2005 Toyota Matrix transmission problems

Filed Aug 1, 2015 · Transmission · 173,000 miles · WA

Car moves forward smoothly but doesn't move in reverse gear.

Filed Dec 29, 2013 · Transmission · 145,000 miles · FL

I was driving to work one morning and I heard a loud grinding and whining sound coming from what sounded like the engine. I came to a red light and got out to see if I could see anything out of the ordinary but saw nothing. I then got back in and put it in gear to go and nothing I would let out the clutch and it wouldn't move. I tried to put it in reverse to move it out of the street and when I would let off the clutch it would pop out of gear it wouldn't stay in reverse. I had to get it towed and found out that it was my transmission. I did some research and found many people with the same problem. Evidently toyota made a bad design with the 5 speed transmission and one of the bearings dose not get lubricated and burns out falling apart and ruining the entire transmission. Toyota claims that they know nothing about this and will not fix this.

Filed Oct 31, 2011 · Transmission, Wheels · 99,823 miles · WI

The differential and both rear wheel bearing failed at 99,823, the axial boots failed earlier at 92,55 miles. Total cost was $4,240. Car was driven into repair shop making loud noises.

Filed Oct 14, 2011 · Transmission · 80,000 miles · CA

I went to the dealer a month ago reporting a loud noise coming from the engine area when in gear. Toyota dealer claimed nothing was wrong. Yesterday transmission gave up.

Filed Jul 29, 2011 · Transmission · 69,000 miles · NJ

My 2005 toyota matrix 4wd started to making whining noise at 69000 miles. Took the car to nearby mechanic and found that the rear differential unit needs to be replaced. The differential fluid was fully-replaced at 50,000 miles and the car has been properly maintained accordingly by manufacturers guidance. The cost is more than $ 1500 to replace rear differential. . For any car equipped with awd system should never have this issue and I fee that it's very unsafe to drive.

Filed Jan 30, 2011 · Transmission · 130,000 miles · GA

Took my car for check engine light, harsh shifting into reverse. I was told the ECM needed replacing. The ECM was replaced but the problems persist. When shifting into reverse the car lunges into gear after a few seconds. I am afraid of backing into someone in the parking lot.

Filed Aug 16, 2010 · Electrical, Transmission · 94,000 miles · CA

After reaching 94,000 miles mark like what some other toyota matrix owners experienced, there was a harsh in the transmission when you shift to reverse and the check engine light is on.

Filed Jul 13, 2010 · Electrical, Transmission · 88,713 miles · CA

2005 toyota matrix with automatic transmission had check engine light come and immediately start shifting hard. No prior symptoms. Called toyota service they said it was a loose gas cap, I asked are you sure it has nothing to do with transmission because when the light is on it shifts harshly. No pretty sure it is gas cap if it comes back on you have to pay $110 to check it. After it came back on drove for a week to see if problem continued then took to transmission specialist who said it had pressure control solenoid out. Took it for second opinion to transmission repair shop and they said it is common problem with toyota matrix and corolla similar to rav4 problem that ECM is bad and causes transmission issues which in this case cause damage to transmission. Called toyota and pointed out that toyota service bulletin tc014-06 and tc-015-07 state that if the check engine light comes on and there is harsh shifting to change the ECM out with a different part number. They agreed that if my car had exhibited these symptoms at under 80,000 miles they would have replaced the ECM under warranty because it has been improved to not do this. They said the unit could be replace now at 88,000 miles at a cost to me and they would not help me with the cost of the defective unit or the transmission damage it caused.

Filed Jun 22, 2010 · Transmission · 118,000 miles · KS

Transmission went out in 2005 toyota matrix.

Filed Apr 14, 2010 · Brakes, Electrical · WA

Letter from senator on behalf of constituent. Re difficulties with her 2005 toyota matrix. *kb the consumer stated the brakes were defective due to the rotor getting caught in the brake pad. The problem continued after the second brake repair. The brakes made an audible squeaking noise when depressed. There was a loud noise every time the vehicle was started and the gears were engaged. The ABS did not work on an irregular surface. A defective rear axle caused damage to the tires. The lights would go out by themselves when it was dark.