Last updated: 2026-07-26
Mazda vs Mitsubishi: Reliability Compared
Mazda
7 models tracked
Mitsubishi
1 models tracked
Comparing Mazda 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 75/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
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
Mitsubishi holds a modest reliability advantage over Mazda — enough to notice, not enough to be the only factor. The overall picture: Mazda scores 75/100 across 7 models, while Mitsubishi comes in at 76/100 across 1 models — all data-driven, no bias.
On the cost front, Mazda is cheaper to maintain at $500/year versus $519/year.
Where Mazda and Mitsubishi Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| 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
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 27%760 | 2%8 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 16%440 | 20%63 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 13%355 | 12%39 |
| POWER TRAIN | 11%307 | 6%18 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 6%179 | 5%15 |
| STEERING | 5%155 | 5%16 |
| STRUCTURE | 3%73 | 24%78 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%105 | 10%32 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 4%114 | 3%10 |
| SUSPENSION | 1%34 | 4%14 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Mazda vs Mitsubishi Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Mazda owners reported 200 crash-related, 15 fire-related, and 121 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.
Mazda
200
Crash reports
15
Fire reports
121
Injury reports
Mitsubishi
33
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
32
Injury reports
Every Mazda and Mitsubishi Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Mazda Models
Mitsubishi Models
Mazda vs Mitsubishi Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
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 |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Mazda or Mitsubishi?
Mitsubishi comes out ahead on the numbers, though both makes can serve you well if you pick the right model.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Mazda CX-5 leads both lineups with a score of 83/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Mazda costs less to maintain — $500/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.
Mazda vs Mitsubishi: Common Questions
Is Mazda more reliable than Mitsubishi?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Mazda or Mitsubishi?
Which make has more recalls, Mazda or Mitsubishi?
What are the most reliable models from Mazda and Mitsubishi?
What are the most common problems with Mazda and Mitsubishi vehicles?
How many Mazda and Mitsubishi models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Mazda or Mitsubishi?
Are Mazda and Mitsubishi getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Mazda or Mitsubishi?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Mazda or Mitsubishi?
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 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.