Last updated: 2026-10-10
Hyundai vs Mitsubishi: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Hyundai
10 models tracked
Mitsubishi
1 models tracked
Mitsubishi comes out ahead of Hyundai on reliability, with a clear edge on complaint severity and recall impact. Both brands stand as good. Mitsubishi has one tracked model, the Outlander, while Hyundai spreads across ten.
Is Hyundai More Reliable Than Mitsubishi?
| Metric | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 70/100 | 76/100 |
| Models Tracked | 10 | 1 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 23 | 24 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1001 | 398 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $492/yr | $519/yr |
Hyundai vs Mitsubishi: The Verdict
The edge goes to Mitsubishi, and it is a clear one. Owner complaints about crashes, fires, and injuries are much lighter there, and federal recall records show a smaller footprint. Hyundai's recall count is higher, but it covers ten models, not one. Complaints per 1,000 sold are nearly level, so the gap is about severity, not volume.
Repair cost is a split. Hyundai averages $492 a year against $519 for Mitsubishi, though the Outlander costs about what other midsize SUVs do. Both brands show an improving trend, and problems are spread across systems about evenly.
Where Hyundai and Mitsubishi Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 61/100Good | 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% | 76/100Good | 80/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 83/100Excellent |
Mitsubishi's advantage in repair costs (+12 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Hyundai vs Mitsubishi: Strengths and Weaknesses
Hyundai
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (70/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($492/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 9 of 10 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 126 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: Hyundai or Mitsubishi?
Based on independent repair cost data, Hyundai is cheaper to maintain at an average of $492/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.
Hyundai Repair Cost Range
$426 – $573/yr
Average: $492/yr
Hyundai vs Mitsubishi Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Hyundai | Mitsubishi | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(6 vs 1 models) | 67/100 | 76/100 | Mitsubishi |
Mitsubishi wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Hyundai vs Mitsubishi
| Component | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%1,751 | 20%63 |
| ENGINE | 18%1,597 | 3%8 |
| POWER TRAIN | 15%1,289 | 6%18 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%1,095 | 12%39 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%745 | 4%13 |
| SEAT BELTS | 4%330 | 2%6 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 3%272 | 1%4 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 3%254 | 3%10 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 3%260 | — |
| STRUCTURE | 2%136 | 25%78 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Hyundai vs Mitsubishi Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Hyundai
407
Crash reports
126
Fire reports
342
Injury reports
Mitsubishi
34
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
33
Injury reports
Every Hyundai and Mitsubishi Model Ranked
Hyundai Models
Mitsubishi Models
Hyundai vs Mitsubishi Reliability Trend by Year
Hyundai's reliability is improving — recent model years average 75/100, up from earlier years. Mitsubishi's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100.
Interestingly, both Hyundai and Mitsubishi show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Hyundai | Mitsubishi | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 76/100 | — | — |
| 2025 | 74/100(10) | 82/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2024 | 72/100(10) | 79/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2023 | 67/100(10) | 77/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2022 | 64/100(9) | 62/100(1) | Hyundai |
| 2021 | 69/100(7) | 84/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2020 | 66/100(7) | 76/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2019 | 68/100(5) | 74/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2018 | 67/100(5) | 71/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Hyundai vs Mitsubishi?
If you want one midsize SUV with a narrow, predictable record, look at the Outlander. Target the 2021 and skip the 2022, which owners link to hood flutter at speed and sudden shutdowns while driving. On any year, check that the liftgate holds and that no electrical warning light has turned off safety features.
If you want a choice of body styles, Hyundai gives you sedans, SUVs, and a truck. The Elantra is the top-rated model in the lineup, with an excellent standing. Favor the 2024 and skip the 2020 and 2022, since sudden engine failure with no warning light is the main fear. Shoppers considering an electric SUV should treat the Ioniq 5 with care. Its standing is mixed, owners report sudden loss of drive power tied to the charging control unit, and 2024 is the better used pick over 2022 and 2023. Most other Hyundai models rate good.
The Bottom Line: Hyundai or Mitsubishi?
For the lower-risk record and an SUV, pick Mitsubishi and its Outlander. For variety, pick Hyundai, where the Elantra is the strongest single model across both lineups. Hyundai also costs less to repair on average, about $27 a year, or roughly $135 over five years. Avoid the problem years named above, whichever brand you pick.
Hyundai vs Mitsubishi: Common Questions
Is Hyundai more reliable than Mitsubishi?
Which has more recalls, Hyundai or Mitsubishi?
Which brand is cheaper to repair?
What is the main problem to watch for on a used Hyundai?
Which used Mitsubishi Outlander year should I avoid?
Comparing Hyundai 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 Hyundai 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.