Chevrolet Malibu vs Volkswagen Jetta
For 2005–2022 models, the Volkswagen Jetta has 27.7 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 41.1 for the Chevrolet Malibu. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2005–2022), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Chevrolet Malibu
41.1 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.5× the Volkswagen Jetta’s rate
- Complaints
- 12,642
- Sold
- 3,074,256
- Recall campaigns
- 36
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2007 and 2009–2010. Fewest: 2014–2015, 2019 and 2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 76,300 mi
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 101,956 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 89,932 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 66,000 mi
-
Power steering pump, rack and lines
Typically around 105,091 mi · repair $750–$2,230
Volkswagen Jetta
27.7 complaints per 10,000 sold
33% fewer than the Chevrolet Malibu
- Complaints
- 5,701
- Sold
- 2,059,976
- Recall campaigns
- 37
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2006, 2009–2010 and 2019. Fewest: 2018 and 2020. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 65,000 mi
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 73,000 mi
-
Fuel pump and sending unit
Typically around 52,060 mi · repair $630–$1,700
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 36,000 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 46,000 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Chevrolet Malibu or the Volkswagen Jetta?
For 2005–2022 models, the Volkswagen Jetta has 27.7 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Chevrolet Malibu has 41.1, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Chevrolet Malibu?
The most-reported problem on the Chevrolet Malibu is body control and other modules, typically around 76,300 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Volkswagen Jetta?
The most-reported problem on the Volkswagen Jetta is body control and other modules, typically around 65,000 miles.
Which Chevrolet Malibu and Volkswagen Jetta years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Chevrolet Malibu: 2007 and 2009–2010; Volkswagen Jetta: 2006, 2009–2010 and 2019.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.