Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
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. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Toyota Matrix. While depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to restart after several attempts. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not included NHTSA campaign number: 10V384000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
Backed out of a parking space at a shopping center. Went about 50 yards and the engine revved like it was going 100 MPH and then jumped forward. Slammed on the brakes and put the car in neutral and it went back to normal idling.
I own a 2006 Toyota Matrix with 74K. My A/C went in and out first, thought it was the compressor, then it seemed like I was not quite getting the horsepower I had previously. Then on the labor day weekend the car dies suddenly on the highway (twice), scared the you know what out of me. Been dealing with Toyota in california (not great) but they OK'd it to a local dealer in union city ga,(very nice). They told me Toyota had OK'd putting in a new electronic control module due to recall that I was never informed about. They put in the module 09/08/2010 but tell me that this May not be the correct fix as Toyota have not informed the dealers of which is the current recall fixing module. Then they tell me they are unsure if they will have to change it again because Toyota May be getting a new part and I will get a letter. …
2006 Toyota Matrix, 50,000 miles. Heat shield rearmost hanger assembly failed. Loud rattle as shield rested on exhaust pipe. Temporary fix: wire from tank strap around shield to keep shield from resting on pipe. Plastic hanger assembly split, captive nut separated, shield dropped to pipe. I regard it as a design flaw. Plastic was supposed to provide pressure to hold nut in place as well as to support load. Evidence of long term cracking, dirt in crack surfaces. Estimate to repair from dealer, $100, possibly includes both labor and parts cost. Otherwise, is a good product, take to dealer every 5000 miles for appropriate maintenance.
I was driving to work and the check engine light went on. I pressed the gas pedal but there was no acceleration. The engine started to stall out. I slowly pulled over, put the car in park, put the key on the off position and I tried to start the vehicle again and noticed that the battery was working but it would not start. I did this process five more times to no success. I finally called aaa and was towed home. The next day, much to my surprise, the vehicle started right up but the check engine light was still on. So, I brought it to the Toyota dealership to have it checked. They ended up replacing the engine control computer.
Twice while driving at 60 MPH on the highway (in traffic but not bumper to bumper), my Toyota Matrix engine turned off. I was on the right and able to pull over to the side and restart the engine, however had I been in the left lane this would not have been possible and a serious accident could have happened. The vehicle subsequently was inspected by the dealers' service department (russell Toyota in catonsville, maryland). They could not duplicate the failure and found nothing wrong with the car. The car is only a few months old and has 11,800 miles on it, and has received all proper service checks, oil changes, etc.
This is the second time the engine control unit failed and been replaced on the 2006 Toyota Matrix. The car had just received a very thorough 30,000 mile checkup and there were no causes for the failure. This failure is extremely dangerous and it almost cost me my life. The ECU spontaneously quit while in the high speed lane, at 6:30 pm pitch dark, in heavy commuter traffic in the boston beltline of rt 128. The brakes were as hard as concrete, and the car decelerated so fast that I could not change lanes and I was left with an electronically dead car in the high speed lane - at night. I called the state police.
Tl contact owns a 2006 Toyota Matrix. The contact stated that her vehicle continued to stall on numerous occasions while driving into a parking space or whenever driving the vehicle stutters and then it stalled. The vehicle was also taken to the dealer on numerous occasions for service and they could not duplicate the problem. The manufacturer was contacted and informed her to take the vehicle back to the dealer for the repairs. NHTSA recall#:10V384000; component: engine and engine cooling was related to the failure; however, her VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 47,000.
Related recalls
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.
Engine complaints in other Matrix years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2006 Toyota Matrix?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2006 Toyota Matrix, 15% of the model year's 170 complaints. The component named most often is engine (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Toyota Matrix engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 10V-384 (engine and engine cooling, Aug 26, 2010). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2006 Toyota Matrix engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 47,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.