Last updated: 2026-10-10
Honda vs Mitsubishi: Reliability Compared
Honda
9 models tracked
Mitsubishi
1 models tracked
Mitsubishi edges Honda on reliability, but only slightly. Fewer serious complaints and lighter recall impact give it the lead, while Honda costs less to repair. Honda also offers nine models to Mitsubishi's single Outlander, so body style may decide the choice before reliability does.
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
A slight edge goes to Mitsubishi. Owners file fewer complaints per car sold, at 1.3 per 1,000 against 1.9 for Honda. Mitsubishi also rates stronger on complaint severity and recall impact. Honda wins on upkeep: independent repair-cost data puts it at $441 a year, against $519 for Mitsubishi.
Both brands hold a good standing and both are improving. Neither pulls ahead on how problems spread across systems, since electrical trouble sits near the top of each list. Mitsubishi's lead rests on one model, the Outlander, so the comparison is narrower than it looks.
Where Honda and Mitsubishi Differ Most
| 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
- 69 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
| Component | Honda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| STEERING | 19%3,164 | 2%7 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 18%2,940 | 20%63 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 10%1,664 | 3%10 |
| ENGINE | 9%1,523 | 3%8 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 8%1,404 | 12%39 |
| POWER TRAIN | 7%1,149 | 6%18 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 7%1,142 | — |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%876 | 4%13 |
| STRUCTURE | 2%371 | 25%78 |
| AIR BAGS | 2%410 | 10%32 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Honda vs Mitsubishi Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Honda
584
Crash reports
69
Fire reports
520
Injury reports
Mitsubishi
34
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
33
Injury reports
Every Honda and Mitsubishi Model Ranked
Honda Models
Mitsubishi Models
Honda vs Mitsubishi Reliability Trend by Year
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 |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Honda vs Mitsubishi?
If you want a lower repair bill or any body style besides an SUV, lean to Honda. The HR-V is the model to target, in a 2021. Be careful with the 2019, which has blank instrument displays in cold weather, and the 2023, which has rear hatch glass that shatters with no impact. The Prologue is a fair pick in a 2024. Skip the 2025, which holds every complaint on file, including a "Service High Voltage System" warning that dealers often return unrepaired. Sedan, truck, and minivan shoppers have only Honda here, and the Civic, Accord, Ridgeline, and Odyssey all rate good.
If you want the brand with fewer serious complaints per car sold, the Mitsubishi Outlander is the one. Buy a 2021 and pass on the 2022, which has hood flutter at speed and sudden shutdowns while driving. In any year, check that the liftgate holds when raised and that no warning light is switching off safety features.
The Bottom Line: Honda or Mitsubishi?
For most shoppers, Honda is the easier choice because the lineup is wider and the repair bills are lower. The HR-V is the strongest model across both brands, and a 2021 is the one to look for. The Outlander is a sound alternative if you want fewer complaints per car sold. Over five years, Honda's average upkeep runs about $390 less than Mitsubishi's.
Honda vs Mitsubishi: Common Questions
Is Honda more reliable than Mitsubishi?
Which has more recalls, Honda or Mitsubishi?
Which is cheaper to repair, Honda or Mitsubishi?
What are the most common problems with Mitsubishi and Honda?
Which Honda or Mitsubishi model year should I avoid?
Comparing Honda 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 Honda 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.