Last updated: 2026-10-10
Mitsubishi vs Nissan: Reliability Compared
Mitsubishi
1 models tracked
Nissan
12 models tracked
Nissan edges Mitsubishi on reliability, though the two are effectively tied. Lighter recall impact and fewer complaints per car sold give Nissan the nod. Mitsubishi offers only the Outlander, while Nissan spans 12 models, and both brands rate good overall.
Is Mitsubishi More Reliable Than Nissan?
| Metric | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 76/100 | 77/100 |
| Models Tracked | 1 | 12 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 24 | 14 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 398 | 531 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $519/yr | $523/yr |
Mitsubishi vs Nissan: The Verdict
It is a close call, with a small edge to Nissan. Both brands stand at good, and both show an improving recent trend. Nissan does better on recall impact and on complaints per 1,000 sold, 1 against 1.3. Mitsubishi is stronger on repair costs, but the gap is $519 a year against $523. Complaint severity and the spread of problems across systems come out even.
The bigger difference is choice. Nissan gives you 12 models, including two rated excellent. Mitsubishi gives you one SUV, with one model year you should clearly avoid.
Where Mitsubishi and Nissan Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 66/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 80/100Excellent | 76/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 80/100Excellent | 85/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 83/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
Where they diverge most: recall impact. Nissan has a 5-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Mitsubishi vs Nissan: Strengths and Weaknesses
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
Nissan
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (77/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($523/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 12 of 12 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 41 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Mitsubishi or Nissan?
Based on independent repair cost data, Mitsubishi is cheaper to maintain at an average of $519/year compared to $523/year for Nissan. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Nissan Repair Cost Range
$456 – $748/yr
Average: $523/yr
Mitsubishi vs Nissan Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Mitsubishi | Nissan | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(1 vs 6 models) | 76/100 | 77/100 | Nissan |
Nissan wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Mitsubishi vs Nissan
| Component | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%63 | 23%1,283 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%39 | 17%929 |
| POWER TRAIN | 6%18 | 11%609 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%13 | 11%590 |
| ENGINE | 3%8 | 8%436 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 3%10 | 6%342 |
| STEERING | 2%7 | 5%272 |
| AIR BAGS | 10%32 | 4%205 |
| STRUCTURE | 25%78 | 2%96 |
| SUSPENSION | 5%16 | 1%43 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Mitsubishi vs Nissan Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Mitsubishi
34
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
33
Injury reports
Nissan
331
Crash reports
41
Fire reports
268
Injury reports
Every Mitsubishi and Nissan Model Ranked
Mitsubishi Models
Nissan Models
Mitsubishi vs Nissan Reliability Trend by Year
Mitsubishi's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100, up from earlier years. Nissan's reliability is improving — recent model years average 82/100.
Interestingly, both Mitsubishi and Nissan show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Mitsubishi | Nissan | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | 83/100 | — |
| 2025 | 82/100(1) | 80/100(11) | Mitsubishi |
| 2024 | 79/100(1) | 79/100(9) | Tie |
| 2023 | 77/100(1) | 77/100(9) | Tie |
| 2022 | 62/100(1) | 77/100(8) | Nissan |
| 2021 | 84/100(1) | 77/100(10) | Mitsubishi |
| 2020 | 76/100(1) | 73/100(11) | Mitsubishi |
| 2019 | 74/100(1) | 73/100(10) | Mitsubishi |
| 2018 | 71/100(1) | 73/100(11) | Nissan |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Mitsubishi vs Nissan?
If you want one midsize SUV and a steady repair bill, lean toward Mitsubishi and target the 2021 Outlander. Skip the 2022, where owners report hood flutter at speed and sudden shutdowns while driving. In any year, test the liftgate, since owners say it can drop without warning. Ask about electrical warning lights too, because owners report they can switch off safety features.
If you want options, lean toward Nissan. The Frontier is the pick for a truck, and the Altima, Murano, Kicks and Sentra all stand at good. For an electric SUV, the Ariya is the top-ranked Nissan, but avoid the 2023. Owners report sudden loss of drive power there. The 2024 has far fewer complaints and no recalls. Be careful with the Leaf. Owners describe battery trouble and a charge reading that collapses on the highway, and upkeep runs about $748 a year. If you still want one, the 2021 is the year to favor, while 2019 and 2020 draw the most complaints.
The Bottom Line: Mitsubishi or Nissan?
Choose the model and the year before you choose the brand. The Ariya ranks strongest across both lineups, but buy it as a 2024 and pass on the 2023. The Frontier is the other excellent Nissan. If you prefer Mitsubishi, the 2021 Outlander is the one to find. Repair cost should not decide this. The $4 a year gap adds up to about $20 over five years.
Mitsubishi vs Nissan: Common Questions
Is Mitsubishi more reliable than Nissan?
Which brand has more recalls, Mitsubishi or Nissan?
Which is cheaper to repair, Mitsubishi or Nissan?
What problems do Mitsubishi and Nissan owners report most?
Which Outlander model year should I skip?
Comparing Mitsubishi vs Nissan? 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 Mitsubishi and Nissan 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.