Last updated: 2026-07-26
KIA vs Mitsubishi: Reliability Compared
KIA
10 models tracked
Mitsubishi
1 models tracked
Comparing KIA 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 73/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is KIA More Reliable Than Mitsubishi?
| Metric | KIA | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 73/100 | 76/100 |
| Models Tracked | 10 | 1 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 17 | 24 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 691 | 398 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $492/yr | $519/yr |
KIA vs Mitsubishi: The Verdict
Mitsubishi holds a modest reliability advantage over KIA — enough to notice, not enough to be the only factor. The overall picture: KIA scores 73/100 across 10 models, while Mitsubishi comes in at 76/100 across 1 models — all data-driven, no bias.
On the cost front, KIA is cheaper to maintain at $492/year versus $519/year.
Where KIA and Mitsubishi Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | KIA | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 63/100Good | 66/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 73/100Good | 80/100Excellent |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 77/100Good | 80/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 83/100Excellent | 83/100Excellent |
Dig into the components and repair costs stands out — Mitsubishi outscores by 7 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
KIA vs Mitsubishi: Strengths and Weaknesses
KIA
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (73/100 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
- 145 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: KIA or Mitsubishi?
Based on independent repair cost data, KIA 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.
KIA Repair Cost Range
$437 – $573/yr
Average: $492/yr
KIA vs Mitsubishi Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | KIA | Mitsubishi | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(7 vs 1 models) | 72/100 | 76/100 | Mitsubishi |
Mitsubishi wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: KIA vs Mitsubishi
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | KIA | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 21%1,275 | 2%8 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 18%1,122 | 20%63 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 16%974 | 12%39 |
| POWER TRAIN | 15%895 | 6%18 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 5%320 | — |
| STRUCTURE | 3%183 | 24%78 |
| STEERING | 4%228 | 5%16 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 4%227 | 2%5 |
| AIR BAGS | 3%159 | 10%32 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3%166 | 5%15 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
KIA vs Mitsubishi Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, KIA owners reported 315 crash-related, 145 fire-related, and 307 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.
KIA
315
Crash reports
145
Fire reports
307
Injury reports
Mitsubishi
33
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
32
Injury reports
Every KIA and Mitsubishi Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
KIA Models
Mitsubishi Models
KIA vs Mitsubishi Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
KIA'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.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | KIA | Mitsubishi | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 78/100 | — | — |
| 2025 | 79/100(8) | 82/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2024 | 75/100(8) | 79/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2023 | 70/100(9) | 77/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2022 | 70/100(9) | 62/100(1) | KIA |
| 2021 | 71/100(8) | 84/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2020 | 71/100(6) | 76/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2019 | 72/100(5) | 74/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2018 | 71/100(5) | 71/100(1) | Tie |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
KIA vs Mitsubishi: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between KIA and Mitsubishi. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: KIA or Mitsubishi?
The data favors Mitsubishi, but remember: the best model from the "losing" make often beats the worst model from the "winning" one.
If you want the single most reliable option: the KIA Carnival leads both lineups with a score of 83/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that KIA costs less to maintain — $492/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.
KIA vs Mitsubishi: Common Questions
Is KIA more reliable than Mitsubishi?
Which is cheaper to maintain, KIA or Mitsubishi?
Which make has more recalls, KIA or Mitsubishi?
What are the most reliable models from KIA and Mitsubishi?
What are the most common problems with KIA and Mitsubishi vehicles?
How many KIA and Mitsubishi models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, KIA or Mitsubishi?
Are KIA and Mitsubishi getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, KIA or Mitsubishi?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, KIA or Mitsubishi?
Comparing KIA 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 KIA 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.