Federal safety data shows 2 recalls and 213 complaints for the 2005 Toyota Matrix, a high safety profile overall. Check the known issues section below for the most common problem areas.

Recalls

213

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

06E0230002006-13-03

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

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."

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

View at NHTSA

10V3840002010-26-08

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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.

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.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

Of 213 issues reported over 1 model years, air bags problems are the most common for the 2005 Toyota Matrix. A pre-purchase inspection should focus here first.

01Air Bags89

02Power Train16

03Tires15

04Vehicle Speed Control14

05Engine And Engine Cooling10

213 total across 1 model years (2005–2005)Full data at NHTSA.gov

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Toyota Matrix Fuel Economy

EPA fuel economy data for all 2005 Toyota Matrix trims

25–29mpg combined

22-26city

29-33hwy

$2,350-$3,250/yr

The 2005 Toyota Matrix delivers 25 to 29 MPG combined across 4 powertrain combinations. If fuel cost matters to you, pay attention to engine and drivetrain. The spread is significant.

By Trim

Matrix - Manual 5-spd

29mpg

1.8L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

26 city33 hwy~$2,350/yr-1/10 Poor

Matrix - Automatic 4-spd

27mpg

1.8L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

25 city31 hwy~$2,500/yr-1/10 Poor

Matrix - Manual 6-spd

25mpg

1.8L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

22 city29 hwy~$3,250/yr-1/10 Poor

Matrix AWD - Automatic 4-spd

25mpg

1.8L 4-cyl · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive

22 city29 hwy~$2,700/yr-1/10 Poor

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

XRS Trim Buyer Questions

What to know about the 2005 Toyota Matrix XRS

How does the XRS compare to other Toyota Matrix trims?

Every Toyota Matrix trim targets a different buyer. The 2005 model page compares all available trims side by side.

What should I know about maintaining the 2005 Toyota Matrix XRS?

Maintenance costs for the XRS align with the broader Toyota Matrix ownership experience, though trim-specific equipment can add to routine costs. The 2005 model year has 2 recalls on record. The most-reported issue area is air bags. Check the 2005 Toyota Matrix page for the full breakdown.

What are the best years for the Toyota Matrix XRS?

Check the price-to-mileage ratio for each Toyota Matrix XRS year. The last year before a generation change is usually the most refined; the first year after is when resale drops fastest. The Toyota Matrix overview compares all years side by side.

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