Chevrolet Malibu vs Ford Taurus
For 2008–2019 models, the Ford Taurus has 30.5 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 43.6 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 (2008–2019), 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
43.6 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.4× the Ford Taurus’s rate
- Complaints
- 9,767
- Sold
- 2,237,633
- Recall campaigns
- 35
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2009–2010. Fewest: 2014–2015 and 2019. 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
Ford Taurus
30.5 complaints per 10,000 sold
30% fewer than the Chevrolet Malibu
- Complaints
- 1,950
- Sold
- 638,976
- Recall campaigns
- 19
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2013–2015. Fewest: 2009, 2012, 2017 and 2019. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 92,000 mi
-
Coil and leaf springs
Typically around 98,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 88,522 mi
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 90,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Power steering pump, rack and lines
Typically around 87,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Chevrolet Malibu or the Ford Taurus?
For 2008–2019 models, the Ford Taurus has 30.5 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Chevrolet Malibu has 43.6, 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 Ford Taurus?
The most-reported problem on the Ford Taurus is stalling and no-start, typically around 92,000 miles.
Which Chevrolet Malibu and Ford Taurus years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Chevrolet Malibu: 2009–2010; Ford Taurus: 2013–2015.
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.