2006 Toyota Matrix problems
The Toyota Matrix, officially named Toyota Corolla Matrix, is a compact hatchback manufactured by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada in Cambridge, Ontario and derived from the Corolla. Introduced in 2002 as a 2003 model, the Matrix was the result of a joint venture between Toyota and General Motors, with the GM version being the Pontiac Vibe, which was assembled by New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (NUMMI) in Fremont, California, United States.
The Matrix was positioned as a sporty hatchback counterpart of the North American Corolla and was counted as a variant of it in Toyota's sales figures.
Although identical mechanically, and nearly as much internally, the Matrix and Vibe had different sheetmetal and exterior trim designed by their respective brands. Both vehicles are narrow, tall station wagons styled in a quasi-SUV fashion (called a crossover utility vehicle or "CUV" by Toyota) and marketed to a fairly youthful market segment. This type of car is also commonly referred to as a sport wagon.
First sold in February 2002, the Matrix saw a minor facelift for the 2005 model year, and was redesigned completely in 2008 for the 2009 model year, following the tenth generation Corolla. Sales of the Matrix were discontinued in the United States in 2013 and in Canada in 2014.
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Common 2006 Toyota Matrix problems
The 2006 Toyota Matrix has been reported to have several common problems based on owner complaints.
Another common problem with the 2006 Matrix is engine failure. Many owners have reported that their Matrix suddenly failed, with ticking or rattling noises coming from the engine before failure. This issue reportedly happens at around 103,300 miles and costs $3,400 to repair.
The transmission system is also a problem area for the 2006 Matrix. Some owners have reported transmission failure, with symptoms like loud grinding noises, hesitation while shifting, and no fifth gear. This issue seems to affect manual transmission models exclusively.
In addition to these problems, the 2006 Matrix has also been reported to have issues with the water pump, starter motor, Check Engine light problems, suspension and driveline problems, oil leaks, and minor engine problems. Some of these issues may require replacing the intake manifold gasket, air flow sensor, or starter motor, which can be costly repairs.
Overall, the 2006 Toyota Matrix has several common problems that owners have reported. These issues range from sudden acceleration to engine and transmission failures, as well as various mechanical and electrical problems. It is essential to be aware of these issues when considering purchasing a used 2006 Toyota Matrix.
What is the common problem of Toyota Matrix?
One of its most severe issues is the engine problem. Many owners have noticed that the car consumed too much oil and heard ticking or rattling noises coming from the engine. Eventually, the Matrix engine just failed.
Is the 2006 Toyota Matrix a good car?
We're convinced that the 2006 Toyota Matrix would be a satisfying choice for many people -- it rides comfortably; it handles capably enough; it has plenty of room in the backseat for your friends (or your kids); and it provides a lot of flexibility for those whose interests require a lot of equipment.
How many miles will a Toyota Matrix last?
Toyota cars have a reputation for being long-lasting and reliable vehicles that can easily last up to 300,000 miles with proper maintenance.
What are the disadvantages of the Toyota Matrix?
Worst Issues
- excessive oil consumption in the 2009 Matrix. ...
- engine failure in the 2003 Matrix. ...
- premature brake wear in the 2010 Matrix. ...
- engine noise with cold start in the 2009 Matrix. ...
- transmission stopped working in the 2003 Matrix.
What is the common problem of Toyota Matrix?
One of its most severe issues is the engine problem. Many owners have noticed that the car consumed too much oil and heard ticking or rattling noises coming from the engine. Eventually, the Matrix engine just failed.
Is the 2006 Toyota Matrix a good car?
We're convinced that the 2006 Toyota Matrix would be a satisfying choice for many people -- it rides comfortably; it handles capably enough; it has plenty of room in the backseat for your friends (or your kids); and it provides a lot of flexibility for those whose interests require a lot of equipment.
What are the disadvantages of the Toyota Matrix?
Worst Issues
- excessive oil consumption in the 2009 Matrix. ...
- engine failure in the 2003 Matrix. ...
- premature brake wear in the 2010 Matrix. ...
- engine noise with cold start in the 2009 Matrix. ...
- transmission stopped working in the 2003 Matrix.
Is Toyota Matrix expensive to maintain?
The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Toyota Matrix is $396, compared to an average of $526 for compact cars and $652 for all vehicle models.
2006 Toyota Matrix car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Matrix problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Tires problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2006 Toyota Matrix vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2006 Toyota Matrix
The NHTSA has received 169 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2006 Toyota Matrix. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2006 Toyota Matrix vehicles.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-02-04
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 2006 TOYOTA MATRIX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RUSTED RIGHT SIDE REAR STRUT. *LD *JS
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-03-07
- VIN: 2T1KR32E76C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-11-05
- VIN: VIN: 2T1KR3
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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?
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-03-16
- VIN: 2T1LR32E76C
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: 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 MY CLOCK DOESN'T WORK AND IT'S TIED INTO MY AIRBAGS, IF I GET INTO A WRECK WILL MY AIRBAGS DEPLOY OR NOT DEPLOY BECASUSE I HAVEN'T FIXED MY CLOCK?
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-10-03
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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. *SMD
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-07-27
- VIN: 2T1LR30E46C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION IN MAY OF 2016 FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V285000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-07-07
- VIN: 2T1KR32E16C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I JUST ARRANGED A 3RD APPOINTMENT TO HAVE REPAIRS ON MY TOYOTA MATRIX FOR MY SAFETY RECALL. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THERE IS NO PART TO ACCOMPLISH THE REPAIRS TWICE NOW. MY NEXT APPT IS SET FOR THE END OF AUGUST AND I AM HOPING THAT THE PART WILL BE AVAILABLE! IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO COMPLY WITH NOT HAVING A PASSENGER RIDE WITH ME. PLEASE ORDER AND DELIVER A SUITABLE PART TO THE OWINGS MILLS TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-06-13
- VIN: 2T1KR32E16C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: INITIAL RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR CAR NEARLY 1 YEAR AGO TODAY. REMEDY WAS NOT AVAILABLE AT THE TIME. RECEIVED A NOTICE THAT THE PART WAS AVAILABLE AND REPLACEMENT COULD BE SCHEDULED APPROXIMATELY 2 MONTHS AGO BUT WAS INFORMED THE PART HAD TO BE ORDERED BY THE DEALER. FOLLOW UP CALL TODAY INDICATES THE PART IS STILL BACK ORDERED AND I AM UNABLE TO HAVE THE REPAIR DONE. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE WHEN THE RECALL NOTICE INDICATES THAT A PASSENGER IN THE CAR COULD BE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. TOYOTA HAS NOT REMEDIED THE PROBLEM IN A YEAR, AND IS NOT MAKING SATISFACTORY PROGRESS IN OBTAINING THE PART OR SCHEDULING THE REPAIR.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-05-01
- VIN: 2T1KR30E66C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: "TAKATA RECALL" RECEIVED INTERIM NOTICE APPROX MAY 2015 RECEIVED REMIDY NOTICE MAY 2016 PURCHASED CAR NEW AND HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA OF INVERGROVE HEIGHTS MN. SEVERAL TIMES ABOUT RECALL REPAIR, ONLY TO BE TOLD NO PARTS AVAILABLE! I AM AFRAID OF LIABILITY AND OR DEATH FROM DEPLOYED AIR BAGS TO BOTH DRIVER & PASSENGER. ALSO PAID OPTION FOR ADDITIONAL SIDE AIR BAG PACKAGE. WHEN CAN WE EXPECT RESOLVE AND WHY IS MY LIFE AND PASSENGERS OF LESS VALUE THAN THOSE IN PRIORITY STATES? WHY ARE NO FINES TO TAKATA OR THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS BEING INITIATED? WE OWNERS FEEL AS LIFE AND LIMB & VEHICLE VALUATION ARE AT RISK. IT SEEMS VOLKSWAGON DIESEL OWNERS ARE RECEIVING PREFERENTIAL ATTENTION AND POSSIBLE BUY BACKS, WHILE NOT AS RISK OF THE SAME EXPOSURE. TAKATA INDUSTRIES MAY GO BANKRUPT OR TOTALLY FAIL WITH NO RESOLVE FROM THEM OR AUTO MANUFACTURERS. LEAVING THE VEHICLE OWNERS OPEN TO DEATH, INJURY,LAWSUITS AND FINANCIAL LOSS OF VEHICLE VALUE. PLEASE HELP! PLEASE HELP!
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-04-19
- VIN: 2T1KR32EX6C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL I FINALLY RECEIVED MY INSTRUCTIONS FOR REPLACING THE DANGEROUS PASSENGER AIRBAG ON MY TOYOTA MATRIX AFTER CLOSE TO A YEAR OF WAITING ON THEIR FOLLOW-UP. WHEN I REACHED OUT TO MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP, MCGEORGE TOYOTA IN RICHMOND VA, I WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAD TO ORDER THE PART AND IT WOULD BE 3 MONTHS BEFORE IT COULD BE FIXED. I SUPPOSED FREE REPAIRS ARE MUCH MORE DIFFICULT TO SCHEDULE.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-06-16
- VIN: 2T1KR32E36C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I JUST HEARD ANOTHER PASSENGER WAS KILLED BY AN AIR BAG IN A TOYOTA PRODUCT. I WAS TOLD OVER 6 MONTHS AGO BY TOYOTA I WOULD BE CONTACTED FOR A REPLACEMENT AIRBAG. I FINALLY GOT A REMEDY NOTICE FROM TOYOTA TO CONTACT MY DEALER AND SEE ABOUT GETTING IT FIXED. MY DEALER SAID THEY ONLY CAN DO 7 AIR BAG REPLACEMENTS A WEEK AND IT WOULD BE 8-9 MONTHS BEFORE THEY COULD GET TO MY CAR. I CONTACTED TOYOTA US HEADQUARTERS AND THEY SAID IT SHOULD ONLY BE 2-3 WEEKS. (REF # 1604011854) . I CONTACTED THE DEALER AGAIN WHO REITERATED IT WOULD BE 8-9 MONTHS. THIS DELAY SEEMS LIKE A STRATEGY ON TOYOTA'S PART AND NOT A SHORTAGE OF PARTS. WHO IS NEGLECTING THEIR DUTY ON THIS POTENTIALLY FATAL DEFECT. TOYOTA, THE DEALER, OR THE NHTSA. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. PEOPLE LOSING THEIR LIVES BECAUSE OF A LACK OF GOVERNMENT ACTION. IF THEY CAN'T FIX THE AIRBAG, THEY SHOULD PROVIDE OWNERS WITH CARS WITHOUT THE DEFECT. DO YOUR JOB. I AM CONTACTING MY CONGRESSMAN AND SENATORS ABOUT THIS.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-04-04
- VIN: 2T1LR32E16C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AFTER RECEIVING THE NOTICE FROM TOYOTA, I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT AND TOOK MY CAR IN TO HAVE THE RECALL FIXED - TAKING A DAY OFF OF WORK TO DO SO. I THEN TOOK A SHUTTLE RIDE HOME AND AFTER SEVEN HOURS OF WAITING I CALLED ASKING ABOUT THE STATUS OF MY CAR. AFTER ANOTHER SHUTTLE RIDE TO THE DEALER I FOUND OUT THAT THEY ONLY DID THE INSPECTION AND DID NOT FIX THE AIR BAG. THEY SAID THEY WOULD CALL ME WHEN THE PART WAS IN TO RESCHEDULE THE ACTUAL REPAIR. ALL I GOT WAS "SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE." QUESTIONS: WHY DOES DOES TOYOTA SEND OUT A RECALL NOTICE WITHOUT ENSURING THAT THE DEALERSHIPS HAVE ALL OF THE NECESSARY PARTS TO HANDLE ALL OF THE RECALL REPAIRS? WHY WOULDN'T THE DEALER INFORM THE CUSTOMER ABOUT THE PARTS SITUATION BEFORE THEY BRING THEIR CAR IN TO BE FIXED? HOW WILL I BE COMPENSATED FOR THE SEVEN HOURS OF WAGES THAT I GAVE UP TO GET MY CAR FIXED? HOW MANY HOURS WILL I LOSE FOR THE SECOND REPAIR? HOW MANY OTHER CUSTOMERS ARE HAVING A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE????
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-08-10
- VIN: 2T1KR30E56C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V285000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. ...UPDATED 04/12/16 *BF
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-03-16
- VIN: 2T1KR32E76C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V285000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-01-17
- VIN: 2T1LR32E86C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V285000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-08-15
- VIN: 2T1KR32E86C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL. I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FROM THE MANUFACTURER IN AUGUST OF 2015. IT IS NOW 1/22/16 AND THE PROBLEM HAS STILL NOT BEEN ADDRESSED. I CALLED TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE ON 10/22/15 AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE REPAIRS WERE CURRENTLY IN PHASE 2 AND THAT CALIFORNIA WAS PHASE 4. SINCE THEN, I HAVE HAD TO RENT A CAR ON ONE OCCASION WHEN I NEEDED TO ACCOMMODATE 4 PASSENGERS AND UNLESS THIS GETS FIXED BY MID-MARCH, I WILL LIKELY NEED TO RENT A CAR FOR 4 DAYS FOR A FAMILY TRIP. THIS IS NOW COSTING ME MONEY WHICH I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY IF MY CAR WAS SERVICED IN A REASONABLE TIME-FRAME. IT'S NOW BEEN 5 MONTHS SINCE RECEIVING THE RECALL NOTICE AND I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE A LETTER AS TO WHEN I CAN GET MY CAR FIXED. FRANKLY, THIS IS VERY UNACCEPTABLE AND I FEEL THAT IF TOYOTA CAN'T MAKE THIS RIGHT, THEN THEY SHOULD PAY FOR THE RENTAL CAR I WILL NEED IN MARCH.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-07-22
- VIN: 2T1LR32E76C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V286000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 04/07/16*LJ UPDATED 04/11/16.*JB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-06-16
- VIN: 2T1LR32EX6C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V285000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER 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. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-06-19
- VIN: 2T1KR32E16C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V285000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 04/04/16*LJ UPDATED 12/13/2017*JS
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-05-15
- VIN: 2T1LR32E16C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V285000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER 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. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-12-08
- VIN: 2T1LR30E26C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V285000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-09-04
- VIN: 2T1KR32E46C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V285000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-11-30
- VIN: 2T1KR32E66C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V285000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-11-25
- VIN: 2T1KR32E96C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V285000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-07-20
- VIN: 2T1KR30E56C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V285000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
2006 Toyota Matrix recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2006 Toyota Matrix.
- Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS, LLC
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: GULF STATES TOYOTA, INC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: ANZO USA, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.
Negative 2006 Toyota Matrix car reviews
Positive 2006 Toyota Matrix car reviews
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It's so great to hear that you've had such a positive experience with your car! You've had it for 4 years and haven't had a single problem, that's amazing! I can definitely see why you chose to buy a new car after investing so much money into your old one. Toyota's MPG ratings are spot on, and it's fantastic that you're getting such great gas mileage. It sounds like this car is perfect for road trips and traveling, and the cargo space is a huge plus. I'm impressed that you were able to fit all of your music equipment in there with no problem, and it's great to hear that your friend was able to find a car that fits his needs as well. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
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I owned a Porsche 911sc and this car is almost as enjoyable to drive. However, unlike the 911, you can fit four passengers and all their luggage comfortably. The Toyota Matrix is a versatile car that can be both a workhorse and a racehorse at the same time. I compared it to many other cars such as the Civic Si, Impreza, and Mazda 3s, and found that it excelled in almost every category, including passenger space, speed, handling, reliability (you can't beat the Japanese), and looks. If you're considering a car like this, you should definitely test drive the Matrix to make an informed decision. I drove my XRS across the country last summer (from CA to PA), through 104-degree heat and 12-hour-long rain, and my back never got sore, and the car never missed a beat.
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The stability and traction control of the car is impressive, and I had to wait only three months to get it. It handles like a dream, and when four inches of snow fell not long after I picked it up, I had no problems on hilly back roads. The car is nimble and stable, and the seats are more supportive than the ones in the Camry I traded in. The noise level is no worse either. Merging onto highways into traffic going over 60mph is not a problem at all. Although the display lights need to be set up/down for night/day, it only takes about a second, so it's no big deal. The car has good gas mileage, a good ride, lots of space, and is an overall good little car. If you know how to drive, it will get up and go when needed. I got the automatic version, but I actually like the throaty growl it makes going up through the gears.
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This is a brand new vehicle. It's great to hear that it holds your 300lb frame comfortably and gets great mileage. You mentioned that it could use a case for sunglasses like the tundra, moulding on the outside of the car to prevent dings from other cars opening their doors and you would have preferred the shifter on the column to allow for more leg room. These are all great suggestions that could make the vehicle even better!
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I love this car! It's amazing how fast it can go, even though it's just a 4 cylinder. I once got a speeding ticket for going 97 mph, but my car didn't even break a sweat. Steep upgrades are a breeze - just flip the OverDrive button and you're climbing! I make sure to keep up with regular oil changes and maintenance to keep my baby running smoothly.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2006 Toyota Matrix problems:
2006 Toyota Matrix Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
Problem with your 2006 Toyota Matrix? Our list of 6 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2006 Toyota Matrix.
Should I be concerned buying 2006 Toyota Matrix with 195k mileage
Dec 13, 2023 ... Dead Matrixes are worth about $2000 for a parts out. https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/2003-2008-corolla-matrix-pontiac-vibe-common-problems- ...
2006 Toyota Matrix Reliability - Consumer Reports
What Owners Say ... "engine light stays on. Thought problem was cracked exhaust manifold but there was no change in the light after the manifold was replaced.
New to me 2006 Matrix with 125K miles I bought for $2800 : r/Toyota
Aug 21, 2023 ... Double din stereo looks great for $50. Which model is it? Any issues with the lack of physical volume knob?
2006 Toyota Matrix | Read Owner Reviews, Prices, Specs
It is fairly reliable and works great. Never had any major issues other than the small things like oil changes, new tires, etc. As long as you keep up with your ...
Other years of Toyota Matrix
Are you having problems with your 2006 Toyota Matrix?
Aaron Sanford 2024-05-10
I used to have a '93 Corolla and based on my positive experience with Toyota, I decided to buy a Matrix. It's a typical Toyota car, very well-built and drives fine. However, I have noticed that the driver legroom is not good, especially for someone like me who is 6-0. There is very little room between the dash and center console for my right leg. Additionally, the driver's seat is very uncomfortable and I seem to fall to the right side in it. I hope it just needs breaking in but I fear otherwise. The odometer/trip meter cycles with a small button behind the wheel that you can't push while driving, which means you can't see both trip/odo at the same time. I like to always see the odometer. The air controls are badly placed behind the shifter and the cargo cover is chintzy. I was forced to buy a cargo pad as it is not standard and the cargo will shift without one. Based on the legroom and seat comfort, I may not keep the car for very long.
Ransom Huel 2024-03-13
Hello! Thank you for sharing your experience with us. It sounds like you've been a very careful owner of your Toyota car, but unfortunately, you've had some unexpected issues with it. It's understandable that this has been disappointing, especially given Toyota's reputation for quality. If there's anything we can do to assist you with your car troubles, please don't hesitate to let us know. We're here to help!