Chevrolet Malibu vs Volkswagen Passat
The Volkswagen Passat is more fuel-efficient at 24 MPG combined, against 23 MPG for the Chevrolet Malibu. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Chevrolet Malibu | Volkswagen Passat | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 1,227 | 854 |
| Most reported problem | Brakes | Brakes |
| Crashes and fires | 61 and 2 | 15 and 18 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 60,000 miles | 76,000 miles |
| Recalls | 1 | 5 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 23 MPG | 24 MPG |
| City and highway | 19 and 28 | 20 and 29 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $2,900 | $3,400 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 1,227 complaints for the Chevrolet Malibu and 854 for the Volkswagen Passat. Complaint counts depend heavily on how many of each vehicle were sold, so a higher count does not by itself mean a less reliable car.
Safety recalls on file: 1 for the Chevrolet Malibu, 5 for the Volkswagen Passat.