Motor Almanac

Toyota / Camry / 2006

2006 Toyota Camry

Family: Camry · filed with NHTSA as CAMRY, CAMRY HYBRID, CAMRY SOLARA

Summary

  • In its first three years the 2006 Camry drew 91 complaints — 0.3× the median of its generation (2002–2006). It is among the least-complained-about years of this generation.
  • These are complaint counts, not failure rates: they are not divided by how many cars were sold, because no public source reports U.S. sales by model year.
  • Complaints are spread across systems: the largest, Accelerator & Cruise Control, holds 30% of the 423 that name a component.
  • 5 recalls filed for this model year.
  • 1 federal defect investigation covers this model year.

At a glance

Owner complaints
435
Recalls
5
Investigations
1
NCAP overall
Not rated
Combined MPG
21–25
Annual fuel cost
$2,500–$2,950
Median mileage at complaint
45,678 mi (n = 325)
Crashes / fires / injuries / deaths
122 / 9 / 124 / 3

What owners report

Accelerator & Cruise Control

128 complaints · 30% of complaints that name a component · median 35,000 mi (n = 98)

Owner report I was driving my 2006 Toyota Camry on a level residential road at 35 mph and stopped at a red light. Upon turning left, the car unexpectedly accelerated at a high speed. I stepped on the brakes but the car did not stop nor slow. I was driving towards a very busy intersection. I tried to shift the gear to park, but the …
Owner report ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4TH (2019) I WAS WAITING IN LINE AT A RED LIGHT (ON STATE STREET AT THE INTERSECTION WITH HAYWOOD ROAD IN ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA). SUDDENLY MY TOYOTA 2006 LURCHED FORWARD AND BANGED INTO THE CAR AHEAD OF ME. I STOMPED ON THE BRAKE. THE CAR STOPPED, THEN JUMPED FORWARD AGAIN AND BANGED THE CAR AHE…

Airbags

76 complaints · 18% of complaints that name a component · median 66,000 mi (n = 60)

Owner report The contact owned a 2006 Toyota Camry. While the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle crashed into a street pole and rolled several times before crashing into a parked vehicle, where it came to a stop. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact's daughter-in-law and the contact's nephew were i…
Owner report Passenger air bags light is ALWAYS ON whether someone sitting in the spot or not. Alerts with light to identify a problem. 2. Paint is peeling 0ff of vehicle all over. In addition, leather seats are also peeling in the front and back seats.

Body & Structure

57 complaints · 13% of complaints that name a component · median 53,000 mi (n = 42)

Owner report TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA CAMRY SOLARA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GETTEL TOYOTA OF CHARLOTTE COUNTY (1801 TAMIAMI TRAIL, PUNTA GORDA, FL 33950) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TH…
Owner report ON MARCH 26,2020 I WENT TO DRIVE MY CAR. THE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED, STICKY, AND MELTED THROUGHOUT. THE NEXT DAY I CALLED PRIORITY TOYOTA AND WAS TOLD (JOHN SERVICE MANAGER) THAT THEY WOULD NOT FIX IT DUE TO THE WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT NOTIFICATION-ZE6 WHICH ENDED MAY 31, 2017. ALSO, I HAD OWNED THE CAR FOR MORE THAN 10 Y…

3% of complaints name no specific component and are left out of the shares above.

Across the generation (2002–2006)

To compare years fairly, each year is counted over the same span: complaints received up to two calendar years after its model year. A year is compared only when that span is over and it holds at least 50 complaints. Median of the comparable years: 270.

Model yearAll complaintsFirst three yearsNote
20021,013409most complaints
2003806271
2004799270
2005813186
200643591fewest complaints

Recalls

Whether a recall has been fixed on a specific car depends on its VIN; check it at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

16V396000 · SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

Filed 2016-06-02 · 7,749 vehicles

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.

Risk: 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.

14V743000 · SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

Filed 2014-11-19 · 3,233 vehicles

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.

Risk: 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.

10V035000 · EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Filed 2010-02-03 · 271,417 vehicles

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.

Risk: 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.

10V036000 · EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Filed 2010-02-03 · 153,418 vehicles

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.

Risk: 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.

05V539000 · EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Filed 2005-11-22 · 4,503 vehicles

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.

Risk: 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.

Federal investigations

ActionComponentOpenedClosedRecall
DP06003VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL2006-09-142007-04-03

DP06003: ENGINE SURGING

Engines and fuel economy

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyCombinedFuel cost / yr
Camry2.4L 4cylAutomatic 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive213125$2500
Camry2.4L 4cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive213024$2600
Camry3.0L 6cylAutomatic 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive182621$2950
Camry3.3L 6cylAutomatic 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive182721$2950
Camry Solara2.4L 4cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive213024$2600
Camry Solara2.4L 4cylAutomatic (S5)Front-Wheel Drive203024$2600
Camry Solara3.3L 6cylAutomatic (S5)Front-Wheel Drive182721$2950
Camry Solara Convertible3.3L 6cylAutomatic (S5)Front-Wheel Drive182621$2950

Fuel cost is EPA's estimate at the fuel prices of its last update, not today's.

Crash test ratings (NCAP)

VariantOverallFrontalSideRollover
2006 Toyota Camry 4-DR.Not RatedNot RatedNot RatedNot Rated

Service bulletins

Toyota issued 355 service bulletins listed against this model year, most often about equipment.

A bulletin tells dealers how to fix a known condition. It is not a recall and not a defect finding. Most bulletins cover several model years at once, so one listed here may not be specific to this year. The number of bulletins tracks how long and how widely a model was sold, so it is not a measure of reliability.

DateComponentSummary
2026-01-07UNKNOWN OR OTHERSome 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Serv…
2026-01-07UNKNOWN OR OTHERSome 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Serv…
2024-12-06STRUCTURE:BODYAcid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood…
2024-12-06STRUCTURE:BODYTo prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and in…
2024-12-06STRUCTURE:BODYThe condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicl…
2024-12-06STRUCTURE:BODYAcid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood…
2024-12-06STRUCTURE:BODYTo prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and in…
2024-12-06STRUCTURE:BODYThe condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicl…
2024-12-06STRUCTURE:BODYAcid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood…
2024-12-06STRUCTURE:BODYTo prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and in…

How to read this page

Complaint counts are not failure rates. A model that sells more cars draws more complaints, and owners file more often after news coverage or a recall. That is why this page compares a model year only with other years of the same generation, never with other models.

Each complaint is counted once, even when it names several components; a complaint that names several systems appears under each of them. Owner reports are quoted as filed and have not been verified by NHTSA or by us.

Every model year of this Camry, including the ones without a page of their own, is listed on the Toyota Camry model page.

Sources

  • NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: complaints, recalls and investigations (bulk files, data as of 2026-10-28).
  • NHTSA New Car Assessment Program: crash test ratings.
  • U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov: engines, transmissions and fuel economy.

MotorAlmanac is independent and not affiliated with NHTSA, EPA or any manufacturer. This page summarises public records; it is not a mechanical inspection. Before buying a used car, check its VIN for open recalls and have it inspected.