Last updated: 2026-03-04

Chevrolet Malibu vs Toyota Camry: Reliability Compared

Chevrolet Malibu reliability comparison

Chevrolet Malibu

76
GoodReliability score: 76 out of 100, rated Good
VS
More ReliableToyota Camry reliability comparison

Toyota Camry

77
GoodReliability score: 77 out of 100, rated Good

Choosing between the Chevrolet Malibu and the Toyota Camry? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize sedans.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Toyota Camry currently leads with an average score of 77/100 compared to 76/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Chevrolet Malibu and Toyota Camry Generations Compare?

The Toyota Camry is currently in its eighth generation (XV70), which was introduced in 2018. As it approaches the end of its cycle, it benefits from a mature platform, typically associated with sorted-out reliability issues. In contrast, the Chevrolet Malibu is in its ninth generation, introduced in 2016, and will conclude in 2025. The Malibu's platform is also mature, with a significant facelift in 2024, often indicating improved reliability as issues are ironed out over time. While the Camry is nearing a redesign, the Malibu is further along in its lifecycle, both offering stability and proven performance in their current forms.

Verdict

The Toyota Camry is more reliable than the Chevrolet Malibu, scoring 77/100 vs 76/100.

The Toyota Camry demonstrates superior reliability with an average score of 88/100 compared to the Chevrolet Malibu's 83/100. Despite the Camry's higher recall count of 35 over nine years, its owner complaint rate of 2.1 per 10,000 sold is notably lower than the Malibu's 3.6. Additionally, independent repair cost estimates favor the Camry, which averages $388 annually, over the Malibu's $532. While both models share common issues in power train and electrical systems, the Camry's lower complaint rate and repair costs make it the more reliable choice.

Key Differences

  1. 1Toyota Camry costs $144 less per year to repair
  2. 2Chevrolet Malibu has 22 fewer total recalls
  3. 3Toyota Camry has 1.5 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

1Chevrolet Malibu
—
3Toyota Camry
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateAnnual Repair CostRepair FrequencyMajor Repair RiskSafety Rating

Chevrolet Malibu vs Toyota Camry: Which Is More Reliable?

Chevrolet Malibu vs Toyota Camry at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricChevrolet MalibuToyota Camry
Reliability Score76/10077/100
Years Tracked89
Total Recalls1335
Complaints per 10k Sold3.62.1
Annual Repair Cost$532/yr$388/yr
Repair Frequency0.3/yr0.3/yr
Major Repair Risk11%11%
Safety RatingNHTSA overall
2025 NHTSA
2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins35

What Are the Common Problems With the Chevrolet Malibu and Toyota Camry?

The Toyota Camry and Chevrolet Malibu exhibit distinct problem profiles, with the Camry showing a higher total number of complaints across various categories. The Camry's most significant issues are with the power train and air bags, with the latter having a notably high 58 crash-linked complaints, indicating a potential safety concern. In contrast, the Malibu's most prevalent problem is with the power train, but it is the electrical system that follows closely with 242 complaints, suggesting a broader scope of electronic issues. Notably, the Malibu has fewer air bag complaints but a higher percentage linked to crashes, highlighting a critical area of concern in safety systems compared to the Camry.

Chevrolet Malibu vs Toyota Camry common problem areas comparison
ComponentChevrolet MalibuToyota Camry
POWER TRAIN0.9Very Low0.4Very Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM0.7Very Low0.2Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER0.4Very Low0.2Very Low
ENGINE0.4Very Low0.1Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES0.2Very Low0.2Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL0.2Very Low0.1Very Low
STEERING0.2Very Low0.1Very Low
AIR BAGS0.1Very Low0.2Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM0.1Very Low0.1Very Low
FUEL SYSTEM0.1Very Low0.1Very Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING—None—None
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE—None—None
TIRES—None—None
SUSPENSION—None—None
STRUCTURE—None—None
SEAT BELTS—None—None
VISIBILITY/WIPER—None—None
VISIBILITY—None—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING—None—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chevrolet Malibu or Toyota Camry?

The Toyota Camry and Chevrolet Malibu offer similar repair frequencies and major repair risks, both at 0.3 visits per year and an 11% chance of major repairs. However, the Camry stands out with a lower annual repair cost of $388 compared to the Malibu's $532. This $144 difference annually translates to a savings of $720 over five years for Camry owners. For cost-conscious buyers, these savings make the Camry a more appealing option, as it provides the same reliability metrics but at a reduced cost, according to independent repair cost data.

How Does Chevrolet Malibu vs Toyota Camry Reliability Compare by Year?

Chevrolet Malibu vs Toyota Camry year-by-year reliability scores
YearChevrolet MalibuToyota CamryEdge
202580/1000R / 3C76/1004R / 6CChevrolet Malibu
202480/1001R / 8C83/1002R / 35CToyota Camry
202381/1001R / 23C79/1004R / 47CChevrolet Malibu
202280/1001R / 66C84/1002R / 47CToyota Camry
202174/1002R / 61C82/1002R / 144CToyota Camry
202074/1001R / 178C75/1005R / 253CToyota Camry
201974/1001R / 181C70/1008R / 364CChevrolet Malibu
201862/1006R / 673C65/1008R / 708CToyota Camry

Best years to cross-shop: The 2023 Chevrolet Malibu scored 81/100 and the 2022 Toyota Camry scored 84/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Chevrolet Malibu vs the Toyota Camry?

If you prioritize low running costs and a higher reliability rating, the Toyota Camry is an excellent choice. With a reliability score of 88/100, it stands out as the more dependable option. Its estimated annual repair cost of $388 is significantly lower than the Chevrolet Malibu's $532, making it more economical in the long run. Additionally, the Camry has fewer owner complaints per 10,000 sold, at 2.1 compared to the Malibu's 3.6, indicating better overall satisfaction. On the other hand, if you are concerned about the number of recalls, the Chevrolet Malibu might be more appealing, having only 13 recalls compared to the Camry's 35. However, the Malibu's slightly lower reliability score of 83/100 and higher repair costs suggest it may not be the best fit if you are focused on minimizing expenses and maximizing reliability. For these reasons, the Toyota Camry is recommended for those seeking a more reliable and cost-effective vehicle.

Chevrolet Malibu vs Toyota Camry: Common Questions

Is the Chevrolet Malibu more reliable than the Toyota Camry?
Based on our data, the Toyota Camry is more reliable with an average score of 77/100 compared to 76/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Chevrolet Malibu or the Toyota Camry?
The Toyota Camry has more recalls (35) compared to the Chevrolet Malibu (13). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Chevrolet Malibu or the Toyota Camry?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Toyota Camry has a lower complaint rate at 2.1 per 10,000 sold versus 3.6 for the Chevrolet Malibu. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Chevrolet Malibu or the Toyota Camry?
Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Toyota Camry is cheaper to maintain at $388/year versus $532/year for the Chevrolet Malibu.
Is the Chevrolet Malibu or Toyota Camry safer?
Both the Chevrolet Malibu and Toyota Camry received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

Related Reliability Comparisons

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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