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SteeringPart report

2005 Toyota Matrix Steering Problems

Complaints
4about this part
Share
2%of 213 total for the year
Median mileage
63,578miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the steering of the 2005 Toyota Matrix, 2% of the 213 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 63,578 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

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.

“While driving the car stalls. Mainly the issue appears to happen when turning. Suddenly, and only occasionally, the car dies while turning. All lights are lost and power steering gives out. Since the lights on the car and the power steering give out, it is a scary issue. We have to put the car in neutral (since we're driving) and restart the engine. Back in 2010 we brought our car in for the 2010 recall where they replaced the part, although we never had a stalling issue then. …”

NHTSA complaint #10652973, filed 2014-11, 20 miles

“I was headed to work like I usually would m-f then out of no where the steering wheel had locked. This caused the car to loose control. The car all of a sudden was spinning around and eventually it flipped landing on its side. To top it off none of the air bags deployed! I was pulled out of the car my whole body aching, especially my arms. This was because I was holding on for dear life praying that I will come out of it alive. Luckily, no one was in the car but myself, but I know I do not need this to happen to me twice so I will no longer will purchase a Toyota.”

NHTSA complaint #10505402, filed 2013-04, 98,000 miles

“Steering component problems have LED to excessive cupping/tire wear on 2005 Toyota Matrix (29,000 miles). Have complained about steering issues since purchase (original owner) and was always told there was no problem. Dealer acknowledges problems - sometimes - but cannot find issue and resolve. I feel this is a significant safety issue.”

NHTSA complaint #10195085, filed 2007-07, 29,157 miles

“Clock, HVAC switches blink on and off intermittently regardless of vehicle movement. Power locks work intermittently including when vehicle is put in gear. It almost seems like a electrical short but it comes and goes. This problem resembles the multitude of complaints regarding this make and model. There is also a vibration in the steering wheel at highway speeds which also resembles a multitude of complaints regarding this make and model. I am surprised after reading the numerous electrical complaints that Toyota has not offered a remedy or recall.”

NHTSA complaint #10810830, filed 2015-12, 114,000 miles

Steering: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201037%
20092211%
2008411%
200711%
200653%
200542%
200486%
200383%

Other parts of the 2005 Toyota Matrix

Air bags
103 complaints
Electrical system
23 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
23 complaints
Engine cooling
17 complaints
Vehicle speed control
17 complaints
Tires
16 complaints
Brakes
7 complaints
Engine
7 complaints
Suspension
7 complaints
Fuel system
6 complaints
Exterior lighting
4 complaints
Other or unknown
4 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2005 Toyota Matrix

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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