Most common 2005 Toyota Matrix problems
Share of the 213 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Toyota Matrix complaints by model year
Best Matrix years: 2012, 2011, 2008. Years to avoid: 2003, 2009, 2005, 2006. Compare all years →
2005 Toyota Matrix recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling
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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the production number of the ECM and replace the ECM if necessary. This service will be performed free of charge.
What 2005 Toyota Matrix owners say
Air bags all 103 →
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 repaired, and the contact was informed that the failure was not related to the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
To the administrator of national highway traffic safety administration: I received the undated airbag recall on Toyota letterhead approximately 12-1-14. I took time off work, made an appointment on 12-15-14 with mossy Toyota, 4555 mission bay dr., san diego, ca 92019. They said they did not have the part, only for gulf states. I returned on 1-9-15 to have my airbag disabled and the cya warning sign installed. Within a few days the same agency called to let me know Toyota has suspended remedies. In feb. 2015 national news reports another recall for a replacement part I have yet not received. I called Toyota corp. Office to get a 2 hour runaround, having me repeat my ownership and VIN#, with their main emphasis on me naming the original owner, no replacement parts in the future, not their problem, letter comes from dmv info. …
Engine & cooling all 24 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Toyota Matrix. While driving various high speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle completely lost power on three occasions. The contact coasted the vehicle to the right side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle over a period of 15-20 minutes on each occasion. Warrens auto repair in bishop, california was made aware of the issue, but could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue and stated that there was no recall related to the failure. The failure mileage was 152,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Toyota Matrix. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would stall as the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis, but the details of the diagnosis could not be provided. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 10V384000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Transmission & drivetrain all 23 →
2005 Toyota Matrix with automatic transmission had check engine light come and immediately start shifting hard. No prior symptoms. Called Toyota service they said it was a loose gas cap, I asked are you sure it has nothing to do with transmission because when the light is on it shifts harshly. No pretty sure it is gas cap if it comes back on you have to pay $110 to check it. After it came back on drove for a week to see if problem continued then took to transmission specialist who said it had pressure control solenoid out. Took it for second opinion to transmission repair shop and they said it is common problem with Toyota Matrix and corolla similar to rav4 problem that ECM is bad and causes transmission issues which in this case cause damage to transmission. …
The car is a 2005 Toyota Matrix,5 speed manual transmission, the car is serviced by a tech at scheduled service times. The transmission locked up and needed to be replaced,the mechanic said there were rebuilds available but stated the Toyota replacement was the way to go, I agree. Toyota says there are no transmission problems however if you look on line one will see a rash of 5 speed Toyota Matrix transmission problems with a bearing always being blamed, I cannot believe this many people beat there 5 speeds to death in a 4 door station wagon. Also noted was Toyota had 15 transmission waiting when mine was ordered-- perhaps they know something about the transmission problem. No one will say if the new transmission has being improved over the old unit,because that would mean there was a problem to start with. …
2005 Toyota Matrix engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 26 / 33 / 29 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 25 / 31 / 27 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 22 / 29 / 25 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | FWD | 22 / 29 / 25 |
EPA ratings. Class: Wagon.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Toyota Matrix a good car?
Based on 213 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Matrix rates use caution: 1.5× as many complaints as a typical year of the Matrix at the same age. It is one of the Matrix years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Toyota Matrix?
The air bags — 103 complaints, 48% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (24) and transmission & drivetrain (23).
How many recalls does the 2005 Toyota Matrix have?
There is 1 recall for the 2005 Toyota Matrix, the most recent from August 26, 2010 (engine and engine cooling). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Toyota Matrix?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2012, 2011 and 2008. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2003, 2009, 2005 and 2006. See the full Toyota Matrix years comparison.
At what mileage do 2005 Toyota Matrix problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 73,000 miles; 40% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.