2006 Toyota Matrix Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
88/100
#2 most-complained of 9 Matrix years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2006 Toyota Matrix has 170 owner complaints and 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 88 out of 100 — #2 highest of 9 Matrix model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is airbags (50 complaints, 29% of the total). Complaints report 17 crashes and 10 injuries.
- Complaints
- 170
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 17 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 10 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 26
- 23.5 city / 30 hwy
Top 2006 Toyota Matrix problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags50 (29%)
- Engine46 (27%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires36 (21%)
- Electrical System22 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain18 (11%)
- Brakes8 (5%)
- Steering5 (3%)
- Other4 (2%)
- Structure & Body4 (2%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (2%)
2006 Toyota Matrix recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- 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.
- NHTSA 10V035000Feb 3, 2010Other271,417 vehicles
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.
Risk: This does not meet the standard requirements.
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. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact gulf states toyota at 713-580-3300.
- NHTSA 10V036000Feb 3, 2010Other153,418 vehicles
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.
Risk: A driver may overload a vehicle which may increase the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact southeast toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
2006 Toyota Matrix fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 23.5 MPG
- Highway
- 30 MPG
- Combined
- 26 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,500
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2006 compared with other Matrix years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2006 Toyota Matrix a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2006 Toyota Matrix ranks #2 of 9 among Matrix model years (Complaint Index 88/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 170 complaints and 3 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 Toyota Matrix?
- The most reported problem areas are airbags (50 complaints), engine (46 complaints), and suspension, wheels & tires (36 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 37,000 miles.
- Does the 2006 Toyota Matrix have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2006 Toyota Matrix, most recently reported 2010, covering engine and other.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2006 Toyota Matrix?
- EPA rates the 2006 Toyota Matrix at 26 MPG combined (23.5 city / 30 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,500. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.