The Lemon Index2006 Toyota Camry.
The 2006 Toyota Camry is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 125 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 40, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about speed control, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 21 to 25 mpg combined. The best Toyota Camry year is 2022.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 435 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Toyota Camry year. 2006 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 15K to 82K miles on the car (324 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- speed control complaints mostly came at 9K–73K miles
- airbags complaints mostly came at 46K–106K miles
- body structure complaints mostly came at 37K–77K miles
Recalls 5
- seats 2016
The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
- seats 2014
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.
- equipment 2010
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 BETW…
Show all 5 recalls
- equipment 2010
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 S…
- equipment 2005
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 …
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Toyota told dealers about
Toyota sent dealers 188 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Water leak at front floor
- Steering intermediate shaft noise
- Condition with multiple warning lights illuminated, vehicle not shifting
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedEngine surging2006–2007
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★★ · side ★★★★☆ · rollover ★★★★☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $2550–3050 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.3L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Car has on two occasions, surged forward when my foot was on the brake, making it difficult for me to stop it.
2006 Toyota Camry owner · NHTSA complaint 10179027
More owner reports
Consumer would like information regarding 2006 Toyota Camry passenger seat airbag system.
NHTSA complaint 10166922
The airbag light keep coming on when I either go through a car wash or if some taps my front-end while parking. Dealer refuses to verify if they have had any similar complaints.
NHTSA complaint 10295051
Quick answers
Is the 2006 Toyota Camry reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.5× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 40; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Toyota Camry year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2006 Toyota Camry problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are speed control (26%), airbags (13%) and brakes (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2006 Toyota Camry have?
5 safety recalls (latest: seats). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2006 Toyota Camry get?
21 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2006 Toyota Camry problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 15,600 and 82,400 miles. The middle report was at 45,300 miles, from 324 complaints.
Does the 2006 Toyota Camry have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 10% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2006 Toyota Camry cost in fuel a year?
About $2550 to $3050 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2006 Toyota Camry have?
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.3L 6-cyl.
What Toyota Camry year is better than the 2006?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2022, 2017 and 2016.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works