Last updated: 2026-07-26
Buick Encore GX vs Mitsubishi Outlander: Reliability Compared
Buick Encore GX
Mitsubishi Outlander
Choosing between the Buick Encore GX and the Mitsubishi Outlander? 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 compact suvs.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. Both models currently share an average reliability score of 76/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
How Do the Buick Encore GX and Mitsubishi Outlander Generations Compare?
Verdict
The Buick Encore GX and Mitsubishi Outlander are evenly matched with a reliability score of 76/100.
The Buick Encore GX and Mitsubishi Outlander both score an average of 76 out of 100 for reliability, indicating similar performance in this aspect. However, the Outlander has a significantly higher recall count with 24 recalls over eight years compared to the Encore GX's six recalls over seven years. Additionally, the Outlander has a higher rate of owner complaints at 13.1 per 10,000 sold versus the Encore GX's 6.4, and its independent repair cost estimates are $519 annually, while the Encore GX's costs are not specified. These factors suggest the Buick Encore GX offers a slightly more reliable ownership experience.
Key Differences
- 1Buick Encore GX has 18 fewer total recalls
- 2Buick Encore GX has 6.7 fewer complaints per 10k sold
- 3Buick Encore GX has a 1-star higher safety rating
Category Scoreboard
Buick Encore GX vs Mitsubishi Outlander: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Buick Encore GX | Mitsubishi Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 76/100 | 76/100 |
| Years Tracked | 7 | 8 |
| Total Recalls | 6 | 24 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 6.4 | 13.1 |
| Safety RatingNHTSA overall | 2026 NHTSA | 2025 NHTSA |
| Frontal | ||
| Side | ||
| Rollover | ||
| Year Wins | 2 | 4 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Buick Encore GX and Mitsubishi Outlander?
The Buick Encore GX and Mitsubishi Outlander exhibit distinct problem profiles, with each model facing different areas of concern. The Encore GX has a higher concentration of issues related to the power train and electrical system, accounting for 47 and 40 complaints, respectively, though it reports fewer crash-linked incidents overall. In contrast, the Outlander shows a significant number of complaints in the structure category (78) and air bags (32), with the latter being notably linked to 17 crash incidents, indicating a serious safety concern. Additionally, the Outlander's electrical system issues are more frequently associated with crashes, suggesting a higher risk factor compared to the Encore GX in this area.
| Component | Buick Encore GX | Mitsubishi Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1.2Low | 2.1Low |
| STRUCTURE | —None | 2.6Low |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.9Very Low | 1.3Low |
| POWER TRAIN | 1.4Low | 0.6Very Low |
| AIR BAGS | 0.1Very Low | 1.1Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.6Very Low | 0.5Very Low |
| ENGINE | 0.7Very Low | 0.3Very Low |
| STEERING | 0.2Very Low | 0.5Very Low |
| SUSPENSION | —None | 0.5Very Low |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 0.1Very Low | 0.3Very Low |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 0.1Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | —None | 0.3Very Low |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 0.1Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| SEAT BELTS | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| EQUIPMENT | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| SEATS | —None | 0.1Very Low |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Buick Encore GX or Mitsubishi Outlander?
How Does Buick Encore GX vs Mitsubishi Outlander Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Buick Encore GX | Mitsubishi Outlander | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 79/1000R / 14C | 82/1000R / 13C | Mitsubishi Outlander |
| 2024 | 77/1001R / 27C | 79/1001R / 22C | Mitsubishi Outlander |
| 2023 | 79/1000R / 23C | 77/1002R / 40C | Buick Encore GX |
| 2022 | 74/1001R / 29C | 62/1007R / 209C | Buick Encore GX |
| 2021 | 74/1002R / 50C | 84/1000R / 0C | Mitsubishi Outlander |
| 2020 | 70/1002R / 66C | 76/1003R / 30C | Mitsubishi Outlander |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Buick Encore GX scored 79/100 and the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander scored 84/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Who Should Buy the Buick Encore GX vs the Mitsubishi Outlander?
Buick Encore GX vs Mitsubishi Outlander: Common Questions
- Is the Buick Encore GX more reliable than the Mitsubishi Outlander?
- They're very close — both average 76/100 in our reliability scoring. Other factors like repair costs and specific year models may tip the decision.
- Which has more recalls, the Buick Encore GX or the Mitsubishi Outlander?
- The Mitsubishi Outlander has more recalls (24) compared to the Buick Encore GX (6). 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 Buick Encore GX or the Mitsubishi Outlander?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Buick Encore GX has a lower complaint rate at 6.4 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 13.1 for the Mitsubishi Outlander. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
- Is the Buick Encore GX or Mitsubishi Outlander safer?
- Based on NHTSA crash test ratings, the Buick Encore GX has a higher overall safety rating of 5/5 stars compared to 4/5 for the Mitsubishi Outlander. Check sub-ratings (frontal, side, rollover) above for a more detailed safety comparison.
Related Reliability Comparisons
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More Mitsubishi Outlander comparisons
Decided between Buick Encore GX and Mitsubishi Outlander? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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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