Last updated: 2026-07-26
Acura vs Mitsubishi: Reliability Compared
Acura
5 models tracked
Mitsubishi
1 models tracked
Comparing Acura and Mitsubishi on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Mitsubishi currently leads with an average score of 76/100 compared to 75/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Acura More Reliable Than Mitsubishi?
| Metric | Acura | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 75/100 | 76/100 |
| Models Tracked | 5 | 1 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 16 | 24 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 467 | 398 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $577/yr | $519/yr |
Acura vs Mitsubishi: The Verdict
The numbers favor Mitsubishi here, but Acura isn't far behind. We scored 6 models between the two makes: Acura at 75/100 and Mitsubishi at 76/100, based on recalls, complaint severity, repair costs, and issue diversity.
On the cost front, Mitsubishi is cheaper to maintain at $519/year versus $577/year. For buyers watching long-term costs, Mitsubishi's lower maintenance bill is a real differentiator.
Where Acura and Mitsubishi Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Acura | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 59/100Mixed | 66/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 84/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 81/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 80/100Excellent | 83/100Excellent |
Mitsubishi's advantage in complaint severity (+7 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Acura vs Mitsubishi: Strengths and Weaknesses
Acura
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (75/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($577/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 5 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Mitsubishi
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (76/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($519/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Acura or Mitsubishi?
Based on independent repair cost data, Mitsubishi is cheaper to maintain at an average of $519/year compared to $577/year for Acura. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Acura Repair Cost Range
$440 – $801/yr
Average: $577/yr
Acura vs Mitsubishi Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Acura | Mitsubishi | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(3 vs 1 models) | 77/100 | 76/100 | Acura |
Acura wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Acura vs Mitsubishi
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Acura | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 15%299 | 12%39 |
| STEERING | 16%315 | 5%16 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 11%227 | 20%63 |
| POWER TRAIN | 13%252 | 6%18 |
| ENGINE | 10%204 | 2%8 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 7%148 | — |
| STRUCTURE | 3%68 | 24%78 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%106 | 5%15 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 4%88 | — |
| AIR BAGS | 1%27 | 10%32 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Acura vs Mitsubishi Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Acura owners reported 39 crash-related, 10 fire-related, and 33 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Mitsubishi owners reported 33 crash-related, 1 fire-related, and 32 injury-related complaints. Mitsubishi has fewer severe incident reports overall. These counts reflect owner-reported incidents and don't establish causation — but they're a useful signal for comparing safety profiles.
Acura
39
Crash reports
10
Fire reports
33
Injury reports
Mitsubishi
33
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
32
Injury reports
Every Acura and Mitsubishi Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Acura vs Mitsubishi Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Acura's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100, up from earlier years. Mitsubishi's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100.
Interestingly, both Acura and Mitsubishi show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Acura | Mitsubishi | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100 | — | — |
| 2025 | 80/100(5) | 82/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2024 | 77/100(5) | 79/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2023 | 76/100(4) | 77/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2022 | 74/100(2) | 62/100(1) | Acura |
| 2021 | 74/100(2) | 84/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2020 | 67/100(3) | 76/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2019 | 66/100(3) | 74/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2018 | 71/100(3) | 71/100(1) | Tie |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Acura or Mitsubishi?
The data favors Mitsubishi, but remember: the best model from the "losing" make often beats the worst model from the "winning" one.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Acura ZDX leads both lineups with a score of 82/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Mitsubishi costs less to maintain — $519/year vs $577/year.
All scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data combined with independent repair cost databases. Check individual model pages for year-specific reliability data before making a final decision.
Acura vs Mitsubishi: Common Questions
Is Acura more reliable than Mitsubishi?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Acura or Mitsubishi?
Which make has more recalls, Acura or Mitsubishi?
What are the most reliable models from Acura and Mitsubishi?
What are the most common problems with Acura and Mitsubishi vehicles?
How many Acura and Mitsubishi models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Acura or Mitsubishi?
Are Acura and Mitsubishi getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Acura or Mitsubishi?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Acura or Mitsubishi?
Comparing Acura vs Mitsubishi? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle 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.