Last updated: 2026-10-10
Mitsubishi Reliability Ratings — Every Model Ranked
Used Mitsubishis rate well for reliability, and the brand sits above average among all brands on the site. Only one model is tracked, the Outlander midsize SUV, so there is no spread between leaders and laggards. Within the Outlander, years differ. The 2021 is the best year to buy, and the 2022 is the one to skip. Repair costs run about what other midsize SUVs cost, near $519 a year.
The problems that recur are about safety systems and sudden loss of function. Owners describe liftgates that drop without warning after being opened, warning lights that come on every few days and switch off safety features, and engines that stall or shut down while driving. Airbag complaints include front airbags that did not deploy in crashes. A shopper should test the liftgate, scan for active warning lights, and ask for proof that any airbag or electrical fault was actually fixed.
Mitsubishi Best Year Score Comparison
Best-year reliability score for the Mitsubishi Outlander. Each score represents the single highest-scoring model year.
Mitsubishi Outlander Overview
Scores below are averaged across all tracked model years. The “Best Year” column shows the highest-scoring model year that has been on the road for at least two years, where available.
| # | Vehicle | Best Year | Score | Rating | Recalls | Complaints / 10k | Maint. Rating | Est. Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mitsubishi Outlander | 2021 | 76/100 | Good | 24 | 13.1 | 4 | $519/yr |
Mitsubishi Outlander
Mitsubishi Outlander
4th gen (2022–2023), facelifted 2024
Used Outlanders hold up well overall and cost about what other midsize SUVs do to repair. The 2021 is the pick, and the 2022 is the year to skip because of hood flutter at speed and sudden shutdowns while driving.
Common Mitsubishi Problems
Top complaint categories across all Mitsubishi models, based on owner-reported issues to NHTSA.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the most reliable Mitsubishi model?
- The Outlander, which is the only Mitsubishi model tracked here, and it rates good for reliability. Among its model years, the 2021 is the best one to buy. Repair costs are about average for a midsize SUV, so a well-chosen Outlander should not be unusually costly to keep running.
- Which Mitsubishi model years should I avoid?
- Skip the 2022 Outlander. Owners report hood flutter at speed and sudden shutdowns while driving. Both are safety concerns. Other years are not flagged the same way, though liftgate and electrical complaints show up across all Outlander years, so inspect any car before you buy.
- Are Mitsubishis expensive to repair?
- No. Independent repair-cost data puts the Outlander at about $519 a year, which is close to what other midsize SUVs cost. Costs can climb if a problem like a camshaft failure leads to engine replacement, as one owner reported, but that is not typical of the data.
- What are the most common Mitsubishi Outlander problems?
- Structure complaints lead, mostly liftgates that drop without warning and worn liftgate gas springs. Electrical problems come next, including warning lights that disable safety features. Airbag complaints and engine stalling round out the top areas. Owners also mention rust on an exhaust system in one report.
- Is it safe to buy a used Mitsubishi Outlander?
- Generally yes, if you pick the year and check the car carefully. The Outlander has a good reliability standing. Still, owners report airbag failures in crashes and sudden power loss. Look up open recalls by VIN, test the liftgate, and confirm no warning lights are active.
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Most Reliable Used SUVs
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Best Mitsubishi Years
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How we score Mitsubishi 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.
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