MYRModel Year Report

2005 Toyota Matrix

◆ Worse than typical
2005 Toyota Matrix
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
213
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2005

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Air bags

48% of complaints

Complaints per year

2002: 2 complaints 2002 2003: 268 complaints 2004: 138 complaints 2005: 213 complaints 2005 213 2006: 170 complaints 2007: 96 complaints 2008: 38 complaints 2008 2009: 192 complaints 2010: 45 complaints 2010 2011: 10 complaints 2012: 5 complaints 2012 2013: 0 complaints
2002: 2 complaints 2002 2003: 268 complaints 2003 2004: 138 complaints 2004 2005: 213 complaints 2005 213 2006: 170 complaints 2006 2007: 96 complaints 2007 2008: 38 complaints 2008 2009: 192 complaints 2009 2010: 45 complaints 2010 2011: 10 complaints 2011 2012: 5 complaints 2012 2013: 0 complaints 2013
2002: 2 complaints 2002 2003: 268 complaints 2003 2004: 138 complaints 2004 2005: 213 complaints 2005 213 2006: 170 complaints 2006 2007: 96 complaints 2007 2008: 38 complaints 2008 2009: 192 complaints 2009 2010: 45 complaints 2010 2011: 10 complaints 2011 2012: 5 complaints 2012 2013: 0 complaints 2013

2005: 213 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
20022
2003268
2004138
2005213
2006170
200796
200838
2009192
201045
201110
20125
20130

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

48% · 103 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Toyota Matrix. While driving at an unknown speed, another vehicle crashed into the rear of the contact's vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-10-28

I was headed to work like I usually would m-f then out of no where the steering wheel had locked. This caused the car to loose control. The car all of a sudden was spinning around and eventually it flipped landing on its side.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-04-02

Also filed under Steering

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-09-12

Electrical system

12% · 25 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and starter assembly.

CRASHFIRE

Power train

11% · 23 reports

Most commonly citing clutch assembly and automatic transmission.

Vehicle speed control

8% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal.

CRASHINJURYDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

I own a 2005 Toyota Matrix. On 10/29/09 they had to replace the whole computer system. Mechanic said that they had trouble with alot of the matrixs and corollas. Cost me about $1000.00 to replace.

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-02-03

While driving my 2005 Toyota Matrix with 40,000 miles, I was pulling into a parking space, car was not even going 1 mile an hour, had taken my foot off of the gas pedal, did not even have a chance to put my foot on the brakes, when the car suddenly...

NHTSA ODI report, 2009-12-02

Tires

8% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing tread/belt and sidewall.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2005Complaint volume 213 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    2006-05-09Exterior lighting06E023000 Certain anzo combination headlamp assemblies sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles. Some combination lamps are not equipped with amber side reflectors which fail to…

    Remedy: Anzo will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2006. Owners may contact anzo USA at 909-468-3688.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2010-11-29Engine and engine cooling10V384000 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…

    Remedy: 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2005 Toyota Matrix — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 103 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 25 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 23 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 06E023000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 10V384000 · Engine and engine cooling
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 2005 Toyota Matrix reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Toyota Matrix is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Toyota Matrix?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 48% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Toyota Matrix have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.