Last updated: 2026-10-10
Infiniti vs Mitsubishi: Reliability Compared
Infiniti
1 models tracked
Mitsubishi
1 models tracked
Mitsubishi edges Infiniti on reliability, but the two are effectively tied. Mitsubishi costs less to repair, while Infiniti has fewer recalls and milder complaints. Each brand is represented here by one SUV, the Outlander and the QX60.
Is Infiniti More Reliable Than Mitsubishi?
| Metric | Infiniti | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 75/100 | 76/100 |
| Models Tracked | 1 | 1 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 13 | 24 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 182 | 398 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $639/yr | $519/yr |
Infiniti vs Mitsubishi: The Verdict
Only a slight edge separates these brands, and it goes to Mitsubishi. Its repair bill is lower, about $519 a year against $639 for Infiniti. That is its clearest win.
Infiniti wins on the other side of the ledger. It has fewer recalls and fewer complaints per car sold. Its crash and injury complaints are also far fewer, which points to less serious trouble when something goes wrong. Mitsubishi owners report more structure and air bag problems. Both brands are trending up, and both rate good. Problems spread across systems about evenly. Your pick should turn on whether you care more about yearly cost or about avoiding serious faults.
Where Infiniti and Mitsubishi Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Infiniti | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 68/100Good | 66/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 70/100Good | 80/100Excellent |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 84/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 84/100Excellent | 83/100Excellent |
Mitsubishi's advantage in repair costs (+10 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Infiniti vs Mitsubishi: Strengths and Weaknesses
Infiniti
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (75/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($639/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 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: Infiniti or Mitsubishi?
Based on independent repair cost data, Mitsubishi is cheaper to maintain at an average of $519/year compared to $639/year for Infiniti. That's a difference of $120/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Infiniti vs Mitsubishi Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Infiniti | Mitsubishi | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(1 vs 1 models) | 75/100 | 76/100 | Mitsubishi |
Mitsubishi wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Infiniti vs Mitsubishi
| Component | Infiniti | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%27 | 20%63 |
| STRUCTURE | — | 25%78 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 18%24 | 12%39 |
| POWER TRAIN | 23%32 | 6%18 |
| AIR BAGS | 1%2 | 10%32 |
| ENGINE | 13%18 | 3%8 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%11 | 4%13 |
| SUSPENSION | — | 5%16 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3%4 | 3%8 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | — | 3%10 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Infiniti vs Mitsubishi Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Infiniti
5
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
8
Injury reports
Mitsubishi
34
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
33
Injury reports
Every Infiniti and Mitsubishi Model Ranked
Infiniti Models
Mitsubishi Models
Infiniti vs Mitsubishi Reliability Trend by Year
Infiniti's reliability is improving — recent model years average 79/100, up from earlier years. Mitsubishi's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100.
Interestingly, both Infiniti and Mitsubishi show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Infiniti | Mitsubishi | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100 | — | — |
| 2025 | 76/100(1) | 82/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2024 | 73/100(1) | 79/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2023 | 72/100(1) | 77/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2022 | 73/100(1) | 62/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2021 | 81/100(1) | 84/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2020 | 74/100(1) | 76/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2019 | 71/100(1) | 74/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2018 | 72/100(1) | 71/100(1) | Infiniti |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Infiniti vs Mitsubishi?
If you want the lowest running costs, lean toward the Outlander. Repairs cost about what other midsize SUVs do, and the 2021 is the year to target. Skip the 2022, where owners report hood flutter at speed and sudden shutdowns while driving. Check that the liftgate holds when raised, and ask about any electrical warning lights, since owners say those can switch off safety features.
If you put safety and fewer surprises first, lean toward the QX60. Its repair costs run well below the midsize SUV average, and its complaint record is milder. The 2021 is the favored year here too. Look hard at the 2019 and 2023, the two lowest rated. Whatever year you test drive, pay attention to the CVT. Shuddering or hesitation is the known weak spot, and it does not always respond to repair. A transmission that acts up on the test drive is a reason to walk away.
The Bottom Line: Infiniti or Mitsubishi?
Choose the Outlander if cost matters most, and the QX60 if you want fewer recalls and less serious complaints. The Outlander is the strongest single model across both lineups, by a thin margin, and the 2021 is the year to buy. Over five years, its lower repair estimate saves about $600 compared with the QX60. Avoid the 2022 Outlander, and test the QX60's CVT before you buy.
Infiniti vs Mitsubishi: Common Questions
Is Infiniti more reliable than Mitsubishi?
Which brand has more recalls, Infiniti or Mitsubishi?
Which is cheaper to repair, Infiniti or Mitsubishi?
What is the main problem with the Infiniti QX60?
Which Mitsubishi Outlander year should I avoid?
Comparing Infiniti 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 Infiniti 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.