According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2006 Toyota Camry has 5 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2002-2017 Toyota Camry, owner discussions document drain-plug leaks or damaged threads after oil service on individual Camrys. This is a service-related condition, not evidence of a sixteen-year model defect. A leak at the plug can involve a missing or reused gasket, plug damage, dirt, sealing-face damage, incorrect torque, cross-threading, cracked or deformed pan material, or oil traveling from above.
Common Symptoms
Fresh oil at the drain plug after service
Drain plug will not tighten normally
Damaged or missing drain-plug gasket
Visible thread or sealing-face damage
How to Fix
Confirm the leak source, then inspect the plug, gasket, sealing face, pan material, and threads. Choose repair only after measuring the damage and checking wall thickness, alignment, and chip-control requirements. Do not install an oversize or self-tapping plug or insert from this page without a qualified assessment and the exact service procedure.
On the 2005-2007 Toyota Camry 2AZ-FE 2.4L I4, toyota T-SB-0269-10 applies to certain 2005-2007 Camry vehicles equipped with the 2AZ-FE and produced before bulletin-specific VIN gates. The covered condition is MIL illumination with P0011, P0012 or P0016; Toyota says the VVT-i actuator may be the cause in some cases and supplies a test to verify actuator operation. The bulletin does not establish a clogged oil-control valve as the near-universal cause, does not apply to 2AR-FE or A25A-FKS Camrys, and does not make any one DTC a parts diagnosis.
Malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with P0011, P0012 or P0016
How to Fix
Confirm model year, 2AZ-FE application and the production/VIN gate in the current Toyota bulletin. Preserve freeze-frame data, verify oil level/condition and follow the repair-manual circuit and mechanical checks. Use T-SB-0269-10's Techstream VVT Control active test to determine whether the bulletin repair applies; replace the camshaft timing gear assembly only when the actuator fails Toyota's gate. Do not clean or replace an oil-control valve, open the timing system or order parts from the code alone.
Owner tips & cautions
TipRecord all stored/pending codes and freeze-frame data before clearing them; T-SB-0269-10 uses exact vehicle and actuator-test gates rather than treating P0011 as a part number.
WarningThe bulletin is limited to certain pre-production-change 2005-2007 2AZ-FE Camrys. Do not apply its camshaft timing gear repair to 2AR-FE or A25A-FKS engines.
On the 2002-2011 Toyota Camry, owner and how-to discussions describe throttle-body cleaning during troubleshooting of idle or starting concerns. They do not establish faster-than-normal deposit buildup or prove that deposits cause every rough or high idle, stall, hesitation, or pedal-to-start event. Battery voltage and relearn state, air leaks, PCV flow, MAF data, fuel delivery, ignition, compression, temperature inputs, throttle actuation, and ECM logic can produce overlapping symptoms.
Record stored codes and scan data, check battery and charging voltage, inspect the complete induction system for leaks, and follow Toyota's exact engine diagnostic procedure. Inspect the throttle bore only when the symptom and data support it. If cleaning is selected, use the applicable service instructions and do not force an electronic throttle plate or spray solvent into electronics.
On the 2002-2011 Toyota Camry, camry owner discussions document headliner fabric detaching on individual vehicles. Loose fabric can reflect degraded backing or adhesive, moisture intrusion, board damage, prior trim removal, or hardware around lamps, handles, and a sunroof. The reports do not establish that all 2002-2011 cars share one defect or progression.
Common Symptoms
Headliner fabric hangs or separates
Loose material approaches an occupant or sight line
Detachment near edges, lamps, handles, or a sunroof
How to Fix
If loose material blocks visibility or contacts occupants, secure the vehicle and arrange trim inspection before driving. Check for water intrusion and damage to the board, retainers, wiring, side-curtain-airbag areas, and sunroof hardware before choosing localized repair, professional re-covering, or exact-application assembly replacement. Avoid pins or aerosol adhesive near wiring, airbags, or unseen hardware.
On the 2003-2006 Toyota Camry, toyota T-SB-0296-08 applies to some 2003-2006 Camry vehicles that exhibit a clunk, pop or knock when the steering wheel is turned left or right. It supersedes ST001-06 and explicitly changes the repair from shaft replacement to removal, lubrication and reinstallation of the intermediate shaft. The bulletin does not support extending the condition to 2002 or 2007-2011 Camrys, identifying every bump-related front-end rattle as the shaft, or describing the condition as proven looseness or impending steering loss.
Clunk, pop or knock when turning the steering wheel left or right
How to Fix
First reproduce the noise while turning and isolate it from tie rods, ball joints, rack mounting, strut mounts, sway-bar links and other steering/suspension sources. When the vehicle and symptom match T-SB-0296-08, a qualified technician secures the steering wheel/front wheels, match-marks and removes the intermediate shaft, applies Toyota grease kit 04007-76133 to both machined spline locations, cycles the shaft, reinstalls it to the specified torque and road-tests. Do not replace either prior shaft or buy the grease kit from this card without diagnosis.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Toyota 04007-76133 steering intermediate-shaft grease kit
diagnosis-gated bulletin consumable; professional steering-shaft procedure still required Fitment/availability: exact two-cylinder grease kit named by T-SB-0296-08 for the confirmed 2003-2006 Camry steering intermediate-shaft turn-noise …
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Owner tips & cautions
TipConfirm the noise occurs while turning and isolate suspension/rack sources before applying the bulletin; a bump-related clunk alone is not enough.
WarningThe bulletin requires steering-wheel restraint, match marks and specified fastener torque. Uncontrolled steering-wheel rotation while the shaft is disconnected can damage the spiral cable.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2015 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid, and 2014-2015 Rav4 vehicles. A component of the electric power steering (EPS) electronic control unit (ECU) may have been damaged during the manufacturing process. Over time, this damage may result in failure of the electric power steering system.
Campaign #15V14400013/03/2015
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota Camry, Corolla, Rav4, Sienna, and Yaris iA vehicles equipped with factory-installed floor mats. The load carrying capacity modification label may be incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Campaign #19V50300028/06/2019
AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Avalon, and 2017 Camry vehicles manufactured August 3, 2016, to September 12, 2016. The front passenger knee air bag module may have been attached to the lower instrument panel with incorrect fasteners.
Campaign #16V90600016/12/2016
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.
Campaign #17V29500002/05/2017
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Camry and Highlander, 2015-2016 Toyota Tundra, Scion FR-S, and tC vehicles. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2006 Toyota Camry has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Oil Leak at the Drain Plug After Service — Owner Reports, 2005-2007 VVT-i Actuator DTC Verification - T-SB-0269-10, Rough or High Idle, Stalling, or Pedal-to-Start Concern — Owner Reports. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
Is the Toyota Camry reliable?
The 2006 Toyota Camry has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
What is the 2002-2017 Toyota Camry Oil Leak at the Drain Plug After Service — Owner Reports?
Owner discussions document drain-plug leaks or damaged threads after oil service on individual Camrys. This is a service-related condition, not evidence of a sixteen-year model defect. A leak at the plug can involve a missing or reused gasket, plug damage, dirt, sealing-face dama… Severity: medium.
What is the 2005-2007 Toyota Camry 2005-2007 VVT-i Actuator DTC Verification - T-SB-0269-10?
Toyota T-SB-0269-10 applies to certain 2005-2007 Camry vehicles equipped with the 2AZ-FE and produced before bulletin-specific VIN gates. The covered condition is MIL illumination with P0011, P0012 or P0016; Toyota says the VVT-i actuator may be the cause in some cases and suppli… Severity: medium.
What is the 2002-2011 Toyota Camry Rough or High Idle, Stalling, or Pedal-to-Start Concern — Owner Reports?
Owner and how-to discussions describe throttle-body cleaning during troubleshooting of idle or starting concerns. They do not establish faster-than-normal deposit buildup or prove that deposits cause every rough or high idle, stall, hesitation, or pedal-to-start event. Battery vo… Severity: medium.
What is the 2002-2011 Toyota Camry Sagging or Detached Headliner — Owner Reports?
Camry owner discussions document headliner fabric detaching on individual vehicles. Loose fabric can reflect degraded backing or adhesive, moisture intrusion, board damage, prior trim removal, or hardware around lamps, handles, and a sunroof. The reports do not establish that all… Severity: low.
What is the 2003-2006 Toyota Camry 2003-2006 Steering Intermediate-Shaft Noise - T-SB-0296-08?
Toyota T-SB-0296-08 applies to some 2003-2006 Camry vehicles that exhibit a clunk, pop or knock when the steering wheel is turned left or right. It supersedes ST001-06 and explicitly changes the repair from shaft replacement to removal, lubrication and reinstallation of the inter… Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.