Issues with the braking system and transmission performance are the most common problems with Mitsubishis. Air-conditioning failure, chronically low transmission fluid, steering wheel vibration, faulty oil filters, trouble starting, and widespread piston issues are some of the other common problems.
While Mitsubishi has traditionally been known for manufacturing reliable cars, many drivers claim to have noticed a steady decline in the quality and reliability of Mitsubishi vehicles. This, combined with the company’s rejection of certain innovations, is beginning to tarnish its once-sterling reputation.
For the moment, the brand's overall reliability rating remains high—but some individual Mitsubishi models are starting to regularly receive below-average scores. If you’re a Mitsubishi owner, you should probably familiarize yourself with some of the more common issues that the brand is now experiencing.
Luckily, you’re in just the right place for that! Jerry
, the car insurance
comparison super app, has compiled this detailed guide on the most common problems with Mitsubishi cars. We also explain how to find the lowest possible Mitsubishi insurance costs
, given these problems. 
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What are the most common Mitsubishi problems?
Mitsubishi began manufacturing cars in 1917. Since then, they have steadily built up a solid reputation for producing cars that are both reliable and affordable. Regardless of any recent decline in quality (perceived or actual), Mitsubishi cars are still some of the most reliable vehicles being produced in Japan today—especially considering their affordability.
Of course, even the most reliable cars have their share of maintenance issues. Here’s a quick look at some of the problems most commonly found across all of Mitsubishi’s current models:
Unexpected/sudden breakdowns
Various issues with starting the car
Chronically low transmission fluid
Numerous problems with the pistons
Premature failure of the automatic transmission
The frequency and severity of these problems will vary depending on the specific model that you’re dealing with. Mitsubishi’s most reliable car—the ever-dependable Mitsubishi Lancer
—for instance, hardly ever runs into these issues. Meanwhile, the notoriously unreliable 2018 Outlander
is constantly running into these and other maintenance problems. Here’s a more detailed overview of the most common Mitsubishi problems:
| | J.D. Power reliability rating | | |
|---|
| | | random electrical issues, faulty safety equipment, engine stalling, erratic cruise control behavior, brakes wearing out prematurely, faulty HVAC temperature Knob, transmission failure, resistor and fan motor failures resulting in blower motor malfunction, AC failure, pressure switch failure, cooling fan failure leading to engine overheating | |
| | | Steering wheel that pulls to one side, engine stalling, oil leaks, trouble starting the engine, AC failure, short battery life, occasional overheating, brake failure, gearbox issues | |
| | | transmission problems, rattle noises, brake system problems, wheel bending, sunroof not opening | |
| | | Transmission and shifting issues, malfunctioning seatbelts and airbags, premature wear on the brakes and tires, difficulty starting and ignition getting stuck | |
| | | Transmission failure, leaking coolant fluid, malfunctioning airbags and seatbelts, failing or pulsating brakes | |
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Most common Mitsubishi Outlander problems
Average annual repair cost: $519
CarComplaints.com complaints: 122
Don’t be fooled by its high J.D. Power Reliability Rating, the Outlander has plenty of common performance and maintenance troubles—some of which could (and have) led to car accidents. In fact, Outlanders are some of the brand’s least reliable models.
One of the main Mitsubishi Outlander problems involves the cruise control system turning on or off randomly and not responding to normal controls. Some drivers have been stuck with the cruise control on and no way to stop! If your cruise control is not working
, book an appointment with your mechanic ASAP. Combine that with the model’s well-known braking issues and the frequent failures of safety systems (airbags, seatbelts, etc) and you’ve got one dangerous ride!
The Outlander is also plagued by overheating problems and transmissions that wear out/fail prematurely.
Most common Mitsubishi Lancer problems
Average annual repair cost: $646
CarComplaints.com complaints: 85
The Lancer has long been considered Mitsubishi’s most dependable model—but even Old Reliable has its issues. If you own (or are planning to purchase) one of these cars, you’ll want to keep a sharp eye out for the following common Mitsubishi Lancer problems:
Slow or irregular fan speeds
Trouble starting the engine
Gearbox/transmission problems
Battery unable to hold a charge or losing its charge rapidly
Again, you’re not as likely to come across these troubles as you would be with a different Mitsubishi model, but they do sometimes happen.
Most common Mitsubishi Eclipse problems
Average annual repair cost: $510
CarComplaints.com complaints: 82
The discontinued Eclipse
model has a relatively short list of common problems. The ones that it does have, however, are pretty serious. The braking systems have been known to have numerous issues—as have the transmissions. On top of that, the wheels are very prone to bending. Most common Mitsubishi Diamante problems
Average annual repair cost: $397
CarComplaints.com complaints: 25
The Diamante is relatively low-maintenance compared to a lot of the other Mitsubishi models. However, you’re still at some risk of problems like early transmission failure, regular coolant leaks, shuddering brake pedals, and prematurely worn brake pads. Brake replacement costs are approximately $220 per axle.
The Diamante will also sometimes have trouble with malfunctioning safety features, such as airbags and seatbelts not working as intended.
Most common Mitsubishi Mirage problems
Average annual repair cost: $457
CarComplaints.com complaints: 60
Most Mitsubishi models tend to develop shifting/transmission issues and the Mirage
is no exception—but the trouble doesn’t stop there. There are numerous Mitsubishi Mirage problems that you should also be on the lookout for, including premature brake and tire wear. Some Mirage owners have noticed that their brakes are completely worn through—often with as little as 30,000 miles or less on the car. The brakes in Mirage have also been known to produce a high-pitched screeching noise.
Faulty distributors
have sometimes caused trouble when drivers attempt to start their engines. The fact that the key tends to get stuck in the ignition on these models doesn't help that situation at all. On top of all of that, you may also notice malfunctioning doors, airbags, or air-conditioning with the Mirage.
Are Mitsubishi cars reliable?
Yes—Mitsubishi cars are relatively reliable. For the time being, they still receive high marks from J.D. Power and other reliability rating systems. Mitsubishi’s brand-wide reliability rating is currently 4.0 out of 5.0—which means that the company ranks as the 6th most reliable brand overall (out of 32 total automobile manufacturers).
Compared to other, similar low-cost cars manufactured in Japan, Mitsubishi is certainly above average in terms of reliability. But that may change in the future—many customers now feel that Mitsubishi is beginning to cut corners on the quality of certain materials. Only time will tell what impact that has on their dependability in the long term.
The least reliable Mitsubishi model: 2018 Outlander
Most common problem: Brakes and transmission failures
The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander’s problems are pretty widespread and severe. From top to bottom, the 2018 Outlander is simply rotten with failures and defects.
These numerous problems include (but are not limited to) malfunctioning seatbelts & airbags, prematurely failing transmissions, a defective Electronic Stability Control(ESC) system, unreliable brakes, faulty headlights, and an engine that will sometimes stall out and die when you switch into the Drive gear.
The most reliable Mitsubishi model: 2006 Lancer
Most common problem: Sticky thermostat knob
The Lancer, on the other hand, hardly ever has to deal with the same sort of issues as the Outlander. Lancers built way back in 2006 are still out on the road today and running great! The Lancer is so dependable that the chief maintenance complaint customers have regarding it is that the knob that controls the thermostat sticks a bit.
MORE: How to make your car last longer
How to buy hassle-free car insurance
If you’re the owner of one of Mitsubishi’s less reliable models, then you’re probably going to be needing quite a few repairs—which means you’ll need good car insurance
coverage. Finding adequate coverage for a high-maintenance vehicle can be pretty tricky. Luckily, Jerry
—the world’s #1 rated insurance app—specializes in sniffing out the very best deals for you! Once you download the free app, Jerry will set to work gathering and comparing customized quotes from that nation’s top insurance providers. In as little as 45 seconds, Jerry will fetch and compare Mitsubishi insurance costs
based on the quality of each policy's coverage and overall cost. The very best results will be delivered right to your phone! Then you just need to tap the policy you would like, and Jerry will handle the heavy lifting to get your new policy set up. If you already have coverage, Jerry will also cancel your old policy for you! In just a few hassle-free minutes, you could have a new car insurance policy in place and ready to go!
But it’s not just time and effort that Jerry saves you—it’s also money! Drivers who use Jerry to select their insurance coverage save an average of $800+ a year!
“I was paying $350 a month for my new car. With Jerry
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