Chevrolet Malibu vs Nissan Maxima
The Chevrolet Malibu is more fuel-efficient at 25 MPG combined, against 21 MPG for the Nissan Maxima. 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 | Nissan Maxima | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 1,639 | 1,726 |
| Most reported problem | Steering | Transmission |
| Crashes and fires | 78 and 11 | 43 and 32 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 69,000 miles | 79,000 miles |
| Recalls | 6 | 2 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 25 MPG | 21 MPG |
| City and highway | 21 and 31 | 18 and 25 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $2,700 | $3,200 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 1,639 complaints for the Chevrolet Malibu and 1,726 for the Nissan Maxima. 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: 6 for the Chevrolet Malibu, 2 for the Nissan Maxima.