Vehicle 1

Chevrolet Malibu

1,091 complaints · 10 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Toyota Camry

1,320 complaints · 27 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Chevrolet Malibu vs Toyota Camry: The Malibu averages 109.1 complaints per year with 10 recalls, while the Camry averages 132.0 complaints per year with 27 recalls. The Malibu has fewer crash complaints (40 vs 131). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
Chevrolet Malibu
wins all 4 categories
0
Toyota Camry
no category wins
CategoryChevrolet MalibuToyota Camry
Total Complaints
All years combined
1,091
✓ lower
1,320
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
10
✓ lower
27
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
40
✓ lower
131
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
109.1
✓ lower
132.0

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Chevrolet Malibu

1. ENGINE379
2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM321
3. POWER TRAIN289
4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER245
5. VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL128

Toyota Camry

1. UNKNOWN OR OTHER223
2. AIR BAGS200
3. POWER TRAIN185
4. ENGINE180
5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM162
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Chevrolet Malibu has fewer complaints per year (109.1 vs 132.0) and fewer recalls (10 vs 27), suggesting it may have fewer reported issues on average. However, the Camry has more crash complaints (131 vs 40), which could indicate more severe incidents.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer overall complaints and recalls, the Malibu may be a better choice. If you are concerned about crash-related issues, the Camry has more such complaints, so the Malibu might be preferable. However, both have significant engine and electrical system complaints, so a thorough inspection is recommended.

Key Differences
  • Malibu has 109.1 complaints/year vs Camry's 132.0/year.
  • Malibu has 10 recalls; Camry has 27 recalls.
  • Malibu has 40 crash complaints; Camry has 131 crash complaints.
  • Malibu's top issue is ENGINE (379); Camry's top issue is UNKNOWN OR OTHER (223).
⚠ Watch on Chevrolet Malibu
  • Watch for engine problems (379 complaints) and electrical system issues (321 complaints).
  • Vehicle speed control complaints (128) could indicate safety concerns.
⚠ Watch on Toyota Camry
  • Watch for air bag issues (200 complaints) and power train problems (185 complaints).
  • High number of crash complaints (131) may indicate collision-related issues.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check for open recalls on the specific VIN.
  • Inspect engine and electrical systems thoroughly.
  • Test drive to check for speed control or power train issues.
  • Review service history for any air bag or crash-related repairs.
  • Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Chevrolet MalibuToyota Camry
2026
0
69
2025
5
129
2024
20
44
2023
40
57
2022
81
56
2021
74
151
2020
0
260
2019
187
378
2018
684
28
2017
0
148
Chevrolet Malibu vs Toyota Camry — comparison facts
Comparison
Chevrolet Malibu vs Toyota Camry
Chevrolet Malibu total complaints
1,091
Toyota Camry total complaints
1,320
Chevrolet Malibu total recalls
10
Toyota Camry total recalls
27
Chevrolet Malibu avg complaints/year
109.1
Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
132.0
More reliable overall
Chevrolet Malibu
Chevrolet Malibu top complaint area
ENGINE
Toyota Camry top complaint area
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Chevrolet Malibu Reliability & Problems

1,091 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Toyota Camry Reliability & Problems

1,320 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Chevrolet Malibu or Toyota Camry?

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