Last updated: 2026-10-10
GMC vs Mitsubishi: Which Make Is More Reliable?
GMC
5 models tracked
Mitsubishi
1 models tracked
Mitsubishi comes out clearly ahead of GMC on reliability. Lower repair costs and less severe complaints decide it. GMC offers far more models to choose from, and both brands are rated good with improving trends.
Is GMC More Reliable Than Mitsubishi?
| Metric | GMC | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 71/100 | 76/100 |
| Models Tracked | 5 | 1 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 29 | 24 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1164 | 398 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $647/yr | $519/yr |
GMC Models
5 models ranked by reliability
GMC vs Mitsubishi: The Verdict
The edge goes to Mitsubishi, and it is a clear one. Its yearly repair cost runs about $519, against $647 for GMC. Complaints also skew less severe. Owners report one fire for Mitsubishi and 34 for GMC.
Recall impact and the spread of problems across systems come out even. One caution: Mitsubishi draws more complaints per 1,000 sold, 1.3 against 0.8. It is also a one-model brand, so that result rests on the Outlander alone.
Where GMC and Mitsubishi Differ Most
| Component | Weight | GMC | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 61/100Good | 66/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 66/100Good | 80/100Excellent |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 81/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 83/100Excellent |
The biggest gap is in repair costs, where Mitsubishi scores 14 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
GMC vs Mitsubishi: Strengths and Weaknesses
GMC
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (71/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($647/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 5 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 34 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: GMC or Mitsubishi?
Based on independent repair cost data, Mitsubishi is cheaper to maintain at an average of $519/year compared to $647/year for GMC. That's a difference of $128/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
GMC Repair Cost Range
$548 – $747/yr
Average: $647/yr
GMC vs Mitsubishi Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | GMC | Mitsubishi | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(3 vs 1 models) | 70/100 | 76/100 | Mitsubishi |
Mitsubishi wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: GMC vs Mitsubishi
| Component | GMC | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 27%1,443 | 3%8 |
| POWER TRAIN | 22%1,163 | 6%18 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 14%742 | 20%63 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 7%388 | 12%39 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%408 | 4%13 |
| STEERING | 5%280 | 2%7 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 4%241 | — |
| STRUCTURE | 3%155 | 25%78 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 3%174 | 2%5 |
| AIR BAGS | 1%72 | 10%32 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
GMC vs Mitsubishi Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
GMC
129
Crash reports
34
Fire reports
144
Injury reports
Mitsubishi
34
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
33
Injury reports
Every GMC and Mitsubishi Model Ranked
GMC vs Mitsubishi Reliability Trend by Year
GMC's reliability is improving — recent model years average 78/100, 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 | GMC | Mitsubishi | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 80/100 | — | — |
| 2025 | 76/100(5) | 82/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2024 | 75/100(5) | 79/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2023 | 67/100(5) | 77/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2022 | 67/100(5) | 62/100(1) | GMC |
| 2021 | 66/100(5) | 84/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2020 | 68/100(5) | 76/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2019 | 69/100(4) | 74/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2018 | 68/100(5) | 71/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy GMC vs Mitsubishi?
If you want the lowest running costs in an SUV, lean toward the Outlander. Target the 2021 and skip the 2022, which owners link to hood flutter at speed and sudden shutdowns while driving. In any year, check that the liftgate holds, and ask whether any electrical warning lights have switched off safety features.
If you need a truck or a full-size SUV, GMC is the only choice here. The Canyon is the best place to start. Look for a 2024, skip the 2023 because its forward collision system brakes hard with nothing ahead, and test drive for 8-speed automatic shudder. In a Yukon, pick the 2020 over the 2021. Listen for ticking or misfires, since lifter and camshaft failure can arrive with no warning light. Engine and power train problems make up nearly half of GMC complaints, so a pre-purchase inspection matters more on that side.
The Bottom Line: GMC or Mitsubishi?
Choose Mitsubishi if cost and fewer severe complaints matter most and an Outlander fits your needs. Choose GMC if you need a truck or larger SUV. The Canyon is the strongest single model across both lineups. Mitsubishi's repair costs are $128 a year lower, which adds up to about $640 over five years.
GMC vs Mitsubishi: Common Questions
Is GMC more reliable than Mitsubishi?
Which brand has more recalls, GMC or Mitsubishi?
Is GMC or Mitsubishi cheaper to repair?
What problems do GMC and Mitsubishi owners report most?
Which model years should I avoid from GMC and Mitsubishi?
Comparing GMC 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 GMC 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.