2005 Toyota Matrix
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 2 |
| 2003 | 268 |
| 2004 | 138 |
| 2005 | 213 |
| 2006 | 170 |
| 2007 | 96 |
| 2008 | 38 |
| 2009 | 192 |
| 2010 | 45 |
| 2011 | 10 |
| 2012 | 5 |
| 2013 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
48% of complaints: air bags — 103 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20141028
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, 20130402
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, 20240912
10% of complaints: electrical system — 21 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE8% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 16 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow 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, 20100203
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, 20091202
5% of complaints: tires — 11 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 11 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 CONFORM
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.
Campaign 06E023000 — check if this car was fixed
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 HA
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 SE
Campaign 10V384000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Toyota Matrix — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (103 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E023000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V384000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.