In late 2005 I started conducting my own reliability research. I'm reporting absolute stats like "times in the shop" that will make the differences between cars much clearer. Relative ratings obscure too much--how large is the difference between "better than average" and "worse than average"? I’ll also be updating results four times a year, so there will be information on new models sooner.

I'd like to be able to provide reliability information on the Outlander, but haven't started collecting data on any model year yet because too few owners are signed up to participate.

Participants report repairs the month after they occur on a one-page survey. When there are no repairs, they simply report an approximate odometer reading four times a year, at the end of each quarter.

To encourage participation, panel members will receive full access to the results free of charge.

Details: Vehicle reliability research

Comments, questions, and suggestions welcome.

The 2007 is now about halfway to the minimum needed to get started.

I'm already somewhat worried. The transmission can be sluggish every once in awhile, making the vehicle feel like it is jerking/slipping. I'm still under 1,000 miles on an 2007 model.

Does anyone know if Mitsubishi uses the Aisin six-speed automatic also used in the Camry V6? Many problems reported for those, usually flare on shifts (where engine revs shoot up until the transmission settles into gear after a brief hesitation).

Need ten more 2007s to start collecting data on that year.

2007 Outlander 2.0 d-id diesel (vw engine) 6 speed

Problem with the radio display not bright enough to read in bright sunlight standard radio

Puddy

Is that something that can be fixed, or a design issue that cannot be fixed?

There are now 18 2007 Outlanders signed up to participate. Another seven and we can get started with this year.

Auto reliability research -- need more Outlanders!

Got those seven. Thanks, guys. So data collection started this month.

More participants still very much needed.

40 2007s are now enrolled. Thanks, guys.

Very few 2008s, though. Can use more of either year.

Vehicle reliability research

We're currently just a handful of responses short of being able to include the 2007 in the May results.

If you've signed up to participate but haven't yet responded to the survey (via a link in the email you received), please do. And if you haven't signed up yet, I hope you'll consider doing so. I'd really like to have these results in May.

Vehicle reliability research

Got those responses, thanks guys. The result will be released later this week.

It will be asterisked, for a marginal sample size. I'd like to get rid of that asterisk with the August results. Just need more participants.

http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/335326

That result was posted. So far at least the repair rate appears low, as in good.

The result is asterisked because of the marginal sample size. I'd like to get rid of that asterisk and have a result for the 2008 with the next update, in August.

For the full set of results, and sign up to help (if you haven't already):

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results

Next update in August, with a preview for participants in July.

The 2007 will definitely be in there. With the 2008, we're still short of the minimum. Additional participants would be helpful with either year.

Vehicle reliability research

Looks like the 2007 will barely make it into the August results. For the 2008, still need more participants to even get to the minimum.

Best would of course be well over the minimum, for both years :)

Vehicle reliability research

That result for the 2007: a better than average repair rate.

Additional participants would permit us to provide a more precise result for the 2007, and results for the 2008 and (soon) 2009 as well.

The current results:

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results