Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
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. …
Own a 2006 Matrix and had all 4 tires ware out on inside of thread with 21000 miles on car. Did not notice the problem till car went off road hitting a tree. Repair shop said tires were worn excessively, and car shouldn't be driven. Upon repair, car was taken to have front end aligned and was told it was within toyotas specks, but could be corrected to a tighter standard. Contacted Toyota and they said it was the tires fault, when contacted the tire manufacture(continental) , they stated it was clearly out of alignment, and therefore car came from the factory like that.
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.
After owning my new car for about a year (around 25,000 miles), I was informed that my tires were cupping and all needed replaced. This issue was blamed on alignment issues. I had the alignment fixed and tires replaced. I had read discussion boards of other Matrix owners, many of whom had similar tire/alignment complaints. A worker at the car dealership suggested this has been a common issue with the Matrix. I complained to Toyota, who blamed both my driving and driving conditions (I don't drive recklessly--typically all my driving is highway), as well as the tire manufacturer (but my warranty had already run-out). I've been getting my tires rotated on a regular basis, but about a year after the aforementioned repairs (May 2008), the tech rotating my tires noted one of my tires was cupping and to have my rear alignment checked. …
With only 24,707 miles on my 2006 Toyota Matrix, I was told that all four tires needed to be replaced. I have found many such complaints about these vehicles after doing an internet search. The problem was described as excessive cupping or wear to the inside of the tires. The sixteen inch continental tires standard on these have a tread life of 50,000 miles, but the customer service representative told me they have a tread life of about 25,000 miles. I have the records to prove that I brought the auto in every 5,000 miles for a scheduled maintenance. Each one called for a tire rotation. I am so angry that the dealership didn't mention this problem or make corrections to the alignment or balance of the tires, that I refuse to go back to them. …
I have about 15500 miles on a 2006 Toyota Matrix that has abnormal tire wear. The head service mechanic explained to me that my car had to light of a rear end and that the tires bounce around and create abnormal wear. He stated that it would only make it worse to rotate them to the front. I have vibration and two ruined tires. Toyota answers that it is a tire issue and to take it up with the manufacturer. The manufacturer states they are not responsible for tire wear. Every tire installer and mechanic know about the flaw in these cars but Toyota does not take responsibility for this design error.
Bought new Toyota Matrix 2 wheel drive in 2006. All four tires are worn excessively on the inside part of tire. Dealership says I drove the car therefore not their problem. Toyota says tires not their problem. Neither organization seems to think the car May have a manufacturing defect. After searching the internet I have found others reporting same troubles. I know am faced with buying 4 new tires having to get an alignment. And still not convinced the problem will go away. The problem May have been their when I bought the car. Both dealership and Toyota want to blame me and the tire company.
Purchased certified pre owned - (leased) 2006 Matrix 27940 miles 7/26/08 - on 11/12/08 32955 miles after oil change dealer wrote : "tires are wearing funny - aligned at n/c did not rotate rht rear cupping - 3/25/09 oil change 38632 - dealer wrote - rotate tires if needed - last time in had tire wear issue needs tires has 1 good tire on car on lf. Apparently this is a problem with Toyota - haven't contacted dealer yet but will after reading complaints. I don't know if the after market shim fix will void my extended warranty or not......
Vehicle was taken to dealer for service to investigate a loud vibration noise coming from the tires as long as vehicle was rolling. The car has about 18,000 miles on it. All four tires were severely cupped. The dealer contacted the factory reference the tires and the factory recommended the tires be replaced. All four tires were replaced and were aligned to spec. Upon leaving the dealer service center a new tire noise was noticed. It was not the same vibration noise but a loud roar as long as the tires were rolling.
2006 Toyota Matrix. Tires wear out every 16,000 miles. The problem is in the rear axle. Toyota has consistently told me there is no problem. Today I am on a discussion board and find it is a common problem for the Matrix/vibe. The solution is an aftermarket rear wheel shim kit costing $50 plus labor. Why is Toyota allowed to continue denying the problem exists and not recall and correct the problem.
Suspension complaints in other Matrix years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2006 Toyota Matrix?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the suspension of the 2006 Toyota Matrix, 12% of the model year's 170 complaints. The component named most often is front (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Toyota Matrix suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 18,000 miles, and 75% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to suspension 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.