YearToAvoid

2006 Toyota Corolla Engine Problems

NHTSA has 198 owner complaints about engine problems in the 2006 Toyota Corolla, 24% of all 839 complaints for this model year. That is #3 highest engine complaint count among 21 Corolla model years. These complaints report 46 crashes, 3 fires, and 26 injuries. Median mileage at failure: 52,000 miles.

Engine complaints
198
24% of 839
Crashes reported
46
Fires reported
3
Injuries reported
26
Median mileage
52,000 mi
Related recalls
1

When 2006 Toyota Corolla engine complaints were filed

First complaint May 9, 2006, latest Feb 3, 2020.

2006 Toyota Corolla engine complaints: complaints filed per quarter522006 Q22008 Q32010 Q22011 Q42013 Q32015 Q12017 Q12019 Q2
198 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2006 Q2 to 2020 Q1; peak 2010 Q1 (52).

Engine recalls for the 2006 Toyota Corolla

  1. NHTSA 10V384000Aug 26, 2010Engine1,128,659 vehicles

    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. There is a possibility that a crack may develop at certain solder points or on varistors on the circuit board.

    Risk: There are a variety of warnings and consequences associated with the defect. The engine warning lamp could be illuminated, harsh shifting could result, the engine may not start, or the engine could shut off while the vehicle is being driven. An engine shutoff while the vehicle is being driven increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the production number of the ECM and replace the ECM if necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Toyota will mail an interim owner notification the middle of september 2010 to advise owners of this defect and recall. This interim notification will inform owners that they will receive a future notification when parts become available to have the free remedy performed on their vehicle. The safety recall began on november 29, 2010. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Engine complaints by Corolla model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 2005185 (22%)
  2. 2006198 (24%)
  3. 2007191 (23%)
  4. 2008103 (33%)
  5. 2009320 (22%)
  6. 2010230 (18%)
  7. 201162 (11%)
  8. 201220 (4%)
  9. 201332 (16%)
  10. 201446 (17%)
  11. 201532 (15%)
  12. 201633 (15%)
  13. 201738 (21%)
  14. 201824 (18%)
  15. 201950 (25%)
  16. 2020113 (37%)
  17. 202146 (25%)
  18. 202216 (16%)
  19. 202314 (19%)
  20. 20248 (13%)
  21. 20254 (13%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 Toyota Corolla have engine problems?
NHTSA has 198 owner complaints about the engine in the 2006 Toyota Corolla, 24% of all complaints for this model year, including 46 that report a crash. Median mileage at failure is 52,000 miles.
Which Toyota Corolla year has the most engine complaints?
The 2009 Toyota Corolla has the most engine complaints (320), compared with 198 for the 2006.
Is there a engine recall for the 2006 Toyota Corolla?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for the 2006 Toyota Corolla concerns the engine: 10V384000.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.