2006 Toyota Corolla Matrix
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 36 |
| 2004 | 29 |
| 2005 | 88 |
| 2006 | 64 |
| 2007 | 48 |
| 2008 | 31 |
| 2009 | 74 |
| 2010 | 20 |
| 2011 | 6 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
66% of complaints: air bags — 42 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HER HUSBAND WHO OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER HUSBAND DRIVING AT 5 MPH AT A YIELD, ANOTHER VEHICLE BEHIND WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH AND REAR ENDED THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200110
I WAS IDLING AT A COMPLETE STOP WAITING FOR THE TRAFFIC LIGHT TO TURN WHEN I WAS REAR ENDED AT 50 MPH INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I HAVE SUFFERED MANY INJURIES TO MY NECK AND SPINE. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20131011
6% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Corolla Matrix. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning light and the battery warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230907
INTERMITTENTLY MY 2006 TOYOTA MATRIX XR SUDDENLY SLOWS DOWN TO ABOUT 20 MILES PER HOUR AND WOULD NOT RESPOND TO PRESSING GAS PEDAL. WHEN THIS HAPPENS I WILL HAVE TO PULL UP TO THE SIDE AND TURN THE ENGINE OFF FOR COUPLE OF MINUTES AND THEN START.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100909
MY 2006 TOYOTA MATRIX COMPLETELY STOPPED RUNNING WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT TO WORK TO VIRGINIA FROM MARYLAND ON FEB. 18, 2010. I WAS UNABLE TO RESTART IT AND HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO MY MECHANIC.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100226
6% of complaints: engine — 4 distinct reports on file.
FIRE5% of complaints: electrical system — 3 distinct reports on file.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
Engine Stalling
Engine Stall
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified the agency on May 13, 2015 that they are recalling certain model year 2004 Sequoia vehicles manufactured August 18, 2003, to August 19, 2004, and 2003-2004 Tundra vehicles manufactured March...
Remedy: 2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles that are recalled under both 15V-043 and 15V-285 are under a Do Not Drive advisory. Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed.
Campaign 15V285000 — check if this car was fixed
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified the agency on May 13, 2015, that they are recalling 2005-2007 Lexus SC, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sequoia, and Pontiac Vibe, and 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra vehicles that were originally...
Remedy: 2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles that are recalled under both 15V-043 and 15V-286 are under a Do Not Drive advisory. Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed.
Campaign 15V286000 — check if this car was fixed
On January 9, 2018, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified NHTSA that they are recalling 14,585 model year 2010-2012 Yaris vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware,...
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag assemblies with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 29, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 18V025000 — check if this car was fixed
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Corolla, 2005-2008 Corolla Matrix, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles equipped with a front passenger air bag assembly replaced under a prior recall.
Remedy: Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag assembly or sub-assembly, free of charge. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
Campaign 19V627000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2006 Toyota Corolla Matrix — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (42 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 15V285000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V286000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V025000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V627000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2006 Toyota Corolla Matrix reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Toyota Corolla Matrix is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Toyota Corolla Matrix?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 66% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 Toyota Corolla Matrix have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.