Makes›Toyota›Camry›2006

2006 Toyota Camry

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.

Toyota Camry
Pictured: 2018 Toyota Camry (ASV70R) Ascent sedan (2018-08-27) 01. Photo: EurovisionNim, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan /Se, 4dr Sedan Le /Xle, 4dr Sedan Le V6/ Xle V6/Se V6
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.3L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl
Horsepower
149–184 hp
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
25 combined · 21 city / 31 hwy
Length
189.4 in
Curb weight
3,164–3,395 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 22% better than the average 2006 midsize car (20.5 MPG).

Watch out for

  • Modest powerUp to 184 hp, versus about 300 hp for similar 2006 models.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 31 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2006 Toyota Camry is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (2.4L 4-cyl, 3.3L 6-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 189 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 107-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,164 lb (4dr Sedan /Se).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (21 city / 31 highway), 22% better than the 2006 midsize car average of 20.5 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 100 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.

What changed for 2006

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2005 Camry — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 Camry →

Trims, performance & features

Engine149 hp2.4L 4-cyl
Engine–3.3L 6-cyl
Engine184 hp3.0L 6-cyl

Trims

ACV30L/MCV30L/MCV31LACV30L/MCV31L

Built in: Georgetown, Kentucky

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2006 Camry configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan /Se189.4 in70.9 in58.7 in107.1 in61.8 / 60.6 in3,164 lb59/41
4dr Sedan Le /Xle189.4 in70.9 in58.7 in107.1 in61.8 / 60.6 in3,208 lb59/41
4dr Sedan Le V6/ Xle V6/Se V6189.4 in70.5 in58.7 in107.1 in61.8 / 60.6 in3,395 lb59/41

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Camry2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 31 / 25+22%$2,700355
Camry Solara2.4L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 30 / 24+8%$2,800370
Camry Solara2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (S5)Front-Wheel Drive20 / 30 / 24+8%$2,800370
Camry2.4L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 30 / 24+17%$2,800370
Camry Solara3.3L 6-cylAutomatic (S5)Front-Wheel Drive18 / 27 / 21-5%$3,200423
Camry Solara Convertible3.3L 6-cylAutomatic (S5)Front-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21-5%$3,200423
Camry3.0L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21+2%$3,200423
Camry3.3L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive18 / 27 / 21+2%$3,200423
Spend $1,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.5 MPG2006 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Toyota Camry under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2006 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2006 Toyota Camry (this car)25 MPGNot rated4
2006 Ford Mustang20 MPGNot rated4
2006 Honda Accord26 MPGNot rated9
2006 Chevrolet Malibu24 MPGNot rated4
2006 Volkswagen Passat24 MPGNot rated4
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer26 MPGNot rated4
2006 Chrysler 30021 MPGNot rated2

Recalls (4)

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler · Jun 2, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V396000 · 7,749 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler · Nov 19, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V743000 · 3,233 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 3, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V035000 · 271,417 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 3, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V036000 · 153,418 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2006 Toyota Camry is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

100Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
24Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
19Injuries reported
92,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Air Bags27
Vehicle Speed Control20
Unknown Or Other17
Electrical System14
Service Brakes13
Engine11
Structure › Body7
Steering6
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
19/08: 119/09: 319/10: 219/11: 220/02: 120/03: 120/04: 120/07: 121/01: 121/02: 121/04: 121/05: 122/02: 122/12: 123/03: 223/05: 124/02: 125/05: 225/08: 225/09: 126/01: 126/06: 126/07: 526/08: 119/0819/1120/0421/0222/0223/0525/0826/06max 5

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2006 Toyota Camry buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Air Bags — 27 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  3. Vehicle Speed Control — 20 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
  4. Electrical System — 14 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 92,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Toyota Camry. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Camry years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Camry51193.7 inNot rated3144
2025 Camry51193.7 inNot rated6173
2024 Camry52192.5 in★★★★★152
2023 Camry52192.5 in★★★★★266
2022 Camry52192.5 in★★★★★165
2021 Camry52192.5 in★★★★★1165
2020 Camry52192.5 in★★★★★3284
2019 Camry52192.5 in★★★★★7411
2018 Camry52192.5 in★★★★★8779
2017 Camry40190.9 in★★★★★3153
2016 Camry40190.9 inNot rated3189
2015 Camry40190.9 inNot rated1285

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →