Chevrolet Malibu vs Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is more fuel-efficient at 25 MPG combined, against 21 MPG for the Chevrolet Malibu. At EPA assumptions that is about $500 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Chevrolet Malibu | Honda Accord | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 1,005 | 1,162 |
| Most reported problem | Electrical system | Air bags |
| Crashes and fires | 51 and 1 | 200 and 4 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 70,000 miles | 85,000 miles |
| Recalls | 2 | 7 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 21 MPG | 25 MPG |
| City and highway | 18 and 26 | 22 and 29 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $3,200 | $2,700 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 1,005 complaints for the Chevrolet Malibu and 1,162 for the Honda Accord. 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: 2 for the Chevrolet Malibu, 7 for the Honda Accord.