2006 Toyota Matrix Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2006 Toyota Matrix ranks 2nd worst out of 9 model years, with a complaint index of 88 and 170 complaints, most tied to airbags, engine, and suspension issues. It carries an Avoid verdict driven by owner-reported sudden acceleration and steering complaints, plus 3 recalls.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 88/100
- #2 of 9 Matrix years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 170
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 17
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 10
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 26
- 23.5 city / 30 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 10 / 0
Top 2006 Toyota Matrix problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the vehicle suddenly accelerating on its own while parking or at low speed, leading to crashes into garages or vehicles ahead.
- Some drivers describe the steering pulling hard to one side during lane changes, causing loss of control.
- Several owners report premature and uneven tire wear, sometimes tied to front-end misalignment, with tires needing replacement well before expected.
- One owner reported the accelerator pedal sticking to the floor while brakes failed to respond, resulting in a crash.
- Engine-related complaints include the car lurching forward unexpectedly while stopped in traffic with brakes applied.
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 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2006 Matrix ranks 2nd worst among 9 model years with a complaint index of 88, giving it an Avoid verdict relative to other Matrix years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 Toyota Matrix?
- Owners most often reported issues with airbags (29% of complaints), engine problems (27%), and suspension, wheels and tires (21%), according to NHTSA data.
- Does the 2006 Toyota Matrix have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2006 Matrix, covering the engine control module and tire/rim labeling requirements, none of which are do-not-drive recalls.
- What mileage do 2006 Matrix problems typically show up at?
- The median mileage at failure across all reported problems is 37,000 miles, though airbag issues tended to appear later, around 80,000 miles.
- Which Toyota Matrix years are better than 2006?
- According to NHTSA-based complaint index rankings, 2008, 2011, and 2012 rate as Good or Best years, while 2012 has the lowest complaint index at 13.