Is the 2006 Toyota Matrix a bad year?
170 owner complaints to NHTSA. Engine and transmission complaints are in line with other Matrix years.
Keep it
Engine and transmission complaints for the 2006 Toyota Matrix are in line with other Matrix years. Air bags stands out for this year: see below.
The verdict moves with mileage: the same car reads differently at 30,000 and at 150,000 miles.
What 2006 Matrix owners report, by mileage
Each system owners named in five or more complaints, with the mileage range where the middle half of those complaints were filed. Read at 92,000 miles.
| SYSTEM | COMPLAINTS | MIDDLE HALF FILED AT | TYPICAL US REPAIR BILLS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air bagsSTANDS OUT | 50 (29%) | 68k–108k miles · around this mileage | — |
| Electrical system | 22 (13%) | 34k–111k miles · around this mileage | 12-volt battery replacement $100–$400 · Starter motor replacement $350–$1,200 |
| Transmission and drivetrain | 18 (11%) | 35k–102k miles · around this mileage | CV axle / CV joint replacement (one side) $300–$1,500 · Automatic transmission replacement $2,500–$7,000 |
| Tires | 29 (17%) | 11k–24k miles · mostly behind | — |
| Engine | 25 (15%) | 31k–58k miles · mostly behind | — |
| Speed control | 20 (12%) | 16k–42k miles · mostly behind | — |
| Suspension | 20 (12%) | too few with a mileage | — |
| Brakes | 7 (4%) | too few with a mileage | — |
| Equipment | 5 (3%) | too few with a mileage | — |
| Steering | 5 (3%) | too few with a mileage | — |
Bills are typical US ranges from the sources named in the tool (J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, CarParts.com and others), printed only for systems that stand out or sit at or ahead of 92,000 miles. Not a quote.
What owners reported alongside their complaints
Of 170 complaints: 17 mention a crash · 8 report an injury.
No complaints in the last 12 months; the newest was filed in Aug 2025.
Counts of what owners wrote in their complaints, not verified by anyone.
In owners' own words
2006 Toyota matrix stalled when I was driving. It would start, but then it would stall in approximately one minute.
46,686 miles and the intake manifold gasket needed to be replaces as it was a defective gasket- hard with bubbles- I have the gasket.
This is the second time the engine control unit failed and been replaced on the 2006 Toyota matrix. The car had just received a very thorough 30,000 mile checkup and there were no causes for the failure.
Unedited excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, chosen by mileage (nearest 92,000 miles), not by content. Unverified.
Recalls for the 2006 Toyota Matrix: 4
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. There are a variety of warnings and consequences associated with the defect.
These vehicles were sold without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels. A driver may overload a vehicle which may increase the risk of a crash.
These vehicles were sold between september 1, 2005 and june 2, 2008 without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels. This does not meet the standard requirements.
Certain anzo combination headlamp assemblies sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles. Some combination lamps are not equipped with amber side reflectors which fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
A recall may cover only some cars of a model year; the campaign size counts every model and year it lists. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls: dealers fix open recalls free.
Service bulletins from Toyota: 68
Repair instructions Toyota sent its dealers for symptoms seen in the shop on the 2006 Toyota Matrix. Ask a dealer or mechanic for a bulletin by its number.
The vehicle may be difficult to start or have an abnormally low or rough idle after the battery has been disconnected or power to the Engine ECM has been…
TechTip: Condition - The vehicle may be difficult to start or have an abnormally low or rough idle after the battery has been disconnected or power…
The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of the correct torque converter bolts during automatic…
The purpose of this bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL "ON" shifting issues…
Neighbouring years
2005 Matrix: 213 complaints, keep it · 2007 Matrix: 96 complaints, keep it.
Every Toyota Matrix year
2002 · 2003 · 2004 · 2005 · 2006 · 2007 · 2008 · 2009 · 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · All Matrix years side by side
Other Toyota models: Toyota 4Runner · Toyota Avalon · Toyota C-HR · Toyota Camry · Toyota Camry Hybrid · Toyota Camry Solara · Toyota Celica · Toyota Corolla · Toyota Corolla Cross · Toyota Corolla Matrix · Toyota Echo · Toyota FJ Cruiser · Toyota Grand Highlander · Toyota Highlander · Toyota Highlander Hybrid · Toyota Prius · Toyota Prius c · Toyota Prius v · Toyota RAV4 · Toyota RAV4 Hybrid · Toyota RAV4 Prime · Toyota Sequoia · Toyota Sienna · Toyota Sienna Hybrid · Toyota Tacoma · Toyota Tundra · Toyota Venza · Toyota Venza Hybrid · Toyota Yaris. All makes and models.
Questions
Is the 2006 Toyota Matrix a bad year?
170 owner complaints to NHTSA. Engine and transmission complaints are in line with other Matrix years. At 92,000 miles the tool says: Keep it.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Toyota Matrix?
By owner complaints to NHTSA: air bags (50), electrical system (22), transmission and drivetrain (18), tires (29), engine (25).
How many recalls does the 2006 Toyota Matrix have?
4 recall campaigns list this model year: Engine (NHTSA 10V-384), Equipment (NHTSA 10V-036), Equipment (NHTSA 10V-035), Exterior lighting (NHTSA 06E023000). A recall may cover only some cars; check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Method: counts of unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA, compared only with other years of the same model (sales volumes are unknown, so no failure rate is computed). A system stands out at 40+ complaints and at least twice the model's quiet (lower-quartile) year, or twice the share across every vehicle of that model year. The mileage range is the 25th to 75th percentile of the mileages owners reported. Data received by NHTSA through November 5, 2026. Repair prices are typical US ranges from named sources, not quotes. Not a diagnosis and not financial advice. PulsCar is not affiliated with NHTSA. Check this car at your own mileage.