2005 Toyota Matrix Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 2%of 213 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2005 Toyota Matrix, 2% of the 213 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I do not know the exact date or mileage because I just discovered this site but my dealer would know. My airbag sensor light randomly comes on and stays on for several days to a week. I had dealer look at it and they said there was no problem....just a faulty light or something and nothing needed to be fixed. Also, clock now works off and on. I am concerned because after reading information at other sites, the information says that the airbags will not work if the sensor light is on. I have also read that the airbag sensor light and the clock are connected. …”
NHTSA complaint #10749232, filed 2015-08, 100,000 miles“I have been told by several people that after I start my 2005 Matrix xr up at night and begin to drive away that my tail lights do not come on for approximately 30 seconds. I have noticed a delay in some of the dash lights coming on, but was unaware of the tail light situation until it was brought to my attention. This happens each time that the car is started. I have not taken it to a dealer to have it checked out.”
NHTSA complaint #10172753, filed 2006-11“1) I took my 05 Toyota Matrix into the dealership for a 60,000 mile check up. I had purchased the 100,000 mile warranty when the vehicle was bought. I was billed $700.00, and took the vehicle home. 2) I took the vehicle on the interstat to work and noticed a very bad 'shimmy', and the vehicle drifted to the left. A definite alignment problem. I was very upset at spending $700, to have the vehicle returned is worse condition than when I took it in. For the check up. I took the vehicle back to the dealership. They told me they adjusted the alignment, and returned the car to me. …”
NHTSA complaint #10308378, filed 2010-02“2005 Toyota Matrix xrs(6 speed manual)...have had problems where the tail lights do not come on right away at night...this problem seems to be linked to the light(s) around fan switches...dashboard is lit up and headlights are on...a clicking noise is heard as the lights come on....so far it has only happened at initial start up and drive..the longest it has taken to come on is after about a city block of driving...so far the dealer can find nothing wrong.”
NHTSA complaint #10157950, filed 2006-05Exterior lighting: other model years
Other parts of the 2005 Toyota Matrix
103 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
23 complaintsEngine cooling
17 complaintsVehicle speed control
17 complaintsTires
16 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Toyota Matrix
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology