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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Toyota Camry engine problems
critical 20 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
20
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
3crashes
3fires
2injuries
1fatality
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to 2019 ? 2020 model year Toyota vehicles. ? The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections have been updated. October 30, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2018 model year vehicles. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0012-13. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0012-13 is obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. Flash reprogramming allows the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) software to be updated
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: Supersession Notice. Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream ECU flash reprogramming process and outlines use of the Technical Information System (TIS) and the Calibration Update Wizard (CUW). Flash calibration updates can only be applied to the vehicle/ECU combination for which they are intended. ECUs have internal security that will not allow them to be programmed with another ECU?s information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TT: THE VEHICLE MAY BE DIFFICULT TO START OR HAVE AN ABNORMALLY LOW OR ROUGH IDLE AFTER THE BATTERY HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED OR POWER TO THE ENGINE ECM HAS BEEN INTERRUPTED.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TT: The vehicle may be difficult to start or have an abnormally low or rough idle after the battery has been disconnected or power to the Engine ECM has been interrupted.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2006 Camry and Solara models report several distinct engine problems. The most common is excessive oil consumption—multiple owners report losing a quart every 1,200–3,000 miles despite no visible leaks and proper maintenance. Some dealers confirmed abnormal consumption; one owner cited a dealership test showing 1.75 quarts per 1,200 miles. Owners state Toyota issued a 2011 Technical Service Bulletin for 2007–2008 Solaras with the same engine but refused to cover 2006 models, with estimated repair costs around $3,000–$3,500 for an internal engine rebuild.
Head gasket failures appear in several reports, with owners describing stripped bolts allowing coolant into cylinders and causing clicking noises. One owner reports the gasket was "defective since manufacture."
Unintended acceleration incidents occur in at least four narratives, with owners describing sudden violent acceleration in parking lots or slow-speed driving, controlled only by shifting to Neutral and hard braking. Floor mat entrapment is mentioned in connection with at least one fatal incident.
Engine fires are reported by three owners—one at 136,000 miles while driving, one while parked in a garage at 30,000 miles, and one leading to a multi-thousand-dollar accident.
Additional issues include check engine lights with oxygen sensor codes, emissions system leaks, wiring harness/camshaft sensor diagnostics that remain unresolved, and one report of sulfur smell on acceleration and black foam from HVAC vents.
Same Toyota Camry engine reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Excessive oil consumption
Engine burning oil at abnormal rates with no visible leaks. Multiple owners report rapid depletion requiring oil top-ups every 1,200–3,000 miles despite no mechanical leaks found by mechanics.
When: 56,000–108,590 miles; some owners report onset within weeks to months of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level dropping rapidly between services; Check engine light illumination; Engine shaking at idle; Loud unusual noises; Loss of power
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Engine gasket and filter replacement attempted but did not correct failure. Internal engine rebuild required, estimated $3,000–$3,500. One owner awaiting engine rebuild parts for over a year.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2011 Technical Service Bulletin issued for 2007–2008 Solaras only. Toyota corporate refused coverage for 2006 models citing out-of-warranty status. One TSB referenced as 'Voluntary Engine Enhancement Repair' expired.
Unintended acceleration
Sudden violent engine acceleration without driver input, occurring at low speeds in parking lots and during braking maneuvers. Controllable only by shifting to Neutral and hard braking.
When: Early in ownership (weeks to months) through 3+ years of operation; incidents include January 2006 at a few months old, November and December 2009, and intermittent episodes occurring 20+ times
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden acceleration from standstill or low speed; Violent engine surge during parking maneuvers; Acceleration despite brake application; Engine continues to accelerate until shifted to Neutral; Normal operation after gear shift and engine shutdown
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted. Owners instructed to shift to Neutral if recurrence occurs. Floor mats implicated in at least one fatal incident.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued for 2006 models. Dealerships found no mechanical cause. Lemon law complaints filed but unsuccessful.
Head gasket failure with stripped bolts
Leaking head gaskets due to stripped bolts, allowing coolant to enter engine cylinders. Owners report gaskets defective from manufacture. Cited as design flaw in 2AZ-FE engine affecting 2002–2006 Camry models.
When: 80,000–108,590 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent clicking noise from engine; Coolant leak into cylinders; Risk of complete engine failure at any speed
Repairs/costs cited: $2,000–$3,500+ for repair. One owner reports dealer initially misdiagnosed as loose fuel pump.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or warranty extension noted. Dealers acknowledged defect but offered no coverage.
Engine fire
Spontaneous fire under hood while driving or parked in garage. One fire occurred at highway speed; another while vehicle was stationary in garage.
When: 30,000 miles (parked) and 136,000 miles (while driving)
Symptoms owners cite: Burning electrical odor before fire ignition; Flames under hood; Complete vehicle destruction or fire department intervention required
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle destroyed. Cause determined by insurance as 'spontaneous engine fire, not mechanical failure.' Other fire not inspected to determine cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in at least one case but no response documented.
Check engine light with oxygen sensor and emissions issues
Check engine light illumination linked to oxygen sensor failure and emissions system leaks. Diagnostics inconclusive; wiring harness and camshaft sensor replacements attempted without resolution.
When: 84,274 miles and unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Engine emissions leak detected at state inspection; Persistent warning after component replacement
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (oxygen sensor related), Emissions system leak code
Repairs/costs cited: Camshaft sensor replaced; failure recurred. Technician recommended wiring harness replacement but owner disputed causation. Repairs incomplete.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not made aware in one case. Dealer diagnostics inconclusive.
Engine surge during braking
Engine surges and continues surging when brakes are applied, ceasing only when brakes are released.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Engine surge upon brake application; Continued surging until brakes released
Sulfur odor on acceleration
Strong sulfur smell emitted into cabin each time accelerator is applied. Dealership attributed to regional fuel quality; owner reports other Avalon owners have not experienced issue.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Sulfur odor from engine into cabin on acceleration; Persistent despite trying multiple fuel brands
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership stated no mechanical cause and unable to resolve.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership dismissed as fuel quality issue specific to region.
Black foam emission from HVAC ducts
Black foam material emits from heating and air conditioning ducts, staining clothing and causing eye irritation and blurred vision. One instance nearly caused accident.
When: Unknown mileage; two separate incidents
Symptoms owners cite: Black foam material from heating and air conditioning ducts; Staining of clothing; Eye irritation and blurred vision; Potential distraction while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle taken to dealer twice; problem unresolved.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No resolution provided despite two dealer visits.
Synthesized from 20 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had engine trouble with your 2006 Toyota Camry?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2006 Toyota Camry?
It's a serious issue. 20 complaints have been filed, including 3 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 16 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 36,000 and 108,590 miles, with the median around 73,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 36,000; a quarter make it past 108,590. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Toyota/Camry.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.