Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Toyota Matrix owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
I just heard another passenger was killed by an air bag in a Toyota product. I was told over 6 months ago by Toyota I would be contacted for a replacement airbag. I finally got a remedy notice from Toyota to contact my dealer and see about getting it fixed. My dealer said they only can do 7 air bag replacements a week and it would be 8-9 months before they could get to my car. I contacted Toyota us headquarters and they said it should only be 2-3 weeks. (ref # 1604011854) . I contacted the dealer again who reiterated it would be 8-9 months. This delay seems like a strategy on Toyota's part and not a shortage of parts. Who is neglecting their duty on this potentially fatal defect. Toyota, the dealer, or the NHTSA. This is unacceptable. People losing their lives because of a lack of government action. If they can't fix the airbag, they should provide owners with cars without the defect. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Toyota Matrix. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle suddenly accelerated. The contact attempted to apply the brakes but the brakes would not respond. The contact then depressed the accelerator pedal and the pedal fell to the floorboard abnormally. The contact then struck the curb and crashed into a concrete barrier as the vehicle went airborne and crashed into a second barrier causing the wheels to fracture from the vehicle before coming to a stop. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained severe headaches as a result. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where she was advised that the vehicle could be repaired. The contact stated after the crash she received a recall notice under NHTSA campaign id number: 10V384000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.
Vehicle completely stopped in a line of traffic. While waiting to move on, with my foot on the brake,the engine all of a sudden roared and the vehicle shot forward and hit the vehicle (approximately 5 to 7 feet) in front of my vehicle. The air bags did not open and the hit to the other vehicle was more like a punch. I tried to stop my forward thrust but the brakes would not hold the vehicle. Upon striking the other vehicle the engine roar stopped and everything seemingly returned to normal. Minor damage was done to both vehicles and no one was reportedly injured. The police were called to the scene and an accident report was filed. My Toyota dealer was called for assistance and advised me that they never had such an experience reported but suggested I bring the vehicle in for service.
My clock started going out. Sometimes it would be on and other times it would go off and now it turns on and off in its own time factor when I am drivng and the car is in motion and when I am stopped at traffic lights.. I asked the Toyota dealer if they could fix my clock. I had them do a diagnostic test on the clock which cost around $110 approx.. They said they could fix my clock for $416.31 and that is was connected to my air bags. My Toyota dealer said they replaced my Takata airbag on the front passenger side on 2-18-2016, and told me the other airbags were not Takata. But I wondered if my clock doesn't work and it's tied into my airbags, if I get into a wreck will my airbags deploy or not deploy becasuse I haven't fixed my clock?
Initial recall was issued for car nearly 1 year ago today. Remedy was not available at the time. Received a notice that the part was available and replacement could be scheduled approximately 2 months ago but was informed the part had to be ordered by the dealer. Follow up call today indicates the part is still back ordered and I am unable to have the repair done. This is unacceptable when the recall notice indicates that a passenger in the car could be seriously injured or killed in the event of an accident. Toyota has not remedied the problem in a year, and is not making satisfactory progress in obtaining the part or scheduling the repair.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Toyota Matrix. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V285000 (air bags) however the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer 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.
Received recall notice. Phoned local Toyota service dealer and was told the part was on national backorder. Put on a list for call back. In the meantime, I am not supposed to let a passenger ride in the front seat! Absurd, I purchased the vehicle for driving and passengers. I want to request an answer on what recourse I have to get a vehicle that can transport my family safely, while waiting. We have been in an accident in the past -not this recall- but the airbag on passenger side caused more damage, and could have been devistating damage to our teen in the passenger seat. Cannot take this chance again, but have to use my car for transporting my family! This particular service phone answerer was very unconcerned about the details of this recall. …
"Takata recall" received interim notice approx May 2015 received remidy notice May 2016 purchased car new and have contacted Toyota of invergrove heights mn. Several times about recall repair, only to be told no parts available! I am afraid of liability and or death from deployed air bags to both driver & passenger. Also paid option for additional side air bag package. When can we expect resolve and why is my life and passengers of less value than those in priority states? Why are no fines to Takata or the vehicle manufacturers being initiated? We owners feel as life and limb & vehicle valuation are at risk. It seems volkswagon diesel owners are receiving preferential attention and possible buy backs, while not as risk of the same exposure. Takata industries May go bankrupt or totally fail with no resolve from them or auto manufacturers. …
Airbag complaints in other Matrix years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2006 Toyota Matrix?
NHTSA has 50 complaints about the air bags of the 2006 Toyota Matrix, 29% of the model year's 170 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2006 Toyota Matrix airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2006 Toyota Matrix, though it has 3 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 Matrix airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to air bags 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.