According to the Consumer Reports 2009 Buying Guide the 2nd generation Mitsubishi Outlander has earned very high marks for reliability. The guide breaks down reliability into 17 trouble spots and the 2007 Outlander earned the top rating in 14 of the 17 catagories.

The breakdown is as follows;
Engine major repairs - highest mark for reliability
Engine minor repairs - highest mark for reliability
Engine cooling system - highest mark for reliability
Transmission major repairs- highest mark for reliability
Transmission minor repairs - highest mark for reliability
Drive system - 2nd highest mark for reliability ***
Fuel system - highest mark for reliability
Electrical - highest mark for reliability
Climate system - highest mark for reliability
Suspension - highest mark for reliability
Brakes - highest mark for reliability
Exhaust - highest mark for reliability
Paint/Trim - highest mark for reliability
Body/Integrity - Average mark for reliability ***
Body hardware - 2nd highest mark for reliability ***
Power equipment - highest mark for reliability
Audio system - highest mark for reliability

Overall the Outlander is rated much better than average for reliability

The one area where the Outlander scored average Body/Integrity covers things like Squeaks, Rattles, Seals, Weather stripping, air or water leaks, loose interior trim

 

this good news for the company and consumers
i hope mitsu also scores high with their upcoming vehicles

 

Well, having owned it for 2 years, I think I would say that it all sounds right including average in Body/Integrity. I don't have any leaks, but there are plenty of squeaks and rattles inside and outside. My 08 Sentra doesn't experience any of the rattles, so I know this can be done better by Mitsubishi.

 

That's very good news! These scores reflect my experience with my 2007 Outlander. It's been very reliable in all areas but I can see how it would get docked for squeaks and rattles. I get some of that but not anything to worry about. Since I live in Las Vegas, the extreme change in weather is usually the culprit for things like that. Hopefully sales pick up for Mitsubishi because of this. They deserve it.

 

Living in Phoenix I can relate to what you're saying patpipp. We never have to worry about rust, driving on icy roads, etc, but we have our weather issues. I've found that even the best batteries only last about 3 years as heat is a killer on them. Windshield wipers can literally dissolve in 2-3 years. The heat is very rough on rubber trim and seals and the service advisor at my mitsu dealer said they end up replacing a lot of motor mounts.

 

2-3 years for windshield wipers??? What kind of wipers do you use? I replace premium brand every 6 month a and I live in Great North West

 

Actually I don't use my wipers that much because we only get about 20-25 days a year of rain and when it does rain its only for a short time and not like all day. The problem is the heat which over time drys the rubber out. When I do replace them I usually buy the middle priced ones at auto parts stores, not the cheapest, but not the most expensive either.

Before moving to Phoenix I lived in both the Chicago and Minneapolis area so I know that snow, ice, freezing weather, etc in the winter can be very rough on wiper blades and they would need to be changed on a regular basis. Because of ice buildup on windshields in the winter it makes sense to buy the premium brands.

 

I agree with CR, that is in fact why I bought my used 07 Outie and have not been disappointed. There is, however, some kind of rattle by the pass door that is driving me crazy. Any ideas how I could help the dealer find and fix? Thanks

 

Was one of the factors that influenced my buying the Mitsubishi. I have been buying Mazda's and Nissan's that last 18 years, but they had nothing I liked, Murano was too much and they dropped the X-trail two years ago and the Rogue was too small. I am 6'5" and it is getting harder and harder to find something I fit in! I tried all the Hyundai line-up and only fit in the Elantra Touring. The Honda Smellement is just to gay and ugly! Toyota Tudra and Dodge Rams are the most comfy, but really don't need a full size truck!