YearToAvoid

2006 Toyota Matrix Engine Problems

NHTSA has 46 owner complaints about engine problems in the 2006 Toyota Matrix, 27% of all 170 complaints for this model year. That is #2 highest engine complaint count among 9 Matrix model years. These complaints report 11 crashes and 7 injuries. Median mileage at failure: 40,000 miles.

Engine complaints
46
27% of 170
Crashes reported
11
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
7
Median mileage
40,000 mi
Related recalls
1

When 2006 Toyota Matrix engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 10, 2006, latest Aug 1, 2015.

2006 Toyota Matrix engine complaints: complaints filed per month6Jun 2006Jan 2008Jan 2010May 2010Sep 2010Apr 2011Jul 2015
46 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2006 to Aug 2015; peak Feb 2010 (6).

Engine recalls for the 2006 Toyota Matrix

  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 Matrix model year

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

  1. 200539 (18%)
  2. 200646 (27%)
  3. 200726 (27%)
  4. 200815 (39%)
  5. 200964 (33%)
  6. 20107 (16%)
  7. 20110 (0%)
  8. 20121 (20%)
  9. 20130 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 Toyota Matrix have engine problems?
NHTSA has 46 owner complaints about the engine in the 2006 Toyota Matrix, 27% of all complaints for this model year, including 11 that report a crash. Median mileage at failure is 40,000 miles.
Which Toyota Matrix year has the most engine complaints?
The 2009 Toyota Matrix has the most engine complaints (64), compared with 46 for the 2006.
Is there a engine recall for the 2006 Toyota Matrix?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for the 2006 Toyota Matrix 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.