Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Toyota Matrix owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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, [phone]) stated that there was no recall; therefore, the contact would have to pay for the repairs. The dealer believed that the engine control module was the source of the failure. The manufacturer stated that they could not assist since there was no recall. The failure mileage was 155,000.
Air bag panel light has been coming on and off. The model year is 2005,but the car was made possibly in 2004. The dealer refused to inspect without charge then telling me that recall is for not this model year. The brake, when the ABS is on in snow conditions, car take too long to stop,keeps kidding. Also engine revs without driver input when stopped or idling. Toyota dealer denied, to be their problem.
Tl contact owned a 2005 Toyota Matrix. The contact stated that while driving at speeds of 65 MPH, the vehicle accelerated without warning. The vehicle decreased in speed as the contact removed his foot from the accelerator pedal. The dealer could not duplicate the failure. The contact confirmed that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer on nine separate occasions with concerns of unintended acceleration. The dealer could not determine the cause of failure. The vehicle was left in possession of the dealer. The contact would not drive the vehicle any longer due to concerns for his safety while operating the vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000 and the current mileage was 25,000. Updated 5/12/10 the consumer stated when the speed was set at 55 MPH, the speed would fluctuate from 51 MPH uphill to 59-60 MPH downhill. …
Dt: the clutch was difficult to depress/to engage the starter. The consumer stated that there was a problem when trying to work the clutch because there was not enough room in the floor area ,and the wheel well made a hump in this area. Also, the vehicle was designed with a foot rest that the consumer had removed because it made it more difficult to drive. On several different occasions the vehicle stalled. Twice it put the consumer in dangerous situation although, there were no accidents. The first time was in August 2004. The second time was in September or October 2004. When the consumer took vehicle to a dealer they basically told him they could not find the stalling problem. When he contacted the manufacturer, they told him basically the same hing. The consumer stated he believed that the area problem was a design flaw.
While driving the car stalls. Mainly the issue appears to happen when turning. Suddenly, and only occasionally, the car dies while turning. All lights are lost and power steering gives out. Since the lights on the car and the power steering give out, it is a scary issue. We have to put the car in neutral (since we're driving) and restart the engine. Back in 2010 we brought our car in for the 2010 recall where they replaced the part, although we never had a stalling issue then. Our car is still at the dealership being looked at but we were told by Toyota corporate that this isn't an issue related to the 2010 stalling recall, so it would not be covered even if the same part that was replaced during the recall is the one that needs to be replaced again. Additionally, the dealership is having trouble identifying the cause of the issue.
The Matrix began having various electrical problems, including engine warning lights turning off and on, airbag warnings, clock and headlights/brakelights turning off and on. We have brought it in to several mechanics for checks and various repairs, to no avail. Most recently, a dealer shop diagnosed that the ECM is likely failing, and in looking at the records from another dealer shop noticed that the ECM was on back order in 2011 to install a new one after a recall, but that a new one was never installed. However, my service records show that the first dealer shop told me (fraudulently?) that it was in fact installed. The car May not be safe to drive, but I have not been successful to this point in getting it repaired. The second shop informed me that the first dealer shop is responsible.
I purchased my 2005 Toyota Matrix 5/7/05. 1 week after I purchased my vehicle I experienced a intermittent starting problem. Even after 4 attempts by Toyota to fix the problem it is still current. It usually happens more often when the engine is warm. It usually cranks 5-10 seconds before starting. Sometimes the vehicle will not start at all and I have to turn the key back and retry to start the vehicle. The dealership where I purchased the vehicle claims they cannot get the problem to duplicate when they have the vehicle in their possession but when I last had my car there the car took about 7 seconds to start and the service manager claims that is normal for the Matrix engine to crank. I find this hard to believe with a brand new vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Toyota Matrix. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 10V384000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact was unable to have the vehicle repaired under the recall due to a lack or available parts. The contact stated that he had been attempting to have the vehicle repaired for over four months to no avail. The dealer informed the contact that only two engine control modules were delivered per month meaning only two vehicles per month could be repaired under the recall. The contact had not called the manufacturer. The contact stated that the failure was a serious safety issue that could cause a crash and he no longer felt safe driving the vehicle. The failure mileage was 83,200.
Related recalls
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.
Engine complaints in other Matrix years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2005 Toyota Matrix?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2005 Toyota Matrix, 11% of the model year's 213 complaints. The component named most often is engine (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Toyota Matrix engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 10V-384 (engine and engine cooling, Aug 26, 2010). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2005 Toyota Matrix engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles, and 23% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.