2005 Toyota Matrix Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
75/100
#3 most-complained of 9 Matrix years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2005 Toyota Matrix has 213 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 75 out of 100 — #3 highest of 9 Matrix model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is airbags (103 complaints, 48% of the total). Complaints report 10 crashes, 2 fires, 4 injuries, and 1 death.
- Complaints
- 213
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 10 / 2
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 1
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 26
- 23.5 city / 30 hwy
Top 2005 Toyota Matrix problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags103 (48%)
- Engine39 (18%)
- Electrical System25 (12%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires25 (12%)
- Transmission & Powertrain23 (11%)
- Brakes9 (4%)
- Fuel System6 (3%)
- Other6 (3%)
- Steering4 (2%)
- Structure & Body4 (2%)
2005 Toyota Matrix recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 10V384000Aug 26, 2010Engine1,128,659 vehicles
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. 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.
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 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.
2005 Toyota Matrix fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 23.5 MPG
- Highway
- 30 MPG
- Combined
- 26 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,500
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2005 compared with other Matrix years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Toyota Matrix a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 Toyota Matrix ranks #3 of 9 among Matrix model years (Complaint Index 75/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 213 complaints and 1 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Toyota Matrix?
- The most reported problem areas are airbags (103 complaints), engine (39 complaints), and electrical system (25 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 73,000 miles.
- Does the 2005 Toyota Matrix have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2005 Toyota Matrix, most recently reported 2010, covering engine.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2005 Toyota Matrix?
- EPA rates the 2005 Toyota Matrix at 26 MPG combined (23.5 city / 30 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,500. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.