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Body and structurePart report

2005 Toyota Matrix Body and structure Problems

Complaints
4about this part
Share
2%of 213 total for the year
Median mileage
19,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the body and structure of the 2005 Toyota Matrix, 2% of the 213 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 19,000 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 was driving and discovered the A/C in my brand new 2005 Toyota (still under warranty) Matrix was blowing warm air instead of cold. I took it to a Toyota dealership. After looking over the vehicle, the dealership gave me a diagnosis and repair price. The dealership diagnosis was a rock had bounced up into the engine and penetrated the condenser dealership informed my part and labor wasn't covered by my warranty. I pointed out it was a design flaw because no protection (I.e. Shield) to the A/C condenser. File complaint with Toyota of torrance ca and given a case number. …”

NHTSA complaint #10139494, filed 2005-10, 19,000 miles

“Failure of retention system for front right inner fender/shield. There is only one retention point at front (on bumper). When fails, shield/inner fender behind front bumper drags on ground. Hole for retention pin has only about 1/4 inch of material to rear of hole - the plastic splits. Did not split in response to hitting anything - car was sitting in driveway when failed. When took to dealer (still under warranty), offered choice of cable tie repair (free) or replacement of entire inner fender assembly ($211). …”

NHTSA complaint #10268168, filed 2009-05, 25,200 miles

“Dt: the clutch was difficult to depress/to engage the starter. The consumer stated that there was a problem when trying to work the clutch because there was not enough room in the floor area ,and the wheel well made a hump in this area. Also, the vehicle was designed with a foot rest that the consumer had removed because it made it more difficult to drive. On several different occasions the vehicle stalled. Twice it put the consumer in dangerous situation although, there were no accidents. The first time was in august 2004. The second time was in september or october 2004. …”

NHTSA complaint #10134314, filed 2005-08, 300 miles

“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

Related service bulletins

Body and structure: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201012%
200932%
200813%
200744%
200642%
200542%
200486%
2003124%

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 27, 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