Sell your 2005 Toyota Matrix for cash

The 2005 Toyota Matrix is a wagon that came with a 1.8L 4-cyl engine. At 21 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.

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2005 Toyota Matrix at a glance

Body styleSmall Station Wagons
Engines1.8L 4-cyl
TransmissionsAutomatic 4-spd, Manual 5-spd, Manual 6-spd
DriveFront-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
FuelRegular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
Fuel economy22–26 city / 29–33 highway / 25–29 combined MPG
EPA annual fuel cost$2,300–$3,300 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles)
Tailpipe CO₂306–355 grams per mile
Versions tested by EPA4 configurations: Matrix, Matrix AWD
Age21 years

Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.

What affects its junk value

  • Age: at 21 years old, most of a 2005 Matrix's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
  • Weight: as a wagon, it weighs less than a truck or SUV, so its value leans more on parts than on scrap weight. See how scrap prices by weight work.
  • Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
  • Recalls: NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2005 Matrix. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking it.
  • Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the air bags, typically around 92,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.

How junk car offers are calculated

2005 Toyota Matrix recalls

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall covering the 2005 Toyota Matrix. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.

Engine and Engine CoolingAug 2010 · NHTSA campaign 10V384000

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…

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

Common 2005 Matrix problems

Owners have filed 213 complaints about the 2005 Toyota Matrix with NHTSA. 10 reports involved a crash and 2 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 4 injuries.

Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.

Most-reported components

  • Air Bags103
  • Electrical System21
  • Vehicle Speed Control16
  • Engine and Engine Cooling11
  • Tires11
  • Engine7

Typical mileage when problems were reported

  • Air Bags92,000 mi
  • Electrical System89,000 mi
  • Vehicle Speed Control20,000 mi
  • Engine and Engine Cooling81,000 mi
  • Tires24,000 mi
  • Engine92,000 mi

2005 Toyota Matrix crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2005 Toyota Matrix.

VersionOverallFrontal crashSide crashRolloverRollover risk
4 DrNot rated——★★★★☆14%

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP). Ratings from different model years or rating systems aren't directly comparable.

2005 Toyota Matrix service bulletins

Manufacturers have filed 151 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2005 Toyota Matrix. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.

Most common bulletin topics

  • Structure24
  • Equipment15
  • Engine and Engine Cooling13
  • Equipment13
  • Air Bags9
  • Electrical System8

Recent bulletins

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 2026 · T-SB-0055-24 Rev2

    Some 2005 - 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to r

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 2024 · T-SB-0035-24 Rev2

    Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle o

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 2024 · T-SB-0038-24 Rev2

    To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the whe

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 2024 · T-SB-0039-24 Rev2

    The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Other Toyota Matrix years

‹ Sell a 2004 Matrix · Sell a 2006 Matrix › · All Toyota Matrix years

Other 2005 Toyota models

Selling a 2005 Matrix: questions

How much is a 2005 Toyota Matrix worth for junk?

It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.

Can I junk a 2005 Matrix that doesn't run?

Yes. We buy 2005 Matrixs that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.

Can I sell a 2005 Matrix with open recalls?

Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2005 Toyota Matrix; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What paperwork do I need to sell my 2005 Matrix?

Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.

Before you sell

Sources

Data retrieved October 2026.

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