2005 Toyota Matrix recalls and problems

1 recall and 213 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Toyota Matrix.

1
recalls
213
owner complaints
10
complaints mentioning a crash
2
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2005 Toyota Matrix recalls

Engine and engine cooling

NHTSA campaign 10V384000 · reported August 26, 2010 · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 1,128,659 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
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 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Sep 12, 2024 · Air bags · 90,000 miles

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…

Dec 19, 2019 · Air bags

2005 TOYOTA MATRIX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME COMPLETING THE RECALL REPAIR.

Jan 4, 2019 · Electrical system · 155,000 miles

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, [phone removed]) STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE…

Aug 19, 2018 · Air bags

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…

May 10, 2018 · Air bags

2005 MATRIX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO NHTSA RECALL 18V-025. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE TO COMPLETE THE RECALL REPAIR.

Matrix model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2002 0201
2003 1268193
2004 1138182
2005 1213102
2006 3170170
2007 296112
2008 23860

Across all years, the 2003 Matrix has the most complaints (268). All Toyota Matrix years →

Questions

Does the 2005 Toyota Matrix have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2005 Toyota Matrix, the most recent reported on August 26, 2010 (Engine and engine cooling). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Toyota Matrix?
Owners have filed 213 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (103 complaints), followed by electrical system (23).
How many 2005 Toyota Matrix complaints mention a crash or fire?
10 of 213 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 4 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 12, 2024.