Chevrolet Malibu vs Honda Fit
For 2006–2021 models, the Honda Fit has 27.3 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 45.1 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 (2006–2021), 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
45.1 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.7× the Honda Fit’s rate
- Complaints
- 12,267
- Sold
- 2,721,723
- Recall campaigns
- 37
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2007 and 2009–2010. Fewest: 2014–2015 and 2019–2020. 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
Honda Fit
27.3 complaints per 10,000 sold
39% fewer than the Chevrolet Malibu
- Complaints
- 2,128
- Sold
- 780,280
- Recall campaigns
- 32
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2007, 2009, 2015 and 2019. Fewest: 2006, 2014, 2017 and 2021. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 53,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 45,678 mi
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 62,118 mi
-
Water leaks and seals
Typically around 47,000 mi
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 62,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Chevrolet Malibu or the Honda Fit?
For 2006–2021 models, the Honda Fit has 27.3 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Chevrolet Malibu has 45.1, 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 Honda Fit?
The most-reported problem on the Honda Fit is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 53,000 miles.
Which Chevrolet Malibu and Honda Fit years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Chevrolet Malibu: 2007 and 2009–2010; Honda Fit: 2007, 2009, 2015 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.