Most common 2006 Toyota Matrix problems
Share of the 170 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Toyota Matrix complaints by model year
Best Matrix years: 2012, 2011, 2008. Years to avoid: 2003, 2009, 2005, 2006. Compare all years →
2006 Toyota Matrix recalls (3)
Engine and engine cooling
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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the production number of the ECM and replace the ECM if necessary. This service will be performed free of charge.
Equipment › Other › Labels
Gulf states Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold between September 1, 2005 and June 2, 2008 without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.
Remedy: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual.
Equipment › Other › Labels
Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 passenger vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.
Remedy: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. The safety recall began on May 27, 2010.
What 2006 Toyota Matrix owners say
Air bags all 50 →
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Matrix. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V627000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Toyota Matrix. While driving at 25 MPH, another vehicle failed to stop for a stop sign and the contact crashed into the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. There was a police report filed. The contact sustained injuries to the head and a sprained right ankle, which required medical attention. The injuries for the other person were unknown. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the front side of the vehicle and tire on the front driver side were repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Wheels & tires all 27 →
Jan. 2007 anchorage, ak driving 50mph on a highway, as the road bended to the right, we went into the turn and began to slide sideways. It was 30 degrees f, so we must have hit black ice. I tried to correct and sent the car fish tailing to the other side. We whipped back and forth a few times, before the car started to spin. We did two full circles before we gently hit a burm of snow and came to a stop. No other cars were oncoming so we did not have any significant damage and there were no injuries. I went and bought studded tired the next day. Dec. 2009 juneau, ak I was a passenger. Same make, model, and year. Driving 40 MPH on straight road, slushy snow conditions. The car started to fish tail and spun 1.5 times before it stopped. No significant damage or injuries. No studded tires. (all-weather tires) feb. 2012 juneau, ak I was a passenger in the same car as above. …
Excessive tire wear/misalignment on 2006 Toyota Matrix: I have had my car for about 2 and 1/2 years, about 35,000 miles. I have already replaced the tires three times due to excessive wear, and had several four-wheel alignments done. I've noticed on the chat boards that several other owners with the same car type are having similar problems. I suspect that the misalignment and subsequent drift was one of the leading causes in an accident I had last year.
Engine & cooling all 26 →
Was driving the car normally to work as I have for the past 2 years. Was stopped at a stop sign with a vehicle directly in front. Took my foot off the brake to allow the car to roll forward and the car took off about 4-6 feet into the car in front. The only sign of a problem was the rpms jumped slightly as the car took off. Tried using the brake but it couldn't hold the car. Minor damage to my vehicle and no damage to vehicle struck. Called the dealer, was told to bring the car in. When they looked at the car they said it was fine and I needed new rotors. Asked about why the car jerked forward, was told there was nothing they could do about it since they were not there. Frustrated, took the car to be privately inspected elsewhere, again, could not find anything wrong with the car. Mechanic could not explain why the car jerked forward. …
I purchased a used 2006 Toyota Matrix as is no warranty from a dealer in boise, idaho. The dealer told me, my daughter and her friend that although the car had 175,262 miles on it, he had replaced the engine with a 55,000 mile engine he bought from florida. Apparently the old engine had seized up with the previous owner. The dealer assured me that the car would last me a long time. However, after only six weeks of driving the car the engine quit and stranded me in traffic. I had the car towed to my trustworthy mechanics, who ran the diagnostic tests on the car. I took their repair estimate to the dealer. He towed the car, with my permission, to his mechanic. I have been researching recalls, and found that Toyota Matrix cars manufactured between 2005-2008 have been recalled for engine problems. I don't know if my car was ever recalled, or the problems fixed. …
2006 Toyota Matrix engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 26 / 33 / 29 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 25 / 31 / 27 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 22 / 29 / 25 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | FWD | 22 / 29 / 25 |
EPA ratings. Class: Wagon.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Toyota Matrix a good car?
Based on 170 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Matrix rates use caution: 1.5× as many complaints as a typical year of the Matrix at the same age. It is one of the Matrix years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2006 Toyota Matrix?
The air bags — 50 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the wheels & tires (27) and engine & cooling (26).
How many recalls does the 2006 Toyota Matrix have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2006 Toyota Matrix, the most recent from August 26, 2010 (engine and engine cooling). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Toyota Matrix?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2012, 2011 and 2008. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2003, 2009, 2005 and 2006. See the full Toyota Matrix years comparison.
At what mileage do 2006 Toyota Matrix problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 37,000 miles; 63% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.