Chevrolet Malibu vs Ford Fusion
The Ford Fusion is more fuel-efficient at 27 MPG combined, against 26 MPG for the Chevrolet Malibu. At EPA assumptions that is about $100 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Chevrolet Malibu | Ford Fusion | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 2,209 | 7,032 |
| Most reported problem | Steering | Steering |
| Crashes and fires | 72 and 17 | 174 and 16 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 82,000 miles | 67,000 miles |
| Recalls | 3 | 11 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 26 MPG | 27 MPG |
| City and highway | 22 and 33 | 23 and 34 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $2,600 | $2,500 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 2,209 complaints for the Chevrolet Malibu and 7,032 for the Ford Fusion. 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: 3 for the Chevrolet Malibu, 11 for the Ford Fusion.