bouchama, executive director of Car Help Canada (www.carhelpcanada.com; 416-651-0555), a non-profit consumer advocacy group, replies:

Toyota should be responsible for the total cost of the repairs.

It should "do the right thing by consumers" and recall every vehicle that has this problem due to their factory defective part.

Consumers who consider buying these vehicles as used must perform their due diligence to avoid problems.

A: Stew Low, director of communications for General Motors of Canada, replies:

Because the Vibe and Matrix share the same platform, we have no reason to believe that Vibe customers will not experience the same condition.

While we have not encountered this condition in the field, we are confident that a cost-effective repair can be implemented.

Following established policies for odometer replacement/repair, GM authorized service centres can reset the existing odometer to zero, noting the original mileage and affixing this notice to the door frame. We regret any inconvenience this condition may cause.

Eric Lai adds:

An owner could conceivably add countless extra kilometres before changing odometers.

Potential buyers of these models should check with a dealership if an odometer change, and the previous mileage, is listed on the service record.

If mileage seems too low given the car's age and condition, be wary.

The Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan arbitrates new-car warranty issues on current and previous four model-year vehicles (currently 2003).

Unfortunately, your Matrix is past the 160,000 km eligibility maximum for CAMVAP assistance.

Owners of affected vehicles not past the mileage limit can contact CAMVAP (www.camvap.ca, 416-490-0615 or 1-800-207-0685) if efforts to resolve the matter with the dealership and automaker are unsuccessful.

Hey Weellow,
Thanks for the info, I was in Toyota of El Cajon lats weekend getting some Oil Fliters, I asked the parts guy about the Odometer problem, he had no idea what I was talking about, Hummm.
I have been watching out there as time goes by to see if toyota will fix this, I would be willing to pay the third to get it working again, but T. should take all the responsibilty. I now have 320,000 miles on mine, I keep track of it with the 2nd trip meter, but it will roll over at 10,000.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/liebe011.gif) Dusters