2005 Toyota Matrix Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Matrix years
- Far more complaints than other years 2nd of 12 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 1 recall: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 213 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Toyota Matrix. That ranks 2nd out of 12 Matrix model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is air bags (103 complaints, 48%), typically at around 92,000 miles. Complaints mention 10 crashes, 2 fires, 4 injuries. There is 1 safety recall covering this model year.
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- 213owner complaints
- 1safety recalls
- 0NHTSA investigations
- 10complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2005 Toyota Matrix problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags problems | 103 | 48% | 92,000 | “air bag” (35%) | — |
| Electrical System | 23 | 11% | 87,857 | — | — |
| Power Train | 23 | 11% | 81,250 | — | — |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 17 | 8% | 80,000 | — | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 17 | 8% | 19,500 | — | — |
| Tires | 16 | 8% | 24,000 | — | — |
| Engine | 7 | 3% | 92,000 | — | — |
| Suspension | 7 | 3% | 35,000 | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 4 | 2% | 100,000 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 4 | 2% | 29,700 | — | — |
| Steering | 4 | 2% | 63,579 | — | — |
| Structure | 4 | 2% | 19,000 | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 4 | 2% | 102,459 | — | — |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 3 | 1% | 97,926 | — | — |
| Fuel System, Other | 3 | 1% | 25,400 | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 1% | 43,031 | — | — |
| Service Brakes | 3 | 1% | 100,000 | — | — |
| Visibility | 3 | 1% | 55,250 | — | — |
| Wheels | 3 | 1% | 8,070 | — | — |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 2 | 1% | 61,250 | — | — |
| Equipment | 2 | 1% | 300 | — | — |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | 0% | 1,000 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2005 Toyota Matrix recalls (1)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Engine and engine cooling
Problem: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 corolla and corolla matrix vehicles. The engine control module (ecm) for the subject models equipped with the 1zz-fe engine and two-wheel drive may have been improperly manufactured. There is a possibility that a crack may develop at certain solder points or on varistors on the circuit board.
Risk: There are a variety of warnings and consequences associated with the defect. The engine warning lamp could be illuminated, harsh shifting could result, the engine may not start, or the engine could shut off while the vehicle is being driven. An engine shutoff while the vehicle is being driven increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the production number of the ecm and replace the ecm if necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Toyota will mail an interim owner notification the middle of september 2010 to advise owners of this defect and recall. This interim notification will inform owners that they will receive a future notification when parts become available to have the free remedy performed on their vehicle. The safety recall began on november 29, 2010. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Matrix. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under an unknown recall however, the air bag warning light illuminated after the repair was made. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V627000 (Air Bags); however, the vehicle was not…
2005 toyota matrix. Consumer writes in regards to defective passenger side airbag. *ld the consumer stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time completing the recall repair. *js
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA MATRIX. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. ALSO, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUT OFF AND THE POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING. PERRY MOTORS (310 S MAIN ST, BISHOP, CA 93514, [redacted]) STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE…
Takata recall i've been trying to get help with this problem with toyota for months with nothing but very general responses, none of which, address my issue, explain toyota's position, and negligence, or answer my questions. I'm going to ask you to get all the details from the prior complaints i've…
2005 matrix. Consumer writes in regards to nhtsa recall 18v-025. *ld the consumer stated the parts were unavailable to complete the recall repair. *js
Other Toyota Matrix years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 Matrix | 0 | 1 |
| 2012 Matrix | 5 | 1 |
| 2011 Matrix | 10 | 2 |
| 2010 Matrix | 45 | 4 |
| 2009 Matrix | 192 | 3 |
| 2008 Matrix | 38 | 2 |
| 2007 Matrix | 96 | 2 |
| 2006 Matrix | 170 | 3 |
| 2005 | 213 | 1 |
| 2004 Matrix | 138 | 1 |
| 2003 Matrix | 268 | 1 |
| 2002 Matrix | 2 | 0 |
See all Toyota Matrix problems by year, every Toyota model, or the Toyota VIN decoder.
Similar Toyota models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Toyota Matrix?
Owners most often report air bags, electrical system, power train problems. The top one, air bags, accounts for 103 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2005 Toyota Matrix?
Yes, 1 safety recall. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2005 Toyota Matrix a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Matrix model years, the 2005 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.