NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 213 owner complaints for the 2005 Toyota Matrix. Most complaints involve air bags (103) and electrical system (23). The EPA rates it 25–29 mpg combined.
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.
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."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“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 NHTSA 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.”
“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.”
“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. *TR”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matrix Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 33 | 29 | $2,050 | 306 |
| Matrix Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 31 | 27 | $2,200 | 329 |
| Matrix Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 25 | $3,000 | 355 |
| Matrix AWD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 25 | $2,400 | 355 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Nov 11, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 213 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (103), electrical system (23), power train (23). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2005 Toyota Matrix at 25–29 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).