Last updated: 2026-10-10
Mazda vs Mitsubishi: Reliability Compared
Mazda
7 models tracked
Mitsubishi
1 models tracked
Mitsubishi edges Mazda on reliability, though the two are effectively tied. Mitsubishi owners file slightly fewer complaints per 1,000 vehicles sold. Mazda offers seven models to Mitsubishi's one, and its CX-5 is the strongest single model in either lineup.
Is Mazda More Reliable Than Mitsubishi?
| Metric | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 75/100 | 76/100 |
| Models Tracked | 7 | 1 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 14 | 24 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 480 | 398 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $500/yr | $519/yr |
Mazda vs Mitsubishi: The Verdict
A slight edge goes to Mitsubishi, and it is small enough to call a tie. Both brands hold a good reliability standing. Owners file 1.3 complaints per 1,000 sold for Mitsubishi against 1.6 for Mazda, and Mitsubishi's trend is improving while Mazda's is stable. Complaint severity and the spread of problems across systems come out even. Mazda is stronger on recall impact.
Engine trouble leads Mazda's complaints at 27%. Structure leads Mitsubishi's at 25%. Mitsubishi's record rests on a single model, so it describes the Outlander, not a whole brand. Repair costs are close: about $500 a year for Mazda and $519 for Mitsubishi.
Where Mazda and Mitsubishi Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 66/100Good | 66/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 72/100Good | 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% | 82/100Excellent | 83/100Excellent |
Dig into the components and repair costs stands out — Mitsubishi outscores by 8 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
Mazda vs Mitsubishi: Strengths and Weaknesses
Mazda
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 ($500/year avg)
- 6 of 7 models rated Good or Excellent
- 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: Mazda or Mitsubishi?
Based on independent repair cost data, Mazda is cheaper to maintain at an average of $500/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.
Mazda Repair Cost Range
$433 – $581/yr
Average: $500/yr
Mazda vs Mitsubishi Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Mazda | Mitsubishi | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(5 vs 1 models) | 70/100 | 76/100 | Mitsubishi |
Mitsubishi wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Mazda vs Mitsubishi
| Component | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 27%760 | 3%8 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 16%440 | 20%63 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%333 | 12%39 |
| POWER TRAIN | 11%307 | 6%18 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 6%179 | 4%13 |
| STRUCTURE | 3%90 | 25%78 |
| STEERING | 5%150 | 2%7 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%105 | 10%32 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 4%110 | 3%10 |
| SUSPENSION | 1%32 | 5%16 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Mazda vs Mitsubishi Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Mazda
203
Crash reports
15
Fire reports
127
Injury reports
Mitsubishi
34
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
33
Injury reports
Every Mazda and Mitsubishi Model Ranked
Mazda Models
Mitsubishi Models
Mazda vs Mitsubishi Reliability Trend by Year
Mazda's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Mitsubishi's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100.
| Model Year | Mazda | Mitsubishi | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100 | — | — |
| 2025 | 72/100(6) | 82/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2024 | 69/100(6) | 79/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2023 | 75/100(6) | 77/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2022 | 79/100(5) | 62/100(1) | Mazda |
| 2021 | 74/100(5) | 84/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2020 | 76/100(4) | 76/100(1) | Tie |
| 2019 | 75/100(4) | 74/100(1) | Mazda |
| 2018 | 72/100(4) | 71/100(1) | Mazda |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Mazda vs Mitsubishi?
If you want a compact SUV, lean Mazda and target the CX-5. Aim for a 2022, which has few complaints and no recalls. Skip the 2018, where cracked cylinder heads leak oil onto the exhaust and put smoke and fumes in the cabin. The 3, 5, CX-9, CX-50 and CX-30 all rate good. Treat the CX-90 with care. The 2024 has steering that binds in long highway curves, and the plug-in hybrid can lose power suddenly. The 2025 and 2026 look cleaner only because they have had little time on the road.
If you want a midsize SUV and a simple choice, the Outlander is the Mitsubishi to buy, and the 2021 is the pick. Avoid the 2022, which has hood flutter at speed and sudden shutdowns while driving. In any year, test the liftgate, since owners report it dropping without warning. Also check that no electrical warning light is switching off safety features.
The Bottom Line: Mazda or Mitsubishi?
Either brand works if you pick the right year, but start with the Mazda CX-5, the strongest model across both lineups, ideally a 2022. If you prefer Mitsubishi, find a 2021 Outlander. Repair costs should not decide this. Mitsubishi's average runs about $95 more than Mazda's over five years.
Mazda vs Mitsubishi: Common Questions
Is Mazda more reliable than Mitsubishi?
Which brand has more recalls, Mazda or Mitsubishi?
Which is cheaper to repair, Mazda or Mitsubishi?
What is the best used model between Mazda and Mitsubishi?
What goes wrong most often on the Mitsubishi Outlander?
Comparing Mazda 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 Mazda 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.