Last updated: 2026-07-26
Mitsubishi vs Volkswagen: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Mitsubishi
1 models tracked
Volkswagen
8 models tracked
Comparing Mitsubishi and Volkswagen 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 67/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Mitsubishi More Reliable Than Volkswagen?
| Metric | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 76/100 | 67/100 |
| Models Tracked | 1 | 8 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 24 | 38 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 398 | 709 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $519/yr | $644/yr |
Mitsubishi vs Volkswagen: The Verdict
Mitsubishi holds a modest reliability advantage over Volkswagen — enough to notice, not enough to be the only factor. The overall picture: Mitsubishi scores 76/100 across 1 models, while Volkswagen comes in at 67/100 across 8 models — all data-driven, no bias.
On the cost front, Mitsubishi is cheaper to maintain at $519/year versus $644/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $625 in savings. The repair cost gap might seem small year-to-year, but over a typical 5-year ownership period it compounds into meaningful savings for Mitsubishi owners.
Where Mitsubishi and Volkswagen Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 66/100Good | 63/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 80/100Excellent | 62/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 80/100Excellent | 75/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 83/100Excellent | 81/100Excellent |
Dig into the components and repair costs stands out — Mitsubishi outscores by 18 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
Mitsubishi vs Volkswagen: 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
Volkswagen
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (67/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($644/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 6 of 8 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 30 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Mitsubishi or Volkswagen?
Based on independent repair cost data, Mitsubishi is cheaper to maintain at an average of $519/year compared to $644/year for Volkswagen. That's a difference of $125/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Volkswagen Repair Cost Range
$609 – $730/yr
Average: $644/yr
Mitsubishi vs Volkswagen Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(1 vs 4 models) | 76/100 | 60/100 | Mitsubishi |
Mitsubishi wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Mitsubishi vs Volkswagen
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%63 | 29%1,383 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%39 | 12%555 |
| POWER TRAIN | 6%18 | 11%545 |
| ENGINE | 2%8 | 11%522 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%15 | 10%461 |
| AIR BAGS | 10%32 | 9%429 |
| STEERING | 5%16 | 4%195 |
| STRUCTURE | 24%78 | 3%123 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 3%10 | 4%178 |
| SUSPENSION | 4%14 | 1%26 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Mitsubishi vs Volkswagen 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. Volkswagen owners reported 177 crash-related, 30 fire-related, and 160 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
Volkswagen
177
Crash reports
30
Fire reports
160
Injury reports
Every Mitsubishi and Volkswagen Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Mitsubishi Models
Volkswagen Models
Mitsubishi vs Volkswagen 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. Volkswagen's reliability is improving — recent model years average 73/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | 75/100 | — |
| 2025 | 82/100(1) | 71/100(6) | Mitsubishi |
| 2024 | 79/100(1) | 67/100(6) | Mitsubishi |
| 2023 | 77/100(1) | 67/100(6) | Mitsubishi |
| 2022 | 62/100(1) | 62/100(7) | Tie |
| 2021 | 84/100(1) | 64/100(6) | Mitsubishi |
| 2020 | 76/100(1) | 70/100(5) | Mitsubishi |
| 2019 | 74/100(1) | 65/100(6) | Mitsubishi |
| 2018 | 71/100(1) | 66/100(6) | Mitsubishi |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Mitsubishi or Volkswagen?
Mitsubishi 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 Volkswagen Jetta leads both lineups with a score of 77/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Mitsubishi costs less to maintain — $519/year vs $644/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 Volkswagen: Common Questions
Is Mitsubishi more reliable than Volkswagen?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Mitsubishi or Volkswagen?
Which make has more recalls, Mitsubishi or Volkswagen?
What are the most reliable models from Mitsubishi and Volkswagen?
What are the most common problems with Mitsubishi and Volkswagen vehicles?
How many Mitsubishi and Volkswagen models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Mitsubishi or Volkswagen?
Are Mitsubishi and Volkswagen getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Mitsubishi or Volkswagen?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Mitsubishi or Volkswagen?
Comparing Mitsubishi vs Volkswagen? 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.