VehicleVerdict

2006 Toyota Camry problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2006 Toyota Camry sits mid-pack among Camry years: 393 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 374, with 5 recalls and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include 4 deaths and 104 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Speed Control leads the complaint categories with 108 reports (28% of the total).

393

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

1

Investigations

138

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

104

Injuries

4

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Camry years?

Camry NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted3,669 complaints1983: 6 complaints1984: 10 complaints1985: 19 complaints1986: 35 complaints1987: 70 complaints1988: 88 complaints1989: 138 complaints1990: 160 complaints1991: 186 complaints1992: 646 complaints1993: 334 complaints1994: 364 complaints1995: 373 complaints1996: 567 complaints1997: 685 complaints1998: 751 complaints1999: 661 complaints2000: 577 complaints2001: 356 complaints2002: 1,183 complaints2003: 946 complaints2004: 798 complaints2005: 905 complaints2006: 393 complaints2007: 3,669 complaints2008: 1,139 complaints2009: 1,611 complaints2010: 764 complaints2011: 779 complaints2012: 807 complaints2013: 377 complaints2014: 637 complaints2015: 362 complaints2016: 249 complaints2017: 206 complaints2018: 1,082 complaints2019: 551 complaints2020: 374 complaints2021: 192 complaints2022: 87 complaints2023: 85 complaints2024: 70 complaints2025: 198 complaints
Camry NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Camry years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Toyota Camry problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control10827%
Airbags6216%
Brakes4010%
Steering287%
Electrical System246%
Other226%
Transmission195%
Engine195%
Tires & Wheels154%
Body & Structure123%
Visibility & Wipers92%
Lighting92%
Seat Belts92%
Fuel System82%
Suspension51%
Seats21%
Latches & Locks21%

Does the 2006 Toyota Camry have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V396000SeatsJune 2, 2016 · 7,749 units

Defect

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.

Consequence

If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.

14V743000SeatsNovember 19, 2014 · 3,233 units

Defect

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.

Consequence

Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.

Remedy

SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.

10V035000OtherFebruary 3, 2010 · 271,417 units

Defect

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.

10V036000OtherFebruary 3, 2010 · 153,418 units

Defect

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.

05V539000OtherNovember 22, 2005 · 4,503 units

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS" THE VEHICLES' TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL OR PLACARD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE B-PILLAR INCORRECTLY INDICATES THE SPARE TIRE SIZE.

Consequence

A MISPRINTED LABEL WOULD LEAD TO IMPROPER VEHICLE LOADING SPECIFICATIONS OR TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH NEW TIRE INFORMATION PLACARDS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. AT THE CUSTOMER'S OPTION, A DEALER CAN PERFORM THE INSTALLATION FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 28, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA CAMRY. AS THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE, TO BACK OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · November 25, 2009 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, HE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED BRUISED LUNGS AND CRACKED RIBS. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 5, 2014 · crash

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THERE WAS EXCESSIVE BRAKING DISTANCE RESULTING IN TWO REAR END COLLISIONS. THE FIRST OCCURRENCE CAUSED INJURIES TO THE OTHER DRIVER AND A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP EACH TIME FOR REPAIRS.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 26, 2006 · crash

“The steering wheel while taking a right turn locked and wouldn't straighten all lights turned off on the panel all was locked and caused a crash because steering was locked into a turn”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · July 27, 2025 · crash

“2006 TOYOTA CAMRY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A VEHICLE FIRE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED PRIOR TO THE FIRE, THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. HE LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW AND SAW A WOMAN SCREAMING THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. HE IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER, JUMPED OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND THEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 29, 2010 · fire

2006 Toyota Camry — common questions

Is the 2006 Toyota Camry reliable?

It is close to typical for the Camry: 393 NHTSA complaints, 5 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2006 Camry problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (108 complaints), airbags (62 complaints), brakes (40 complaints).

Does the 2006 Toyota Camry have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 Toyota Camry. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2006 Toyota Camry under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Toyota Camry years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Camry years to avoid are 2007, 2009, 2002, 2008, 2018, 2003, 2005, 2012, 2004, 2011, 2010, 1998, 1997, 1999, 1992, 2014, 2000, 1996, 1995. The cleanest record among Camry years belongs to 1983.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.