Last updated: 2026-10-10
Mitsubishi vs Subaru: Reliability Compared
Mitsubishi
1 models tracked
Subaru
8 models tracked
Mitsubishi edges out Subaru on reliability, mainly on milder complaints and cheaper repairs. The lead is slight. Subaru offers eight models to Mitsubishi's one and does better on recall impact, but it draws more complaints for every car sold.
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
A slight edge goes to Mitsubishi. Both brands rate good and both are trending up, so the gap is small. Mitsubishi comes out ahead on complaint severity, repair cost, and how widely problems spread across systems. Subaru is stronger on recall impact, even though it has 121 recalls to Mitsubishi's 24.
Complaint volume tells a similar story. Subaru draws 2.3 complaints per 1,000 sold, against 1.3 for Mitsubishi. Keep one limit in mind: Mitsubishi's result rests on a single model, the Outlander. Subaru's rests on eight, so it is the broader read.
Where Mitsubishi and Subaru Differ Most
| 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
- 74 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
| Component | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | — | 33%2,612 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%63 | 23%1,805 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%39 | 16%1,248 |
| VISIBILITY | — | 6%461 |
| POWER TRAIN | 6%18 | 5%405 |
| ENGINE | 3%8 | 3%272 |
| AIR BAGS | 10%32 | 3%223 |
| STRUCTURE | 25%78 | 2%124 |
| STEERING | 2%7 | 2%191 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%13 | 2%132 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Mitsubishi vs Subaru Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Mitsubishi
34
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
33
Injury reports
Subaru
289
Crash reports
74
Fire reports
154
Injury reports
Every Mitsubishi and Subaru Model Ranked
Mitsubishi Models
Subaru Models
Mitsubishi vs Subaru Reliability Trend by Year
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 |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Mitsubishi vs Subaru?
If you want low running costs and are happy with a midsize SUV, lean toward the Outlander. Repairs average $519 a year. Look for a 2021, which is the pick. Skip the 2022, which owners report has hood flutter at speed and sudden shutdowns while driving. On any year, test the liftgate, since owners say it can drop without warning, and make sure no electrical warning light has switched off a safety feature.
If you want more choice, Subaru is the better shelf. You can pick a sedan (Legacy, WRX, Impreza) or an SUV (Forester, Crosstrek, Outback, Ascent, Solterra). Avoid the 2019 and 2020 Legacy, and avoid the 2019 Ascent. The 2024 Legacy and Ascent are named the safer picks, though newer years have had less time to collect complaints. On an Ascent, check for a draining battery and a CVT that shudders or slips. On a Legacy, inspect the windshield. Subaru repair costs run from $492 to $682 a year by model, so compare model by model.
The Bottom Line: Mitsubishi or Subaru?
Buy the Outlander if you want the strongest pick from the brand with the edge, and aim for a 2021. It also costs less to keep up. Mitsubishi averages $86 a year less in repairs than Subaru, about $430 over five years. Choose Subaru when you need a sedan or a wider choice of models, and check the specific model year before you pay.
Mitsubishi vs Subaru: Common Questions
Is Mitsubishi more reliable than Subaru?
Which has more recalls, Mitsubishi or Subaru?
Which is cheaper to repair, Mitsubishi or Subaru?
What problems do Subaru owners report most?
Which Mitsubishi Outlander year should I avoid?
Comparing Mitsubishi vs Subaru? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Related Make Comparisons
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How we score Mitsubishi and Subaru 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.