Chevrolet Malibu vs Volkswagen Jetta
The Volkswagen Jetta is more fuel-efficient at 32 MPG combined, against 26 MPG for the Chevrolet Malibu. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Chevrolet Malibu | Volkswagen Jetta | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 2,209 | 1,184 |
| Most reported problem | Steering | Fuel system |
| Crashes and fires | 72 and 17 | 31 and 9 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 82,000 miles | 54,000 miles |
| Recalls | 3 | 4 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 26 MPG | 32 MPG |
| City and highway | 22 and 33 | 29 and 39 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $2,600 | $3,000 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 2,209 complaints for the Chevrolet Malibu and 1,184 for the Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 4 for the Volkswagen Jetta.