He was 20 years old.
The Belgium Under-21 midfielder had made 15 appearances for the German Bundesliga side this season, including against Everton in the Europa League, the BBC reports.
Wolfsburg sporting director, Klaus Allofs, said in a statement: “We are all deeply saddened and our disbelief can hardly be put into words.
“We can’t believe he is no longer with us. Our thoughts at this difficult time are with his family and loved ones.”
Allofs added: “He was the good spirit of our team and a fun-loving person. In addition, Junior was an excellent football player who was only at the very beginning of his development.”
Malanda was linked to Fulham and Crystal Palace when he left Zulte Waregem in 2013 but instead joined Wolfsburg, before going back on loan to the Belgian side.
His last game was a 2-1 win over Cologne on December 20.
Wolfsburg police said Malanda was a passenger in a car that crashed on a motorway near the German city of Bielefeld.
He was en route to meet up with his team-mates to fly out to South Africa for a training camp.
Wolfsburg team-mate, Kevin de Bruyne, tweeted: “So strange to hear your friend in the morning and then hear this news. Lost a great friend way too early. RIP my friend. You will always be around.”
Another team-mate, Nicklas Bendtner, said on Instagram: “Not only a great player, but a great person. My thoughts and prayers will always be with you and your family brother. Your kind heart was rare and special. You will always be remembered.”
Thorgan Hazard, who played with Malanda at Zulte Waregem, said: “Whyyyyy??? I love you brooo.”
Everton and Belgium striker, Romelu Lukaku, said: “I love you my brother.
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