Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Toyota Corolla owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact's mother owns a 2006 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while reversing out of a parking space and as she shifted the vehicle into drive, the vehicle surged forward. The contact's mother lost control of the vehicle and crashed into several vehicles and then a curb and turned the vehicle ignition off. The contact's mother stated she had no brakes. The contact sustained bruises to her left and right legs by the knees and both wrists were bruised. Additionally, the contact had pain in her left and right shoulders. The contact did not seek medical attention. The other vehicles were not occupied. The contact stated she did not notice any warning lights were illuminated. The police were on the scene and filed a report. The contact's mother had the vehicle towed to her residence and then later towed to a dealer. …
My mother's car suddenly went out of control in the parking lot of the local power company. The car was out of control like a wild horse and crashed several cars. This is not a driver error. The car mileage reading is ~40,000. I found that there are recalls on the Toyota cars (with problems such as cars went of control and accelerated uncontrollably), but not this particular car/VIN #. (The car's airbag was on the recall list, but when we stopped at the local Toyota dealership's service department, the assistant manager always tell us that they are busy, come back next time. It happened more than 3 times.) After contacting Toyota Corporate, Toyota sent out a third party to do an inspection on the car. The 3rd party inspector downloaded a whole bunch data. …
On my way to work when the I hit the brakes... brakes locked up causing me to be unable to come to a complete stop.. Driver side airbag deployed but the passenger side airbag caused the dash to explode causing a fire in the dash. With the dash exploding and the passenger side airbag not deploying correctly it cause the passenger to hit windshield! Unknown Unknown Just a check engine light for knock sensor.
I purchased a Toyota three years ago, immediately I complained about the brakes scrubbing and squeaky sounds, the dealer denied anything was wrong with the brakes. After paying the last payment the other day, now the brake pedal is stiff as a board and takes alot of pressure to stop, which is a safety hazzard to all. Also there have been no warning lights come on notification of any problems. I've also noticed Electrical problems like the dash lights going off and on the clock works when it takes a notion.
On November 22, 2017 close to 3 p.m., I was driving a 2006 Toyota Corolla in the passing lane on I-90 east near syracuse, ny. There was a white Ford pickup truck driving in front of me. There was a police car's flashing lights ahead of us in the left side of the highway. Both the pickup truck and I moved into the right lane. The Ford pickup hit their brakes, at which point I slammed on my brakes. The Corolla slowed down for a split second, and then the brakes gave way. I was pushing down the brake pedal all the way the whole time, but the Corolla continued to go forward at the same speed. The Corolla then hit the rear of the Ford pickup truck. My eyeglasses flew off my face, and my driver's seatbelt caught, but the Corolla front air bags did not deploy. As a result of the accident, the Corolla was totaled. …
The engine light won't go out there is a error reading of p0031 on the o2 sensor been replace 7 to 10 times and the light still stays on even resetting.I have problems year after year with my brakes over all I lost total trust in Toyota Corolla plus a lot more problems Toyota takes forever to send out the recall letters. I have 8 recalls but when you go look it up its states no recalls well this is why I lost trust Toyota doesn't care they use to be the best car ever not anymore.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Toyota Corolla equipped with Goodyear all season tires. The contact stated while sitting idle with the brakes depressed, the vehicle abnormally accelerated resulting in a crash. There were no injuries. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer but was not examined for the cause of failure. Repairs were made to the body damage only. The failure continued to recur intermittently and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer approximately three times where an unknown service was performed on the throttle. The failure did not recur since the throttle repair. In addition, the contact stated that the tires were wearing prematurely. The dealer confirmed that the tires exhibited premature wear. The tires were replaced and the failure did not recur. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that the vehicle abnormally accelerated causing the contact to be involved in a crash. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where repairs were made to the body damage however, the dealer was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The contact experienced the failure two more times and contacted the manufacturer who advised that the throttle body would need replacing. In addition, the contact stated that the tires exhibited premature wear and the body paint began to peel prematurely. The tires were replaced and a complaint was filed with the manufacturer. The contact stated that the brakes were also defective. Later, the vehicle was inspected by the manufacturer's engineers and was advised that there were no failures found within the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. …
After periods of more than about 6 hours, first attempt at breaking does not decelerate car sufficiently to avoid accident. On going problem. I had mountain states Toyota and go Toyota (formerly john elway Toyota) in denver, co look at the problem and they denied anything wrong. I've had breaks replaced since start of complaint, therefore lines have been bled, but problem persists. This is my second notification to NHTSA. First was several years ago. I have temporarily remedied issue by stopping twice in parking lot or neighborhood street before driving at full speed. I have to put break through the floor and car does not have full breaking power on first stop. Vacuum assist checked out OK. Had to use e-break to avoid accident once. [redacted]
Tl contact owns a 2006 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH the vehicle suddenly accelerated and crashed into another vehicle. The contact suffered minor injuries. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal became stuck and caused the vehicle to suddenly accelerate. The failure mileage was 59,276. Updated 05/20/10. The consumer also stated the air bags failed to deploy. Updated evoq 05/27/10 the consumer stated the engine control module was replaced in 2008 due to the check engine light illuminating. Updated 06/01/10. Updated 09/29/10 the consumer also stated the steering mechanism and brake failed on the vehicle. Updated 12/06/10 updated 12/28/10.
Brake complaints in other Corolla years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2006 Toyota Corolla?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the brakes of the 2006 Toyota Corolla, 4% of the model year's 840 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Toyota Corolla brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2006 Toyota Corolla, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Toyota Corolla brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 46,000 miles, and 37% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 13 crashes, 2 fires and 7 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.