2006 Toyota Matrix: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker Matrix years.
170 owner complaints, most about air bags. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2006 Matrix?The 2006 Toyota Matrix has 170 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and tires.
Safety record for the 2006 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2006 Toyota Matrix vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Matrix years only. How we score it
Is 2006 a good year for the Matrix?
Across the 11 Matrix model years we track, complaint volume runs from 2 (2002) to 269 (2003). With 170 complaints, the 2006 Matrix sits above the model's median of 96.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2006 Matrix
engine and engine cooling
Campaign 10V384000TOYOTA 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.
equipment:other:labels
Campaign 10V036000SOUTHEAST 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.
equipment:other:labels
Campaign 10V035000GULF 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.
exterior lighting:headlights
Campaign 06E023000CERTAIN 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."
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability, practicality, and value for money.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Matrix. See the full Matrix owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Matrix listings typically run $7,075–$9,498 across 2003 to 2013 model years.
Other Matrix model years
Compare every Matrix year side by side to see how 2006 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Matrix against its rivals
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