2005 Toyota Matrix: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2005 Toyota Matrix: 5 recalls, 302 owner complaints and up to 29 mpg combined.
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #10V384000 · 2010 · 1,128,659 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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…
The fix: 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…
Airbags Vehicle recall #15V285000 · 2015 · 1,973,468 vehicles
What's wrong: On June 16, 2015, Toyota expanded the recall to include an additional 1,270,468 vehicles, including model year 2002-2003 and 2005-2007 sequoia, 2005-2006 tundra, 2003-2007 corolla, 2003-2007 corolla matrix, 2003-2007 Pontiac vibe and 2002-2007 Lexus sc vehicles. This is to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag inflator which May produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to…
Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: 2003-2004 corolla and corolla matrix vehicles that are recalled under both 15v-043 and 15v-285 are under a do not drive advisory. Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac vibe owners will be…
Airbags Vehicle recall #15V286000 · 2015 · 1,069,055 vehicles
What's wrong: S. Virgin islands, guam, saipan and american samoa. On June 16, 2015 Toyota expanded the recall to cover an additional 769,055 vehicles, including certain model year 2002-2004 Lexus sc, Toyota sequoia, 2003-2004 Toyota corolla matrix, Toyota corolla, Pontiac vibe, and Toyota tundra vehicles, as well the vehicles covered by the May 13, 2015 notification in the portions of georgia, alabama, louisiana, mississippi and…
Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: 2003-2004 corolla and corolla matrix vehicles that are recalled under both 15v-043 and 15v-286 are under a do not drive advisory. Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac vibe owners will be…
Airbags Vehicle recall #18V025000 · 2018 · 116,126 vehicles
What's wrong: As of January 30, 2018, Toyota is additionally recalling 3,347 model year 2010 Pontiac vibe vehicles located in states listed above. Also included in this recall filing is 98,194 model year 2003-2008 Toyota corolla matrix vehicles, located throughout the u.s., that previously received a âlike-for-likeâ interim air bag inflator replacement. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as…
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag assemblies with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 29, 2018.
Airbags Vehicle recall #19V627000 · 2019 · 229,460 vehicles
What's wrong: The air bag May not unfold as designed during inflation under high temperature conditions, possibly resulting in the air bag not inflating properly.
Why it matters: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac vibe owners will be notified by gm. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag assembly or sub-assembly, free of charge. Toyota
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E023000 · 2006 · 292,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Anzo will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 8 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (175): the most common themes are warning light on (41), fails to deploy (7).
- Electrical (33): the most common themes are warning light on (13), stalls / loses power (8), electrical failure (6).
- Transmission & drivetrain (26): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (9), noise or vibration (8), warning light on (6).
- Engine & cooling (19): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (9), noise or vibration (4).
The 2005 Toyota Matrix has 302 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 12 Matrix model years for complaints (2.3× the average Matrix year). Complaints peaked in 2015 (76 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 71,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2004 (167 complaints, 6 recalls), 2006 (234 complaints, 7 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 33 | 29 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 31 | 27 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 25 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2005 Toyota Matrix.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2005 Toyota Matrix have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2005 Toyota Matrix, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2005 Toyota Matrix problems?
Owners have filed 302 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (175), electrical (33), transmission & drivetrain (26).
What gas mileage does the 2005 Toyota Matrix get?
EPA ratings run up to 29 mpg combined (1.8 L, Manual 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2005 Toyota Matrix repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.