2005 Toyota Matrix Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2005 Toyota Matrix ranks 3rd worst out of 9 model years, with a complaint index of 75 and 213 complaints, mostly involving airbags (48% of complaints) and engine problems (18%). It carries 1 recall and is rated Avoid relative to other Matrix years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 75/100
- #3 of 9 Matrix years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 213
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 10
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 4
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 26
- 23.5 city / 30 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 1
Top 2005 Toyota Matrix problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy in rear-end and side-impact crashes, sometimes resulting in whiplash or head injuries.
- Owners report sudden unintended acceleration or lurching at very low speeds, in one case jumping a curb into a building.
- The engine control module (ECM) reportedly failed or required full computer system replacement, sometimes triggering dashboard lights and door lock malfunctions.
- One owner reported an engine fire that started the car and burned through the floor board and dash.
- Brakes were described as slow to respond during panic stops, with the pedal going to the floor in one case shortly after purchase.
- A steering wheel reportedly locked up while driving, causing the car to spin and flip.
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
- What problems does the 2005 Toyota Matrix have?
- NHTSA complaints show airbag issues make up 48% of reports, followed by engine problems at 18% and electrical and suspension issues each at 12%. The model also has one recall covering the engine control module.
- Is the 2005 Toyota Matrix a good year to avoid?
- Yes, relative to other Matrix years. It ranks 3rd worst out of 9 model years with a complaint index of 75, behind only the 2009 (100) and 2006 (88) model years.
- Does the 2005 Toyota Matrix have a recall?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 10V384000) covers the engine control module on 2005-2008 Corolla and Matrix models with the 1ZZ-FE engine and two-wheel drive.
- At what mileage do 2005 Matrix problems usually appear?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 73,000 miles at failure overall, with airbag-related complaints trending higher at a median of 92,000 miles and engine complaints lower at a median of about 49,287 miles.
- How does the 2005 Matrix compare to later years like 2012?
- The 2012 Matrix has a complaint index of just 13 and a Best verdict, far better than the 2005 model's complaint index of 75 and Avoid verdict.