Last updated: 2026-10-10
Lexus vs Mitsubishi: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Lexus
7 models tracked
Mitsubishi
1 models tracked
Lexus comes out ahead of Mitsubishi on reliability, with a clear edge. Owners file fewer complaints per car sold, and repair costs favor Lexus. Mitsubishi fields one model, the Outlander, which holds up well and is improving. Lexus spreads that strength across seven models, though it carries more recalls in total.
Is Lexus More Reliable Than Mitsubishi?
| Metric | Lexus | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 82/100 | 76/100 |
| Models Tracked | 7 | 1 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 18 | 24 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 186 | 398 |
Lexus vs Mitsubishi: The Verdict
A clear edge goes to Lexus, not a landslide. Owners filed 0.5 complaints per 1,000 sold for Lexus against 1.3 for Mitsubishi. Lexus is also rated stronger on complaint severity, repair costs and recall impact.
Lexus has 125 recalls to Mitsubishi's 24, but it has seven models tracked against one. Mitsubishi wins only on how evenly problems spread across systems. Its Outlander is still a good used buy, and its trend is improving while Lexus holds stable.
Where Lexus and Mitsubishi Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Lexus | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 73/100Good | 66/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 85/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 89/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 80/100Excellent | 83/100Excellent |
The biggest gap is in recall impact, where Lexus scores 9 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Lexus vs Mitsubishi: Strengths and Weaknesses
Lexus
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (82/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- 7 of 7 models rated Good or Excellent
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
Lexus vs Mitsubishi Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Lexus | Mitsubishi | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(5 vs 1 models) | 81/100 | 76/100 | Lexus |
Lexus wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Lexus vs Mitsubishi
| Component | Lexus | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 15%87 | 20%63 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 18%102 | 12%39 |
| AIR BAGS | 17%100 | 10%32 |
| STRUCTURE | 6%32 | 25%78 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 9%50 | 3%8 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 7%42 | 4%13 |
| POWER TRAIN | 6%35 | 6%18 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 5%29 | — |
| SUSPENSION | 1%4 | 5%16 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 0%2 | 3%10 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Lexus vs Mitsubishi Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Lexus
60
Crash reports
6
Fire reports
51
Injury reports
Mitsubishi
34
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
33
Injury reports
Every Lexus and Mitsubishi Model Ranked
Lexus Models
Mitsubishi Models
Lexus vs Mitsubishi Reliability Trend by Year
Lexus's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Mitsubishi's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100.
| Model Year | Lexus | Mitsubishi | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 87/100 | — | — |
| 2025 | 80/100(7) | 82/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2024 | 81/100(7) | 79/100(1) | Lexus |
| 2023 | 81/100(6) | 77/100(1) | Lexus |
| 2022 | 83/100(6) | 62/100(1) | Lexus |
| 2021 | 83/100(6) | 84/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2020 | 83/100(6) | 76/100(1) | Lexus |
| 2019 | 79/100(6) | 74/100(1) | Lexus |
| 2018 | 80/100(5) | 71/100(1) | Lexus |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Lexus vs Mitsubishi?
If you want the lowest risk, lean Lexus. Target the RX, the strongest model in either lineup, and look at the 2022, which has no recalls. Check that the instrument cluster does not dim or go blank. The NX is a good second choice in the 2021 year. Check any 2024 closely, since it draws far more complaints than other years. Ask about fuel pump problems on any NX.
If you want a midsize SUV with a good record and typical repair costs, the Outlander makes sense. Pick the 2021 and skip the 2022, which has hood flutter at speed and sudden shutdowns while driving. On any year, test the liftgate for dropping without warning and scan for electrical warning lights that switch off safety features. Budget for about $519 a year in repairs, which is typical for midsize SUVs.
The Bottom Line: Lexus or Mitsubishi?
Choose Lexus if reliability is the priority, and make the RX your first target. It is the strongest model across both lineups. Choose Mitsubishi only if you find a clean 2021 Outlander that suits your budget. Independent repair-cost data puts Mitsubishi at $519 a year, about what other midsize SUVs cost, and rates Lexus cheaper to keep running. No Lexus dollar figure is given, so the exact gap is unknown.
Lexus vs Mitsubishi: Common Questions
Is Lexus more reliable than Mitsubishi?
Which brand has more recalls, Lexus or Mitsubishi?
Which is cheaper to repair, Lexus or Mitsubishi?
What goes wrong most often on the Mitsubishi Outlander?
Which used Lexus model is the best pick?
Comparing Lexus 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 Lexus 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.