Last updated: 2026-07-26
Honda vs Mitsubishi: Reliability Compared
Honda
9 models tracked
Mitsubishi
1 models tracked
Comparing Honda 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 74/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Honda More Reliable Than Mitsubishi?
| Metric | Honda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 74/100 | 76/100 |
| Models Tracked | 9 | 1 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 38 | 24 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 2118 | 398 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $441/yr | $519/yr |
Honda vs Mitsubishi: The Verdict
Between these two, Mitsubishi comes out ahead on reliability, though specific model choice matters more than the overall gap. Aggregating recall data, owner complaints, and repair costs across every model we track, Honda averages 74/100 (9 models) and Mitsubishi averages 76/100 (1 models).
On the cost front, Honda is cheaper to maintain at $441/year versus $519/year. Worth noting: repair costs vary heavily by model within each make, so this is an average — check individual model pages for specifics.
Where Honda and Mitsubishi Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Honda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 61/100Good | 66/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 84/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 74/100Good | 80/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 83/100Excellent |
Where they diverge most: recall impact. Mitsubishi has a 6-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Honda vs Mitsubishi: Strengths and Weaknesses
Honda
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (74/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($441/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 9 of 9 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 70 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: Honda or Mitsubishi?
Based on independent repair cost data, Honda is cheaper to maintain at an average of $441/year compared to $519/year for Mitsubishi. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Honda Repair Cost Range
$301 – $547/yr
Average: $441/yr
Honda vs Mitsubishi Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Honda | Mitsubishi | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(5 vs 1 models) | 73/100 | 76/100 | Mitsubishi |
Mitsubishi wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Honda vs Mitsubishi
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Honda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| STEERING | 19%3,186 | 5%16 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 18%2,940 | 20%63 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 10%1,640 | 12%39 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 10%1,663 | 3%10 |
| ENGINE | 9%1,566 | 2%8 |
| POWER TRAIN | 7%1,153 | 6%18 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 7%1,145 | — |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%908 | 5%15 |
| AIR BAGS | 3%455 | 10%32 |
| STRUCTURE | 1%234 | 24%78 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Honda vs Mitsubishi Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Honda owners reported 572 crash-related, 70 fire-related, and 515 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.
Honda
572
Crash reports
70
Fire reports
515
Injury reports
Mitsubishi
33
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
32
Injury reports
Every Honda and Mitsubishi Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Honda Models
Mitsubishi Models
Honda vs Mitsubishi Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Honda's reliability is improving — recent model years average 82/100, up from earlier years. Mitsubishi's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100.
Interestingly, both Honda and Mitsubishi show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Honda | Mitsubishi | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 84/100 | — | — |
| 2025 | 79/100(9) | 82/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2024 | 78/100(9) | 79/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2023 | 74/100(8) | 77/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2022 | 74/100(8) | 62/100(1) | Honda |
| 2021 | 75/100(8) | 84/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2020 | 70/100(8) | 76/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2019 | 65/100(8) | 74/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2018 | 66/100(7) | 71/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Honda or Mitsubishi?
Mitsubishi comes out ahead on the numbers, though both makes can serve you well if you pick the right model.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Honda HR-V leads both lineups with a score of 83/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Honda costs less to maintain — $441/year vs $519/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.
Honda vs Mitsubishi: Common Questions
Is Honda more reliable than Mitsubishi?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Honda or Mitsubishi?
Which make has more recalls, Honda or Mitsubishi?
What are the most reliable models from Honda and Mitsubishi?
What are the most common problems with Honda and Mitsubishi vehicles?
How many Honda and Mitsubishi models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Honda or Mitsubishi?
Are Honda and Mitsubishi getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Honda or Mitsubishi?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Honda or Mitsubishi?
Comparing Honda vs Mitsubishi? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Related Make Comparisons
More Honda comparisons
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.