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2005 Toyota Matrix problems

The most common problem on the 2005 Toyota Matrix is airbags, typically around 92,000 miles. It has 2.2 times the complaints of a typical Matrix model year.

Year to avoid2.2x the typical complaints
Year score
46/100
Owner complaints
213
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
151
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
25-29mpg
Typical repair
$559

The worst 2005 Toyota Matrix problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 Toyota Matrix

Airbag light 31Check engine light 14Stalling 13

Recalls 1

Engine and engine coolingReported August 26, 2010 · 1,128,659 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 10V384000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2005 Toyota Matrix

Technical service bulletins for the 2005 Toyota Matrix 151

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 151 bulletins for the 2005 Toyota Matrix

2005 Toyota Matrix fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.8L 4‑cylFWD22-2629-3325-29
1.8L 4‑cyl4WD222925

What 2005 Toyota Matrix owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 12, 2024 · Airbags · 90,000 miles · CA

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. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V627000 (Air Bags); however, the vehicle was not repaired, and the contact was informed that the failure was not related to the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Dec 19, 2019 · Airbags · NM

2005 toyota matrix. Consumer writes in regards to defective passenger side airbag. *ld the consumer stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time completing the recall repair.

Filed Jan 4, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 155,000 miles · CO

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, (760) 872-4141) 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.

Filed Aug 19, 2018 · Airbags · CA

Takata recall I've been trying to get help with this problem with toyota for months with nothing but very general responses, none of which, address my issue, explain toyota's position, and negligence, or answer my questions. I'm going to ask you to get all the details from the prior complaints I've sent over the last two months. Please review and advise asap. Thank you, (xxxx) parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed May 10, 2018 · Airbags · FL

2005 matrix. Consumer writes in regards to the federal safety agency recall 18v‑025. *ld the consumer stated the parts were unavailable to complete the recall repair.

Filed Dec 5, 2017 · Airbags · 100,000 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota matrix. The contact stated that the air bag indicator illuminated and remained lit after it was repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer (jay wolfe toyota, prairie view rd, kansas city, mo, 816‑788‑6877) where the recall repair was completed. The technician stated that nothing could be done about the air bag indicator illuminating. The contact did not remember if the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Jul 31, 2017 · Engine · 152,000 miles · CA

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.

Filed Dec 27, 2016 · Engine · 90,000 miles · MD

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 the federal safety agency campaign number: 10v384000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

Filed Dec 20, 2016 · Airbags · OR

Airbag recall. I have been trying to get my car fixed since october. The dealer cannot get the part. Each time I call the dealer they say the part has not arrived. Called the toyota safety resolution team on 11/23 and they hooked me up with dealer. Same story, part is on order but may be months before we get the part.

Filed Oct 28, 2016 · Airbags · MA

Spiral cable assembly with electrical connections damaged. Airbag light stays on when the steering wheel is turned. A recall for 2009-2010 matrix is in effect (http://www.autonews.com/article/20140409/copy01/304099971/toyota-recalls-more-than-6-million-vehicles) but 2005 matrix and other years are actually also affected by these defect. A recall for 2005 matrix to replace airbag module is announced by toyota but not for damaged spiral cable assembly which should be related to the airbag module defect as the airbag module is attached to the spiral cable assembly

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Compare the 2005 Toyota Matrix

Other model years

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Questions about the 2005 Toyota Matrix

Is the 2005 Toyota Matrix reliable?

Owners have filed 213 complaints about the 2005 Toyota Matrix, 2.2 times a typical Matrix model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2005 Toyota Matrix year score?

The 2005 Toyota Matrix scores 46 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Toyota Matrix: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Toyota Matrix?

Airbags, with 103 complaints, typically around 92,000 miles. Next is engine (24).

How many recalls does the 2005 Toyota Matrix have?

1 recall, covering engine and engine cooling.

What year does the Toyota Matrix have bad airbags?

The Toyota Matrix model years with the most airbags complaints are 2005 (103 complaints), 2009 (78 complaints) and 2003 (57 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2005 Toyota Matrix get?

Official estimates for the 2005 Toyota Matrix range from 25 to 29 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.8L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 22-26 city and 29-33 highway.

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