Last updated: 2026-10-10
Acura vs Mitsubishi: Reliability Compared
Acura
5 models tracked
Mitsubishi
1 models tracked
Mitsubishi edges Acura on reliability, but the two are effectively tied. Both rate good. Mitsubishi draws fewer owner complaints per car sold and has fewer severe problem reports, while Acura offers a much wider lineup to choose from.
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
Reliability is effectively tied, with Mitsubishi slightly ahead. Both brands stand at good and both are trending up. The edge comes from owner complaints: Mitsubishi draws 1.3 per 1,000 sold against 2.6 for Acura, and its complaints are less severe, with one fire report against ten.
Acura wins on repair costs in our comparison, and recall impact comes out even. In raw dollars, though, the Outlander averages $519 a year to Acura's $577. Acura's range is wide, from $440 to $801 depending on the model. Mitsubishi tracks one model, so its result rests on the Outlander alone.
Where Acura and Mitsubishi Differ Most
| 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
| Component | Acura | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 16%328 | 12%39 |
| STEERING | 15%304 | 2%7 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 11%227 | 20%63 |
| POWER TRAIN | 12%252 | 6%18 |
| ENGINE | 10%204 | 3%8 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 8%161 | — |
| STRUCTURE | 3%65 | 25%78 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%94 | 4%13 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 4%88 | — |
| AIR BAGS | 2%39 | 10%32 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Acura vs Mitsubishi Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Acura
44
Crash reports
10
Fire reports
37
Injury reports
Mitsubishi
34
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
33
Injury reports
Every Acura and Mitsubishi Model Ranked
Acura vs Mitsubishi Reliability Trend by Year
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 |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Acura vs Mitsubishi?
If you want a midsize SUV and nothing else, the Outlander is the simple pick. Target the 2021. Skip the 2022, which owners report with hood flutter at speed and sudden shutdowns while driving. In any year, check that the liftgate holds and that no electrical warning light is switching off safety features.
If you want choice, Acura gives you three SUVs and two sedans. The RDX and MDX both rate good. The ZDX is the strongest model across both lineups, and the 2024 is the year to buy, but test the brakes carefully, since owners report late stopping and emergency braking with nothing ahead. Sedan shoppers can look at the TLX or the Integra. Take the 2024 Integra and skip the 2023, and ask about the steering sticking at highway speeds. Integra repair costs run highest in the Acura lineup.
The Bottom Line: Acura or Mitsubishi?
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander for a proven, lower-complaint midsize SUV. Choose Acura for variety or the ZDX, the strongest single model across both lineups, with the 2024 as the year to buy. The Outlander's average repair cost is $58 a year lower, about $290 over five years. Avoid the 2022 Outlander and the 2023 Integra.
Acura vs Mitsubishi: Common Questions
Is Acura more reliable than Mitsubishi?
Which brand has more recalls, Acura or Mitsubishi?
Which is cheaper to repair, Acura or Mitsubishi?
What problems do Mitsubishi Outlanders have?
What is the most common Acura problem?
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 score Acura and Mitsubishi models
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.