Last updated: 2026-07-26
Ford vs Mitsubishi: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Ford
15 models tracked
Mitsubishi
1 models tracked
Comparing Ford 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 66/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Ford More Reliable Than Mitsubishi?
| Metric | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 66/100 | 76/100 |
| Models Tracked | 15 | 1 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 59 | 24 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1686 | 398 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $716/yr | $519/yr |
Ford vs Mitsubishi: The Verdict
If reliability is your priority, Mitsubishi makes a stronger case than Ford by a wide margin. The overall picture: Ford scores 66/100 across 15 models, while Mitsubishi comes in at 76/100 across 1 models — all data-driven, no bias.
On the cost front, Mitsubishi is cheaper to maintain at $519/year versus $716/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $985 in savings. The repair cost gap might seem small year-to-year, but over a typical 5-year ownership period it compounds into meaningful savings for Mitsubishi owners.
Where Ford and Mitsubishi Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 59/100Mixed | 66/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 67/100Good | 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% | 80/100Excellent | 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 (66/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 13 of 15 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 201 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 $716/year for Ford. That's a difference of $197/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Ford Repair Cost Range
$581 – $861/yr
Average: $716/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
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 28%5,954 | 6%18 |
| ENGINE | 17%3,624 | 2%8 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 12%2,561 | 20%63 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 9%1,929 | 12%39 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 9%1,831 | — |
| STRUCTURE | 7%1,418 | 24%78 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%953 | 5%15 |
| STEERING | 2%527 | 5%16 |
| AIR BAGS | 1%259 | 10%32 |
| SUSPENSION | 1%224 | 4%14 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Ford vs Mitsubishi Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Ford owners reported 597 crash-related, 201 fire-related, and 587 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.
Ford
597
Crash reports
201
Fire reports
587
Injury reports
Mitsubishi
33
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
32
Injury reports
Every Ford and Mitsubishi Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Ford Models
Mitsubishi Models
Ford vs Mitsubishi Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
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(9) | 71/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Ford or Mitsubishi?
The numbers make a strong case for Mitsubishi — this is one of the larger make-level gaps in our database.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Mitsubishi Outlander leads both lineups with a score of 76/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Mitsubishi costs less to maintain — $519/year vs $716/year. Over a typical 5-year ownership period, that adds up to roughly $985 in savings.
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.
Ford vs Mitsubishi: Common Questions
Is Ford more reliable than Mitsubishi?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Ford or Mitsubishi?
Which make has more recalls, Ford or Mitsubishi?
What are the most reliable models from Ford and Mitsubishi?
What are the most common problems with Ford and Mitsubishi vehicles?
How many Ford and Mitsubishi models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Ford or Mitsubishi?
Are Ford and Mitsubishi getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Ford or Mitsubishi?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Ford or Mitsubishi?
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 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.