Last updated: 2026-07-26
Lexus vs Mitsubishi: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Lexus
7 models tracked
Mitsubishi
1 models tracked
Comparing Lexus 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.
Lexus currently leads with an average score of 82/100 compared to 76/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
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
Lexus edges out Mitsubishi on reliability, though both makes have solid options. Across 7 Lexus and 1 Mitsubishi models, Lexus averages 82/100 to 76/100 — a 6-point gap built from NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and independent repair cost data.
Where Lexus and Mitsubishi Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| 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
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| 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 | 24%78 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 9%50 | 2%8 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 7%42 | 5%15 |
| POWER TRAIN | 6%35 | 6%18 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 5%29 | — |
| STEERING | 1%4 | 5%16 |
| SUSPENSION | 1%4 | 4%14 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Lexus vs Mitsubishi Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Lexus owners reported 60 crash-related, 6 fire-related, and 51 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.
Lexus
60
Crash reports
6
Fire reports
51
Injury reports
Mitsubishi
33
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
32
Injury reports
Every Lexus and Mitsubishi Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Lexus Models
Mitsubishi Models
Lexus vs Mitsubishi Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
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 |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Lexus or Mitsubishi?
Lexus has the edge, but don't let a modest score gap override other factors like price, features, and dealer experience.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Lexus RX leads both lineups with a score of 86/100.
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.
Lexus vs Mitsubishi: Common Questions
Is Lexus more reliable than Mitsubishi?
Which make has more recalls, Lexus or Mitsubishi?
What are the most reliable models from Lexus and Mitsubishi?
What are the most common problems with Lexus and Mitsubishi vehicles?
How many Lexus and Mitsubishi models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Lexus or Mitsubishi?
Are Lexus and Mitsubishi getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Lexus or Mitsubishi?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Lexus or Mitsubishi?
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 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.