Last updated: 2026-10-10
Mercedes-Benz vs Mitsubishi: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Mercedes-Benz
10 models tracked
Mitsubishi
1 models tracked
Mitsubishi comes out ahead of Mercedes-Benz on reliability by a large gap, with lower repair costs and far fewer recalls. Both brands stand as good and both are improving, but every Mercedes-Benz model costs more to maintain than the Outlander.
Is Mercedes-Benz More Reliable Than Mitsubishi?
| Metric | Mercedes-Benz | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 60/100 | 76/100 |
| Models Tracked | 10 | 1 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 192 | 24 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 583 | 398 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $858/yr | $519/yr |
Mercedes-Benz vs Mitsubishi: The Verdict
A large gap separates these two brands, and it favors Mitsubishi. The Outlander costs about $519 a year to keep up, while the average Mercedes-Benz runs $858 and no model in that lineup falls below $807. Mitsubishi also comes out stronger on complaint severity, recall impact, and how problems spread across systems.
One caution: Mitsubishi is a single model, so one good or bad Outlander year shapes the whole brand. Mercedes-Benz covers ten models. Its GLB, GLC, GLE, and E-Class hold a good standing, and the rest are mixed. Both brands are trending better.
Where Mercedes-Benz and Mitsubishi Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Mercedes-Benz | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 61/100Good | 66/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 54/100Mixed | 80/100Excellent |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 59/100Mixed | 80/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 79/100Good | 83/100Excellent |
Where they diverge most: repair costs. Mitsubishi has a 26-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Mercedes-Benz vs Mitsubishi: Strengths and Weaknesses
Mercedes-Benz
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (60/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($858/year avg)
- 6 of 10 models rated Mixed or Poor
- 79 fire-related complaints across lineup
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: Mercedes-Benz or Mitsubishi?
Based on independent repair cost data, Mitsubishi is cheaper to maintain at an average of $519/year compared to $858/year for Mercedes-Benz. That's a difference of $339/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz Repair Cost Range
$807 – $908/yr
Average: $858/yr
Mercedes-Benz vs Mitsubishi Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Mercedes-Benz | Mitsubishi | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(3 vs 1 models) | 69/100 | 76/100 | Mitsubishi |
Mitsubishi wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Mercedes-Benz vs Mitsubishi
| Component | Mercedes-Benz | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 23%842 | 20%63 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 15%564 | 12%39 |
| ENGINE | 15%563 | 3%8 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%387 | 6%18 |
| STRUCTURE | 5%199 | 25%78 |
| STEERING | 7%246 | 2%7 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%153 | 4%13 |
| AIR BAGS | 3%119 | 10%32 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 2%82 | 3%10 |
| SUSPENSION | 1%29 | 5%16 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Mercedes-Benz vs Mitsubishi Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Mercedes-Benz
240
Crash reports
79
Fire reports
251
Injury reports
Mitsubishi
34
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
33
Injury reports
Every Mercedes-Benz and Mitsubishi Model Ranked
Mercedes-Benz Models
Mitsubishi Models
Mercedes-Benz vs Mitsubishi Reliability Trend by Year
Mercedes-Benz's reliability is improving — recent model years average 67/100, up from earlier years. Mitsubishi's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100.
Interestingly, both Mercedes-Benz and Mitsubishi show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Mercedes-Benz | Mitsubishi | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 71/100 | — | — |
| 2025 | — | 82/100 | — |
| 2024 | 62/100(9) | 79/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2023 | 63/100(8) | 77/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2022 | 59/100(9) | 62/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2021 | 57/100(8) | 84/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2020 | 57/100(8) | 76/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2019 | 56/100(7) | 74/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
| 2018 | 56/100(6) | 71/100(1) | Mitsubishi |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Mercedes-Benz vs Mitsubishi?
For the lowest running costs, shop the Outlander. Target the 2021 and skip the 2022, where owners report hood flutter and sudden shutdowns. On any year, test the liftgate and watch for warning lights that switch off safety features.
If you want a luxury badge, stay with the GLB, GLC, GLE, or E-Class. In the GLB, the 2022 and 2023 stand strongest, and the 2020 is the one to skip. Early GLBs have had rear spoilers that come off at speed and instrument clusters that go blank, so ask for service history, since some owners report cylinder head and valve failures. Steer clear of the CLA, which sits well below other sedans on the site. If you still want one, pick the 2020, avoid the 2022, and ask about transmissions that drop into Neutral.
The Bottom Line: Mercedes-Benz or Mitsubishi?
For most used-car shoppers, the Mitsubishi Outlander is the stronger choice and the strongest single model across both lineups, especially the 2021. Over five years, its repair costs run about $1,695 below the average Mercedes-Benz. Pick Mercedes-Benz only if you want the luxury features, and then stay with the GLB, GLC, GLE, or E-Class.
Mercedes-Benz vs Mitsubishi: Common Questions
Is Mercedes-Benz more reliable than Mitsubishi?
Which brand has more recalls, Mercedes-Benz or Mitsubishi?
Which is cheaper to repair, Mercedes-Benz or Mitsubishi?
What are the most common problems on Mercedes-Benz and Mitsubishi?
Which model years should I avoid on Mercedes-Benz and Mitsubishi?
Comparing Mercedes-Benz 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 Mercedes-Benz 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.