Last updated: 2026-07-26
Chevrolet vs Mitsubishi: Reliability Compared
Chevrolet
15 models tracked
Mitsubishi
1 models tracked
Comparing Chevrolet 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 73/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Chevrolet More Reliable Than Mitsubishi?
| Metric | Chevrolet | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 73/100 | 76/100 |
| Models Tracked | 15 | 1 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 21 | 24 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 904 | 398 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $641/yr | $519/yr |
Chevrolet vs Mitsubishi: The Verdict
The numbers favor Mitsubishi here, but Chevrolet isn't far behind. We scored 16 models between the two makes: Chevrolet at 73/100 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 $641/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $610 in savings. For buyers watching long-term costs, Mitsubishi's lower maintenance bill is a real differentiator.
Where Chevrolet and Mitsubishi Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Chevrolet | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 64/100Good | 66/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 70/100Good | 80/100Excellent |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 82/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 84/100Excellent | 83/100Excellent |
Mitsubishi's advantage in repair costs (+10 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Chevrolet vs Mitsubishi: Strengths and Weaknesses
Chevrolet
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (73/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($641/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 14 of 15 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 138 fire-related complaints across lineup
- 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: Chevrolet or Mitsubishi?
Based on independent repair cost data, Mitsubishi is cheaper to maintain at an average of $519/year compared to $641/year for Chevrolet. That's a difference of $122/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Chevrolet Repair Cost Range
$488 – $944/yr
Average: $641/yr
Chevrolet vs Mitsubishi Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Chevrolet | Mitsubishi | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(9 vs 1 models) | 71/100 | 76/100 | Mitsubishi |
Mitsubishi wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Chevrolet vs Mitsubishi
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Chevrolet | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 24%2,908 | 6%18 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 18%2,157 | 20%63 |
| ENGINE | 15%1,799 | 2%8 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 9%1,095 | 12%39 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 9%1,033 | 5%15 |
| STEERING | 7%831 | 5%16 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3%362 | 2%8 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 3%309 | — |
| AIR BAGS | 2%259 | 10%32 |
| STRUCTURE | 1%137 | 24%78 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Chevrolet vs Mitsubishi Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Chevrolet owners reported 436 crash-related, 138 fire-related, and 392 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.
Chevrolet
436
Crash reports
138
Fire reports
392
Injury reports
Mitsubishi
33
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
32
Injury reports
Every Chevrolet and Mitsubishi Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Chevrolet Models
Mitsubishi Models
Chevrolet vs Mitsubishi Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Chevrolet's reliability is improving — recent model years average 80/100, up from earlier years. Mitsubishi's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100.
Interestingly, both Chevrolet and Mitsubishi show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Chevrolet | Mitsubishi | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100 | — | — |
| 2025 | 78/100(12) | 82/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2024 | 74/100(13) | 79/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2023 | 73/100(12) | 77/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2022 | 73/100(12) | 62/100(1) | Chevrolet |
| 2021 | 69/100(12) | 84/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2020 | 72/100(12) | 76/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2019 | 69/100(13) | 74/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2018 | 69/100(12) | 71/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Chevrolet vs Mitsubishi: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Chevrolet and Mitsubishi. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Chevrolet or Mitsubishi?
Mitsubishi has the edge, but don't let a modest score gap override other factors like price, features, and dealer experience.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Chevrolet Trax leads both lineups with a score of 81/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Mitsubishi costs less to maintain — $519/year vs $641/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.
Chevrolet vs Mitsubishi: Common Questions
Is Chevrolet more reliable than Mitsubishi?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Chevrolet or Mitsubishi?
Which make has more recalls, Chevrolet or Mitsubishi?
What are the most reliable models from Chevrolet and Mitsubishi?
What are the most common problems with Chevrolet and Mitsubishi vehicles?
How many Chevrolet and Mitsubishi models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Chevrolet or Mitsubishi?
Are Chevrolet and Mitsubishi getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Chevrolet or Mitsubishi?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Chevrolet or Mitsubishi?
Comparing Chevrolet 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.