Last updated: 2026-07-26
Mitsubishi vs Tesla: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Mitsubishi
1 models tracked
Tesla
5 models tracked
Comparing Mitsubishi and Tesla 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 52/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Mitsubishi More Reliable Than Tesla?
| Metric | Mitsubishi | Tesla |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 76/100 | 52/100 |
| Models Tracked | 1 | 5 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 24 | 102 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 398 | 2526 |
Tesla Models
5 models ranked by reliability
Mitsubishi vs Tesla: The Verdict
The data is decisive here — Mitsubishi pulls well ahead of Tesla on reliability. Across 1 Mitsubishi and 5 Tesla models, Mitsubishi averages 76/100 to 52/100 — a 24-point gap built from NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and independent repair cost data.
Where Mitsubishi and Tesla Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Mitsubishi | Tesla |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 66/100Good | 49/100Mixed |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 80/100Excellent | 40/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 80/100Excellent | 59/100Mixed |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 83/100Excellent | 74/100Good |
The biggest gap is in repair costs, where Mitsubishi scores 40 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Mitsubishi vs Tesla: 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
Tesla
Strengths
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
Weaknesses
- 5 of 5 models rated Mixed or Poor
- 73 fire-related complaints across lineup
Mitsubishi vs Tesla Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Mitsubishi | Tesla | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(1 vs 2 models) | 76/100 | 56/100 | Mitsubishi |
Mitsubishi wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Mitsubishi vs Tesla
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Mitsubishi | Tesla |
|---|---|---|
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 3%10 | 25%2,734 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 1%4 | 14%1,504 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%39 | 13%1,412 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%63 | 12%1,331 |
| STEERING | 5%16 | 12%1,303 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%15 | 8%898 |
| SUSPENSION | 4%14 | 6%708 |
| AIR BAGS | 10%32 | 4%426 |
| STRUCTURE | 24%78 | 2%222 |
| POWER TRAIN | 6%18 | 2%238 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Mitsubishi vs Tesla 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. Tesla owners reported 1,306 crash-related, 73 fire-related, and 868 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
Tesla
1,306
Crash reports
73
Fire reports
868
Injury reports
Every Mitsubishi and Tesla Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Mitsubishi vs Tesla 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. Tesla's reliability is improving — recent model years average 62/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Mitsubishi | Tesla | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | 59/100 | — |
| 2025 | 82/100(1) | 64/100(5) | Mitsubishi |
| 2024 | 79/100(1) | 56/100(5) | Mitsubishi |
| 2023 | 77/100(1) | 47/100(4) | Mitsubishi |
| 2022 | 62/100(1) | 54/100(4) | Mitsubishi |
| 2021 | 84/100(1) | 43/100(4) | Mitsubishi |
| 2020 | 76/100(1) | 47/100(4) | Mitsubishi |
| 2019 | 74/100(1) | 50/100(3) | Mitsubishi |
| 2018 | 71/100(1) | 48/100(3) | Mitsubishi |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Mitsubishi or Tesla?
Mitsubishi is the clear reliability pick here, and the data backs it up across most metrics.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Mitsubishi Outlander leads both lineups with a score of 76/100.
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 Tesla: Common Questions
Is Mitsubishi more reliable than Tesla?
Which make has more recalls, Mitsubishi or Tesla?
What are the most reliable models from Mitsubishi and Tesla?
What are the most common problems with Mitsubishi and Tesla vehicles?
How many Mitsubishi and Tesla models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Mitsubishi or Tesla?
Are Mitsubishi and Tesla getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Mitsubishi or Tesla?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Mitsubishi or Tesla?
Comparing Mitsubishi vs Tesla? 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.