Last updated: 2026-10-10
Ford vs Mitsubishi: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Ford
16 models tracked
Mitsubishi
1 models tracked
Mitsubishi beats Ford on reliability by a large margin, with fewer complaints per car sold and cheaper repairs. Ford offers far more choice. Mitsubishi is tracked on one model, the Outlander, while Ford has 16, and most of those rate good too.
Is Ford More Reliable Than Mitsubishi?
| Metric | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 65/100 | 76/100 |
| Models Tracked | 16 | 1 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 60 | 24 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 2124 | 398 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $701/yr | $519/yr |
Ford vs Mitsubishi: The Verdict
The gap is large, and Mitsubishi sits on the better side of it. Ford draws 2.5 complaints per 1,000 sold, against 1.3 for Mitsubishi. Independent repair-cost data puts Ford at $701 a year and Mitsubishi at $519. Mitsubishi also comes out stronger on complaint severity, recall impact, and how widely problems spread across systems.
One caution applies. Mitsubishi's result rests on a single model, so it really describes the Outlander. Ford's problems cluster in the power train, which accounts for about 35% of its complaints. Both brands show an improving trend.
Where Ford and Mitsubishi Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 57/100Mixed | 66/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 68/100Good | 80/100Excellent |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 63/100Good | 80/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 79/100Good | 83/100Excellent |
Dig into the components and recall impact stands out — Mitsubishi outscores by 17 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
Ford vs Mitsubishi: Strengths and Weaknesses
Ford
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (65/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 13 of 16 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 257 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: Ford or Mitsubishi?
Based on independent repair cost data, Mitsubishi is cheaper to maintain at an average of $519/year compared to $701/year for Ford. That's a difference of $182/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Ford Repair Cost Range
$569 – $861/yr
Average: $701/yr
Ford vs Mitsubishi Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Ford | Mitsubishi | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(8 vs 1 models) | 64/100 | 76/100 | Mitsubishi |
Mitsubishi wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Ford vs Mitsubishi
| Component | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 35%10,835 | 6%18 |
| ENGINE | 14%4,262 | 3%8 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 11%3,325 | 20%63 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 8%2,600 | 12%39 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 7%2,067 | — |
| STRUCTURE | 5%1,638 | 25%78 |
| STEERING | 4%1,195 | 2%7 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3%1,015 | 4%13 |
| AIR BAGS | 1%361 | 10%32 |
| SUSPENSION | 1%222 | 5%16 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Ford vs Mitsubishi Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Ford
859
Crash reports
257
Fire reports
793
Injury reports
Mitsubishi
34
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
33
Injury reports
Every Ford and Mitsubishi Model Ranked
Ford Models
Mitsubishi Models
Ford vs Mitsubishi Reliability Trend by Year
Ford's reliability is improving — recent model years average 73/100, 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 | Ford | Mitsubishi | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 74/100 | — | — |
| 2025 | 71/100(11) | 82/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2024 | 70/100(12) | 79/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2023 | 66/100(13) | 77/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2022 | 61/100(13) | 62/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2021 | 60/100(10) | 84/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2020 | 62/100(10) | 76/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2019 | 64/100(10) | 74/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2018 | 61/100(10) | 71/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2017 | 58/100 | — | — |
| 2016 | 56/100 | — | — |
| 2015 | 59/100 | — | — |
| 2014 | 52/100 | — | — |
| 2013 | 54/100 | — | — |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Ford vs Mitsubishi?
If you want the lowest running costs and the fewest complaints, lean toward the Outlander. Target the 2021, which is the pick of its lineup. Skip the 2022, where owners report hood flutter at speed and sudden shutdowns while driving. On any year, check that the liftgate holds and that no warning light is switching off safety features. Mitsubishi has only this one model in the data, so it suits you only if a midsize SUV is what you need.
If you need a truck, a coupe, a van, or simply more options, shop Ford. The Ranger is the best-ranked Ford, and the 2022 is a better buy than the 2019, which is known for a transmission that shifts hard, slips, or skips gears. Among SUVs, the Escape, Edge, Explorer, and Bronco Sport all rate good. Be careful with the Bronco, which rates mixed. The 2021 and 2022 draw the most complaints for sudden power loss and automatic transmission failure, and the 2024 is steadier. The Focus and F-150 Lightning also rate mixed.
The Bottom Line: Ford or Mitsubishi?
Buy the Mitsubishi Outlander if a midsize SUV fits your needs. A 2021 is the strongest single pick across both lineups. The repair-cost gap of $182 a year adds up to about $910 over five years in the Outlander's favor. Choose Ford when you need a body style Mitsubishi does not offer, and make the Ranger your first stop. Avoid the Bronco 2021 and 2022 and the Outlander 2022.
Ford vs Mitsubishi: Common Questions
Is Ford more reliable than Mitsubishi?
Which brand has more recalls, Ford or Mitsubishi?
Which is cheaper to repair, Ford or Mitsubishi?
What problems are most common on Ford vehicles?
What goes wrong with the Mitsubishi Outlander?
Comparing Ford 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 Ford 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.