2006 Toyota Matrix recalls and problems

The 2006 Toyota Matrix has 3 safety recalls and 170 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
170
Crashes / fires
17 / 0
Injuries / deaths
10 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2006 Toyota Matrix vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2006 Toyota Matrix recalls

Recall 10V-384: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Aug 26, 2010 · 1,128,659 vehicles affected · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 10V-035: Equipment

Reported Feb 3, 2010 · 271,417 vehicles affected · GULF STATES TOYOTA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 10V-036: Equipment

Reported Feb 3, 2010 · 153,418 vehicles affected · SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS, LLC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags50
Tires27
Engine and Engine Cooling22
Electrical System22
Vehicle Speed Control20
Suspension20
Power Train20
Service Brakes, Hydraulic6
Steering5
Structure4
Engine4
Visibility3

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 6
  • Tires › Tread/Belt — 4
  • Power Train › Manual Transmission — 4
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 4
  • Suspension › Front — 3
  • Structure › Frame and Members — 3
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 2
  • Suspension › Rear — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 37,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2006 Toyota Matrix complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · reported Aug 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Matrix. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V627000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Air Bags · reported Mar 7, 2018
How can I get toyota to quit sending me notices. I'm getting about 1 a week now for a car that was demolished at a junkyard in january 2017. I've provided them proof that they are sending to me but they won't stop....please help or forward me on to someone who can help. Thanks!
Air Bags · at 120,000 miles · reported Nov 5, 2017
Your website where I enter my VIN returns a "request was invalid" message. "one or more parameters were invalid." nothing is explained. Why did this message show?
Air Bags · at 184,952 miles · reported Aug 30, 2017
My clock started going out. Sometimes it would be on and other times it would go off and now it turns on and off in its own time factor when I AM drivng and the car is in motion and when I AM stopped at traffic lights.. I asked the toyota dealer if they could fix my clock. I had them do a diagnostic test on the clock which cost around $110 approx.. They said they could fix my clock for $416.31 and that is was connected to my air bags. My toyota dealer said they replaced my takata airbag on the front passenger side on 2-18-2016, and told me the other airbags were not takata. But I wondered if…
Air Bags · reported Oct 6, 2016
Letter from congresswoman capps on behalf of constituent re why efforts are focused on replacing the passenger side airbags first and not the driver side airbags which seems more relevant.

Other Toyota Matrix years

Compare all Toyota Matrix years · All Toyota models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 Toyota Matrix have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2006 Toyota Matrix: 10V-384 (engine and engine cooling), 10V-035 (equipment), 10V-036 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2006 Toyota Matrix?

Owners report air bags problems most often (50 reports), followed by tires (27). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 37,000 miles.

Are Toyota recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.