Last updated: 2026-10-10
Buick vs Mitsubishi: Reliability Compared
Buick
7 models tracked
Mitsubishi
1 models tracked
Buick edges out Mitsubishi on reliability, but the two are effectively tied. Buick draws fewer owner complaints per car sold, while Mitsubishi costs a little less to repair each year. Both brands rate good, and both are improving.
Is Buick More Reliable Than Mitsubishi?
| Metric | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 77/100 | 76/100 |
| Models Tracked | 7 | 1 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 6 | 24 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 129 | 398 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $543/yr | $519/yr |
Buick vs Mitsubishi: The Verdict
The edge goes to Buick, though it is slight and the two are effectively tied. Buick owners file 0.7 complaints per 1,000 cars sold, against 1.3 for Mitsubishi. Buick also rates stronger on complaint severity and recall impact. Mitsubishi wins on repair cost, at $519 a year against $543 for Buick.
Problems spread across car systems about evenly for both brands. One caution on scale: Mitsubishi's record rests on a single model, the Outlander, while Buick's covers seven.
Where Buick and Mitsubishi Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 70/100Good | 66/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 73/100Good | 80/100Excellent |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 90/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 83/100Excellent |
Buick's advantage in recall impact (+10 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Buick vs Mitsubishi: Strengths and Weaknesses
Buick
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (77/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($543/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 7 of 7 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: Buick or Mitsubishi?
Based on independent repair cost data, Mitsubishi is cheaper to maintain at an average of $519/year compared to $543/year for Buick. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Buick Repair Cost Range
$466 – $573/yr
Average: $543/yr
Buick vs Mitsubishi Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Buick | Mitsubishi | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(5 vs 1 models) | 77/100 | 76/100 | Buick |
Buick wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Buick vs Mitsubishi
| Component | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 22%163 | 20%63 |
| POWER TRAIN | 18%134 | 6%18 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 14%107 | 12%39 |
| ENGINE | 14%105 | 3%8 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 12%86 | 4%13 |
| STRUCTURE | 1%4 | 25%78 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%28 | 10%32 |
| STEERING | 4%31 | 2%7 |
| SUSPENSION | 1%11 | 5%16 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 2%18 | — |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Buick vs Mitsubishi Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Buick
42
Crash reports
5
Fire reports
37
Injury reports
Mitsubishi
34
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
33
Injury reports
Every Buick and Mitsubishi Model Ranked
Buick Models
Mitsubishi Models
Buick vs Mitsubishi Reliability Trend by Year
Buick'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 Buick and Mitsubishi show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Buick | Mitsubishi | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100 | — | — |
| 2025 | 80/100(4) | 82/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2024 | 76/100(4) | 79/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2023 | 78/100(3) | 77/100(1) | Buick |
| 2022 | 76/100(4) | 62/100(1) | Buick |
| 2021 | 76/100(4) | 84/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2020 | 74/100(5) | 76/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2019 | 76/100(5) | 74/100(1) | Buick |
| 2018 | 76/100(5) | 71/100(1) | Buick |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Buick vs Mitsubishi: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Buick and Mitsubishi. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Buick vs Mitsubishi?
If you want a choice of body styles and a lower chance of filing a complaint, lean Buick. Target the Encore, the top-ranked Buick, and look at the 2022 first. Watch for turbocharger trouble, which shows up as a check engine light and reduced power, and ask about front air bags, since some owners say they did not deploy in crashes. For a sedan, the Regal is the one to look at, and the 2020 is the year to favor. Check for a false "Shift to Park" message that drains the battery.
If you want the lowest yearly repair bill and a midsize SUV, lean Mitsubishi and shop the Outlander. The 2021 is the pick. Skip the 2022, which owners report has hood flutter at speed and sudden shutdowns while driving. In any year, test the liftgate, since owners report it dropping without warning, and watch for electrical warning lights that switch off safety features.
The Bottom Line: Buick or Mitsubishi?
The Encore is the strongest single model across both lineups, and Buick as a brand holds a slight lead on complaints and severity. Mitsubishi's Outlander is a sound choice if you want a lower bill. The gap is $24 a year, or about $120 over five years, which is small. Choose by the specific model and year, and avoid the 2022 Outlander.
Buick vs Mitsubishi: Common Questions
Is Buick more reliable than Mitsubishi?
Which has more recalls, Buick or Mitsubishi?
Which is cheaper to repair, Buick or Mitsubishi?
What problems do Buick owners report most?
Which Mitsubishi Outlander year should I avoid?
Comparing Buick 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 Buick 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.