Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Malibu Limited vs Toyota Camry
How the Chevrolet Malibu Limited and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Chevrolet Malibu Limited vs Toyota Camry: The Malibu Limited has 803 complaints in 1 year (803/yr) and 0 recalls, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints over 10 years (205.6/yr) and 31 recalls. The Camry also has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries, versus 20 and 11 for the Malibu. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Malibu Limited or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet Malibu Limited
The Chevrolet Malibu Limited is a used sedan that, based on owner complaints, can be frustrating to live with. In just one year, it accumulated 803 complaints, which is a very high rate per year. The most common issues involve the engine, electrical system, and power train, with many owners reporting sudden power loss and reduced speed. There are no recalls on record, but the volume of complaints suggests a pattern of recurring problems.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a used sedan with a long-standing reputation for reliability, but owner complaints show it is not trouble-free. Over ten years, it has 2,056 complaints, averaging about 206 per year, which is lower per year than the Malibu Limited. However, it has 31 recalls and more crash-related complaints and injuries reported. Common issues include power train, engine, and brake problems, with some owners reporting hesitation, shuddering, and brake noise.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Malibu Limited | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 803 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 20 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 803.0 | 205.6 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 11 Better | 158 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Chevrolet Malibu Limited
- 01ENGINE291
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM217
- 03POWER TRAIN170
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER168
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL151
Owners report sudden loss of engine power, often accompanied by a 'Engine Power Reduced' message, limiting speed to about 25 mph. This can happen while driving, creating a dangerous situation. The high number of engine complaints (291) suggests this is a widespread issue.
Complaints include electrical issues that may contribute to engine power reduction and problems with trunk and rear seat release mechanisms. These faults can leave owners unable to access the trunk or rear seats, and may be linked to broader electrical gremlins.
Some owners report issues with the transmission or drivetrain, often overlapping with engine power loss complaints. A 'Shift to Park' warning that appears even when the gear is in Park is also reported, which can prevent the vehicle from starting or shutting down properly.
With 151 complaints, this area likely relates to unintended acceleration or cruise control malfunctions. Owners may experience difficulty controlling speed, which is a serious safety concern.
“I had my vehicle for about 2 years. I noticed that after I went over a certain amount of mileage, my car went into an engine power reduce mode. With the engine power reduce mode my vehicle could only go 25 mph. This was happening to me when I was driving on m…”
“I am filing a complaint regarding ongoing and worsening issues with my Chevrolet vehicle, which appear to point to broader defects involving the engine and electrical systems. Months ago, while driving, the car suddenly lost power and displayed "Engine Power…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent issues such as the ignition key getting stuck and not releasing even when the car is in Park. Others describe hesitation and shuddering while driving, with the check engine light on. These problems can leave drivers stranded or cause unsafe driving conditions.
Complaints include delayed throttle response, where pressing the accelerator results in a several-second delay before the car moves. This lag can be dangerous when merging or crossing intersections. Some owners also report engine hesitation and shuddering.
Owners report the electronic parking brake failing to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Others hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area, which is attributed to the ABS system. These issues can affect braking performance and safety.
Multiple systems, including smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping assistance, have malfunctioned simultaneously. Such widespread electrical failures can compromise safety features and leave the driver with little warning.
“My 2023 Toyota Camry has developed an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the dashboard shows the vehicle is in Park. The only way to remove the key is to disconnect the vehicle's battery, which is not a…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating and shuddering, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Chevrolet Malibu Limited
No recalls on record.
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Chevrolet Malibu Limited or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has far fewer complaints per year (about 206) compared to the Chevrolet Malibu Limited (803 per year). However, the Camry has more recalls and a higher number of crash-related complaints and injuries reported. In practice, the Malibu Limited may require more frequent repairs, while the Camry, despite lower complaint rates, has had more safety recalls and crash reports.
Key differences
- The Chevrolet Malibu Limited has 803 complaints in 1 year (803/yr), while the Toyota Camry has 2,056 over 10 years (205.6/yr), indicating a much higher complaint rate for the Malibu.
- The Malibu Limited has 0 recalls, but the Camry has 31 recalls, including issues with wheels, seats, and air bag sensors.
- Malibu owners frequently report engine power reduction and electrical issues, while Camry owners report power train hesitation, brake problems, and electrical malfunctions.
- The Camry has more crash-related complaints (171) and injuries (158) than the Malibu Limited (20 crashes, 11 injuries), though the Malibu's data covers only one year.
- Check for any history of engine power reduction or 'Engine Power Reduced' messages, as this is a common and dangerous complaint.
- Test the trunk and rear seat release mechanisms, as electrical failures can make them inoperable.
- Test the ignition key release and ensure it does not get stuck in the ignition when the car is in Park.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area and check if the electronic parking brake disengages properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls, especially for the Camry.
- Take a test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to check for hesitation, power loss, or brake issues.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and electrical systems for both models, focusing on the specific complaint areas.
- For the Malibu Limited, verify that all electrical components, including trunk release and power windows, work correctly.
- For the Camry, test all advanced safety features (blind spot monitoring, lane keeping, etc.) to ensure they are functioning.
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Chevrolet Malibu Limited or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Malibu Limited vs Toyota Camry
- Chevrolet Malibu Limited total complaints
- 803
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Chevrolet Malibu Limited total recalls
- 0
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Chevrolet Malibu Limited avg complaints/year
- 803.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Chevrolet Malibu Limited top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN