Last updated: 2026-10-10
Mitsubishi vs Volvo: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Mitsubishi
1 models tracked
Volvo
5 models tracked
Mitsubishi beats Volvo on reliability by a clear margin. Lower repair costs and far fewer recalls drive the gap. Both brands rate good, but Volvo owners file more electrical complaints and pay more each year to keep a car running. Mitsubishi offers only the Outlander here, while Volvo has five models.
Is Mitsubishi More Reliable Than Volvo?
| Metric | Mitsubishi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 76/100 | 70/100 |
| Models Tracked | 1 | 5 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 24 | 28 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 398 | 136 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $519/yr | $831/yr |
Mitsubishi vs Volvo: The Verdict
A clear edge goes to Mitsubishi. Both brands stand at good, so neither is a bad buy. The gap comes from cost and recalls. Independent repair-cost data puts Mitsubishi at $519 a year against $831 for Volvo, and federal recall records show 24 recalls against 141.
Volvo complaints also lean harder on one area: the electrical system makes up 35% of them. Mitsubishi complaints are spread across structure, electrical and air bags. Severity is even. Crash and injury counts are close, though Volvo has six fire complaints to Mitsubishi's one.
Where Mitsubishi and Volvo Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Mitsubishi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 66/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 80/100Excellent | 66/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 80/100Excellent | 73/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 83/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
Mitsubishi's advantage in repair costs (+14 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Mitsubishi vs Volvo: 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
Volvo
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (70/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- 5 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($831/year avg)
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Mitsubishi or Volvo?
Based on independent repair cost data, Mitsubishi is cheaper to maintain at an average of $519/year compared to $831/year for Volvo. That's a difference of $312/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Volvo Repair Cost Range
$746 – $976/yr
Average: $831/yr
Mitsubishi vs Volvo Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Mitsubishi | Volvo | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(1 vs 3 models) | 76/100 | 69/100 | Mitsubishi |
Mitsubishi wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Mitsubishi vs Volvo
| Component | Mitsubishi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%63 | 35%180 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%39 | 13%70 |
| STRUCTURE | 25%78 | 3%18 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%13 | 12%62 |
| POWER TRAIN | 6%18 | 5%26 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 1%4 | 7%39 |
| AIR BAGS | 10%32 | 1%4 |
| STEERING | 2%7 | 5%28 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | — | 4%21 |
| SUSPENSION | 5%16 | 0%2 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Mitsubishi vs Volvo Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Mitsubishi
34
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
33
Injury reports
Volvo
33
Crash reports
6
Fire reports
35
Injury reports
Every Mitsubishi and Volvo Model Ranked
Mitsubishi vs Volvo Reliability Trend by Year
Mitsubishi's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100, up from earlier years. Volvo's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Mitsubishi | Volvo | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | 75/100 | — |
| 2025 | 82/100(1) | 74/100(4) | Mitsubishi |
| 2024 | 79/100(1) | 69/100(4) | Mitsubishi |
| 2023 | 77/100(1) | 65/100(5) | Mitsubishi |
| 2022 | 62/100(1) | 70/100(4) | Volvo |
| 2021 | 84/100(1) | 66/100(4) | Mitsubishi |
| 2020 | 76/100(1) | 71/100(5) | Mitsubishi |
| 2019 | 74/100(1) | 69/100(5) | Mitsubishi |
| 2018 | 71/100(1) | 71/100(3) | Tie |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Mitsubishi vs Volvo?
If low running costs matter most, lean toward the Mitsubishi Outlander. Target the 2021, which is the pick. Skip the 2022, where owners report hood flutter at speed and sudden shutdowns while driving. On any year, test the liftgate and check that no warning light has switched off safety features.
If you want a sedan or a wider choice, Volvo is the only option here. The XC60 is the strongest Volvo, and its 2021 is the year to look for. Avoid the 2022, which draws the most complaints, and ask whether the engine ever stalls at a stop and fails to restart. The S60 also rates good. Be careful with the XC40. Skip the 2021 and 2023, which have electrical shutdowns and a rearview camera that drops out in reverse, and favor the 2020. Budget for higher repair bills across the Volvo range.
The Bottom Line: Mitsubishi or Volvo?
For most used-car shoppers, Mitsubishi is the safer pick, and the Outlander is the strongest single model across both lineups. Volvo costs about $312 more a year to repair, roughly $1,560 over five years. Choose Volvo only if you need a sedan or a luxury feel, and then stick to the XC60 or S60 in a clean model year.
Mitsubishi vs Volvo: Common Questions
Is Mitsubishi more reliable than Volvo?
Which brand has more recalls, Mitsubishi or Volvo?
Which is cheaper to repair, Mitsubishi or Volvo?
What is the most common Volvo problem?
Which Mitsubishi Outlander year should I avoid?
Comparing Mitsubishi vs Volvo? 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 score Mitsubishi and Volvo 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.