Last updated: 2026-07-26
Mitsubishi vs Subaru: Reliability Compared
Mitsubishi
1 models tracked
Subaru
8 models tracked
Comparing Mitsubishi and Subaru 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 73/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Mitsubishi More Reliable Than Subaru?
| Metric | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 76/100 | 73/100 |
| Models Tracked | 1 | 8 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 24 | 15 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 398 | 1084 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $519/yr | $605/yr |
Mitsubishi vs Subaru: The Verdict
Between these two, Mitsubishi 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 Subaru averages 73/100 (8 models).
On the cost front, Mitsubishi is cheaper to maintain at $519/year versus $605/year. Worth noting: repair costs vary heavily by model within each make, so this is an average — check individual model pages for specifics.
Where Mitsubishi and Subaru Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 66/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 80/100Excellent | 73/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 80/100Excellent | 84/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 83/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
Where they diverge most: repair costs. Mitsubishi has a 7-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Mitsubishi vs Subaru: 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
Subaru
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (73/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($605/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 8 of 8 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 65 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Mitsubishi or Subaru?
Based on independent repair cost data, Mitsubishi is cheaper to maintain at an average of $519/year compared to $605/year for Subaru. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Subaru Repair Cost Range
$492 – $682/yr
Average: $605/yr
Mitsubishi vs Subaru Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Mitsubishi | Subaru | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(1 vs 5 models) | 76/100 | 72/100 | Mitsubishi |
Mitsubishi wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Mitsubishi vs Subaru
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | — | 36%2,483 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%63 | 23%1,549 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%39 | 15%1,049 |
| POWER TRAIN | 6%18 | 4%285 |
| ENGINE | 2%8 | 4%258 |
| AIR BAGS | 10%32 | 3%207 |
| STEERING | 5%16 | 3%210 |
| VISIBILITY | — | 3%204 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%15 | 2%107 |
| STRUCTURE | 24%78 | 1%38 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Mitsubishi vs Subaru 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. Subaru owners reported 266 crash-related, 65 fire-related, and 133 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
Subaru
266
Crash reports
65
Fire reports
133
Injury reports
Every Mitsubishi and Subaru Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Mitsubishi Models
Subaru Models
Mitsubishi vs Subaru 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. Subaru's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100.
Interestingly, both Mitsubishi and Subaru show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Mitsubishi | Subaru | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | 82/100 | — |
| 2025 | 82/100(1) | 79/100(8) | Mitsubishi |
| 2024 | 79/100(1) | 77/100(8) | Mitsubishi |
| 2023 | 77/100(1) | 75/100(8) | Mitsubishi |
| 2022 | 62/100(1) | 74/100(7) | Subaru |
| 2021 | 84/100(1) | 72/100(6) | Mitsubishi |
| 2020 | 76/100(1) | 68/100(7) | Mitsubishi |
| 2019 | 74/100(1) | 63/100(7) | Mitsubishi |
| 2018 | 71/100(1) | 67/100(6) | Mitsubishi |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Mitsubishi or Subaru?
The data favors Mitsubishi, but remember: the best model from the "losing" make often beats the worst model from the "winning" one.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Mitsubishi Outlander leads both lineups with a score of 76/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Mitsubishi costs less to maintain — $519/year vs $605/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 Subaru: Common Questions
Is Mitsubishi more reliable than Subaru?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Mitsubishi or Subaru?
Which make has more recalls, Mitsubishi or Subaru?
What are the most reliable models from Mitsubishi and Subaru?
What are the most common problems with Mitsubishi and Subaru vehicles?
How many Mitsubishi and Subaru models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Mitsubishi or Subaru?
Are Mitsubishi and Subaru getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Mitsubishi or Subaru?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Mitsubishi or Subaru?
Comparing Mitsubishi vs Subaru? 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.