Last updated: 2026-07-26
Mitsubishi vs Nissan: Reliability Compared
Mitsubishi
1 models tracked
Nissan
12 models tracked
Comparing Mitsubishi and Nissan on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Nissan currently leads with an average score of 77/100 compared to 76/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
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
Between these two, Nissan comes out ahead on reliability, though specific model choice matters more than the overall gap. Aggregating recall data, owner complaints, and repair costs across every model we track, Mitsubishi averages 76/100 (1 models) and Nissan averages 77/100 (12 models).
On the cost front, Mitsubishi is cheaper to maintain at $519/year versus $523/year.
Where Mitsubishi and Nissan Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| 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
- 42 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
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%63 | 24%1,283 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%39 | 16%851 |
| POWER TRAIN | 6%18 | 11%617 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%15 | 11%600 |
| ENGINE | 2%8 | 8%447 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 3%10 | 6%350 |
| STEERING | 5%16 | 5%294 |
| AIR BAGS | 10%32 | 4%205 |
| STRUCTURE | 24%78 | 1%59 |
| SUSPENSION | 4%14 | 1%43 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Mitsubishi vs Nissan Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Mitsubishi owners reported 33 crash-related, 1 fire-related, and 32 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Nissan owners reported 324 crash-related, 42 fire-related, and 258 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.
Mitsubishi
33
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
32
Injury reports
Nissan
324
Crash reports
42
Fire reports
258
Injury reports
Every Mitsubishi and Nissan Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Mitsubishi Models
Nissan Models
Mitsubishi vs Nissan Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
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 |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Mitsubishi or Nissan?
Nissan 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 Nissan Ariya leads both lineups with a score of 85/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Mitsubishi costs less to maintain — $519/year vs $523/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.
Mitsubishi vs Nissan: Common Questions
Is Mitsubishi more reliable than Nissan?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Mitsubishi or Nissan?
Which make has more recalls, Mitsubishi or Nissan?
What are the most reliable models from Mitsubishi and Nissan?
What are the most common problems with Mitsubishi and Nissan vehicles?
How many Mitsubishi and Nissan models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Mitsubishi or Nissan?
Are Mitsubishi and Nissan getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Mitsubishi or Nissan?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Mitsubishi or Nissan?
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 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.