Last updated: 2026-10-10
Audi vs Mitsubishi: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Audi
10 models tracked
Mitsubishi
1 models tracked
Mitsubishi comes out ahead of Audi on reliability, mainly on cheaper repairs and a lighter recall load. Both brands rate good, and both show an improving recent trend, but the Outlander is the easier used buy.
Is Audi More Reliable Than Mitsubishi?
| Metric | Audi | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 68/100 | 76/100 |
| Models Tracked | 10 | 1 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 33 | 24 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 168 | 398 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $930/yr | $519/yr |
Audi vs Mitsubishi: The Verdict
A clear edge goes to Mitsubishi. Both brands stand good, and complaints per 1,000 sold are close, so severity is even. The gap shows up elsewhere. Repairs run about $519 a year on the Outlander against $930 on average across Audi's lineup, and even the cheapest Audi model costs more than that. Audi also has 332 recalls to Mitsubishi's 24, though it has ten models to Mitsubishi's one. Audi's owner complaints also bunch up in the electrical system, at 41%, while Mitsubishi's are spread across structure, electrical and air bags. Audi's lineup is deeper and mostly rates good, so the choice of model matters more there.
Where Audi and Mitsubishi Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Audi | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 65/100Good | 66/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 58/100Mixed | 80/100Excellent |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 77/100Good | 80/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 83/100Excellent |
The biggest gap is in repair costs, where Mitsubishi scores 22 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Audi vs Mitsubishi: Strengths and Weaknesses
Audi
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (68/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 9 of 10 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($930/year avg)
- 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: Audi or Mitsubishi?
Based on independent repair cost data, Mitsubishi is cheaper to maintain at an average of $519/year compared to $930/year for Audi. That's a difference of $411/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Audi Repair Cost Range
$739 – $1185/yr
Average: $930/yr
Audi vs Mitsubishi Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Audi | Mitsubishi | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(7 vs 1 models) | 67/100 | 76/100 | Mitsubishi |
Mitsubishi wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Audi vs Mitsubishi
| Component | Audi | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 41%567 | 20%63 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%164 | 12%39 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%140 | 6%18 |
| ENGINE | 7%100 | 3%8 |
| STRUCTURE | 1%11 | 25%78 |
| STEERING | 6%76 | 2%7 |
| SUSPENSION | 4%53 | 5%16 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%53 | 4%13 |
| AIR BAGS | 2%26 | 10%32 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 3%36 | 3%10 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Audi vs Mitsubishi Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Audi
61
Crash reports
10
Fire reports
44
Injury reports
Mitsubishi
34
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
33
Injury reports
Every Audi and Mitsubishi Model Ranked
Audi Models
Mitsubishi Models
Audi vs Mitsubishi Reliability Trend by Year
Audi's reliability is improving — recent model years average 74/100, up from earlier years. Mitsubishi's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Audi | Mitsubishi | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 75/100 | — | — |
| 2025 | 72/100(10) | 82/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2024 | 67/100(8) | 79/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2023 | 68/100(8) | 77/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2022 | 66/100(8) | 62/100(1) | Audi |
| 2021 | 65/100(7) | 84/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2020 | 66/100(7) | 76/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2019 | 63/100(6) | 74/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2018 | 65/100(6) | 71/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Audi vs Mitsubishi?
If you want the lowest running costs, lean toward the Outlander. Target the 2021 and skip the 2022, which owners link to hood flutter at speed and sudden shutdowns. Across all years, check that the liftgate holds and that no warning light is switching off safety features.
If you want a premium badge or a wider choice, Audi gives you more to pick from. The Q8-E-Tron, A5, Q3 and A4 all rate good. The 2024 Q8-E-Tron is the year to look at, though it carries two recalls, so confirm they were completed. Its record is short, with no owner complaints yet. Skip the E-Tron if you can. It is the only Audi with a mixed record, and owners report a sudden warning to stop safely, followed by motor shutdown and a tow. If you still want one, the 2020 is the year to favor and the 2022 carries the heaviest recall load.
The Bottom Line: Audi or Mitsubishi?
For most used-car shoppers, Mitsubishi is the safer and cheaper pick. The strongest single model across both lineups is the Audi Q8-E-Tron, but its record covers only two model years with no complaints so far, so treat that as early. The Outlander has the longer proven record. Over five years, its lower repair cost saves about $2,055 against the average Audi.
Audi vs Mitsubishi: Common Questions
Is Audi more reliable than Mitsubishi?
Which has more recalls, Audi or Mitsubishi?
Which is cheaper to repair, Audi or Mitsubishi?
What goes wrong most often on Audis?
Which Mitsubishi Outlander year should I avoid?
Comparing Audi 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 Audi 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.