Last updated: 2026-07-26
Chevrolet Malibu vs Ford Fusion: Reliability Compared
Chevrolet Malibu
Ford Fusion
Choosing between the Chevrolet Malibu and the Ford Fusion? 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 Chevrolet Malibu currently leads with an average score of 76/100 compared to 69/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
How Do the Chevrolet Malibu and Ford Fusion Generations Compare?
Verdict
The Chevrolet Malibu is more reliable than the Ford Fusion, scoring 76/100 vs 69/100.
The Chevrolet Malibu edges out the Ford Fusion in reliability, with a higher average score of 76/100 compared to the Fusion's 69/100. While the Malibu has faced more recalls over its 8-year span, it boasts a significantly lower owner complaint rate of 3.6 per 10,000 sold, versus the Fusion's 21.1. Additionally, the Malibu has a lower estimated annual repair cost of $532, compared to the Fusion's $581. These factors, particularly the complaint rate and repair costs, make the Malibu a more dependable choice in the midsize sedan segment.
Key Differences
- 1Chevrolet Malibu costs $49 less per year to repair
- 2Chevrolet Malibu has 17.5 fewer complaints per 10k sold
- 3Chevrolet Malibu scores 7 points higher in reliability
Category Scoreboard
Chevrolet Malibu vs Ford Fusion: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Chevrolet Malibu | Ford Fusion |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 76/100 | 69/100 |
| Years Tracked | 8 | 3 |
| Total Recalls | 13 | 8 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 3.6 | 21.1 |
| Annual Repair Cost | $532/yr | $581/yr |
| Repair Frequency | 0.3/yr | 0.3/yr |
| Major Repair Risk | 11% | 12% |
| Safety RatingNHTSA overall | 2025 NHTSA | 2020 NHTSA |
| Frontal | ||
| Side | ||
| Rollover | ||
| Year Wins | 2 | 1 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Chevrolet Malibu and Ford Fusion?
The Chevrolet Malibu and Ford Fusion exhibit distinct problem profiles, with the Malibu accumulating more total complaints at 1,193 compared to the Fusion's 975. The Malibu's most significant issues lie in the power train and electrical system, both with 4 crash-linked complaints, while the service brakes category has the highest crash-linked incidents at 10. In contrast, the Ford Fusion experiences a higher number of engine-related complaints at 262, though none are crash-linked, and its power train issues are notable with 2 crash-linked complaints. Both vehicles have concerning levels of air bag-related complaints with crash links, but the Malibu shows a higher frequency and severity in this category.
| Component | Chevrolet Malibu | Ford Fusion |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 0.4Very Low | 5.7Average |
| POWER TRAIN | 0.9Very Low | 5Average |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 0.7Very Low | 2.6Low |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | —None | 2.9Low |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.4Very Low | 0.8Very Low |
| STEERING | 0.2Very Low | 0.8Very Low |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 0.2Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.2Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| AIR BAGS | 0.1Very Low | 0.3Very Low |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 0.1Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 0.1Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| SEAT BELTS | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | —None | —None |
| TIRES | —None | —None |
| STRUCTURE | —None | —None |
| SUSPENSION | —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 Ford Fusion?
How Does Chevrolet Malibu vs Ford Fusion Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Chevrolet Malibu | Ford Fusion | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 74/1001R / 178C | 71/1003R / 176C | Chevrolet Malibu |
| 2019 | 74/1001R / 181C | 68/1003R / 370C | Chevrolet Malibu |
| 2018 | 62/1006R / 673C | 68/1002R / 429C | Ford Fusion |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2020 Chevrolet Malibu scored 74/100 and the 2020 Ford Fusion scored 71/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Who Should Buy the Chevrolet Malibu vs the Ford Fusion?
Chevrolet Malibu vs Ford Fusion: Common Questions
- Is the Chevrolet Malibu more reliable than the Ford Fusion?
- Based on our data, the Chevrolet Malibu is more reliable with an average score of 76/100 compared to 69/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Chevrolet Malibu or the Ford Fusion?
- The Chevrolet Malibu has more recalls (13) compared to the Ford Fusion (8). 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 Ford Fusion?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Chevrolet Malibu has a lower complaint rate at 3.6 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 21.1 for the Ford Fusion. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
- Which is cheaper to maintain, the Chevrolet Malibu or the Ford Fusion?
- Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Chevrolet Malibu is cheaper to maintain at $532/year versus $581/year for the Ford Fusion.
- Is the Chevrolet Malibu or Ford Fusion safer?
- Both the Chevrolet Malibu and Ford Fusion 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
More Chevrolet Malibu comparisons
Decided between Chevrolet Malibu and Ford Fusion? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
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
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.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
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.
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.
See incorrect data? Report an issue