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U.S. public vehicle records

2002 Mitsubishi MONTERO SPORT problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

54 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

89,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2002 model year. Data updated: . 33 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags:Frontal is the most frequently named component, appearing in 8 of 54 complaints (14.8%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior1222.2%
Steering behavior814.8%
Engine operation35.6%
Electrical and battery issues35.6%
Fuel system concerns23.7%
Transmission and shifting11.9%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Air Bags:Frontal
8
Electrical System
4
Structure:Body
4
Air Bags
3
Service Brakes
3
Electrical System:Horn
2
Engine And Engine Cooling
2
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
2
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Air Bags:Frontal8
Electrical System4
Structure:Body4
Air Bags3
Service Brakes3
Electrical System:Horn2
Engine And Engine Cooling2
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine2

Air Bags:Frontal: 8; Electrical System: 4; Structure:Body: 4; Air Bags: 3; Service Brakes: 3; Electrical System:Horn: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
5
25,000 to 49,999
4
50,000 to 74,999
5
75,000 to 99,999
4
100,000 to 149,999
8
150,000 and above
7
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0005
25,000 to 49,9994
50,000 to 74,9995
75,000 to 99,9994
100,000 to 149,9998
150,000 and above7

Under 25,000: 5; 25,000 to 49,999: 4; 50,000 to 74,999: 5; 75,000 to 99,999: 4; 100,000 to 149,999: 8; 150,000 and above: 7

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (8). 21 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2002
10
2003
6
2004
5
2005
3
2006
4
2007
5
2008
1
2010
6
2011
1
2013
3
2014
2
2015
1
2017
4
2018
1
2021
1
2022
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
200210
20036
20045
20053
20064
20075
20081
20106
20111
20133
20142
20151
20174
20181
20211
20221

2002: 10; 2003: 6; 2004: 5; 2005: 3; 2006: 4; 2007: 5; 2008: 1; 2010: 6; 2011: 1; 2013: 3; 2014: 2; 2015: 1; 2017: 4; 2018: 1; 2021: 1; 2022: 1

Pattern summary

Air Bags:Frontal leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 12 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 8 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 3 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10010383 · 2003-03-13 (March 13, 2003)

THE FRONT BRAKE LINES FAILED UPON FRONTAL IMPACT. I AM A POLICE OFFICER/ACCIDENT INVESTIGATOR AND I INVESTIGATED AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING A 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. THE DRIVER OF THE MONTERO IMPACTED THE REAR OF A VEHICLE AHEAD OF HER. THE IMPACT DAMAGED THE LEFT FRONT OF THE MONTERO ENOUGH TO DEPLOY THE AIR BAGS, BUT NOT ENOUGH TO PREVENT THE WHEEL FROM ROLLING. THE IMPACT ALSO CAUSED THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE LINE TO BREAK. THE LINE BROKE AT THE POINT WHERE THE FLEXIBLE RUBBER PART OF THE LINE CONNECTS TO THE METAL FITTING THAT IS ATTACHED TO T…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10010383 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10072955 · 2004-05-21 (May 21, 2004)

+BRAKE PADS MUST BE CHANGED BECAUSE OF PREMATURE WEAR. MILEAGE: 17,000.IF THE TRUCK IS STOPPED, AND YOU PRESS THE ACCELERATOR, YOU FEEL LIKE IT WOULD STALL, BUT IT KEEPS GOING.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 17,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10072955 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10000284 · 2002-12-19 (December 19, 2002)

A MONTH AFTER MY VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED WE HAD A NUMBER OF PROBLEMS, THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS CRACKED, LEAKING WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID AND NOW THE STEERING ISN'T WORKING IN THE MANNER IT SHOULD. THE CAR IS ALL OVER THE ROAD AND WHILE STOPPING YESTERDAY THE STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY ROLLED TO THE LEFT. THEN WHILE ON A GRAVEL ROAD THE WHEEL COMPLETELY SPUN AROUND. I CALLED ANOTHER DEALERSHIP TODAY AND THEY SAID THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE STEERING, BUT THE MITSUBISHI HEADQUARTERS SAID THERE AREN'T ANY RECALLS.

Owner-reported narrative. 11,325 miles reported. Look up ODI 10000284 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10181825 · 2007-02-06 (February 6, 2007)

DURING COLD WEATHER (APPROXIMATELY 20 DEGREES C AND BELOW) THE HORN STARTS BLOWING AND WON'T TURN OFF UNLESS THE BATTERY IS DISCONNECTED OR THE CAR INTERIOR HAS WARMED UP. THE ONLY WAY I HAVE TO PREVENT THE HORN FROM COMING ON IS TO KEEP THE HORN/AIR/BAG ASSEMBLY WARM. I WRAP AN ELECTRIC BLANKET AROUND THE STEERING WHEEL. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 69,108 miles reported. Look up ODI 10181825 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10046283 · 2003-10-29 (October 29, 2003)

PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE LOSING POWER AND CUTTING OFF.*MR VEHICLE RUNS ROUGH WHEN DRIVING UPHILL. VEHICLE STALLED. *TS

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10046283 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10556927 · 2013-12-21 (December 21, 2013)

2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT; THE CAR HORN/ALARM GOES OFF USUALLY WHEN A DROP OF TEMPERATURE OCCURS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. TO FIX ... HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL OF THE AIR BAG AND THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN. VERY EXPENSIVE FOR A MECHANIC, OVER $1200. I HAVE TO UNHOOK MY BATTERY EVERY NIGHT AND ON COLDER DAYS. RESEARCHING ONLINE.....A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE DISABLING THE HORN/ALARM SYSTEM AND DRIVING WITHOUT HORNS. OR THEY ARE TAMPERING WITH THE AIR BAG TO TRY AND FIX. IT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM....... TODAY I COULD NOT…

Owner-reported narrative. 125,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10556927 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10349049 · 2010-08-12 (August 12, 2010)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL LEAK WHILE SHE WAS ADDING FUEL TO THE VEHICLE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS THE FUEL STORAGE TANK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WASN'T INCLUDED IN RECALL 04V319000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: STORAGE. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,037.

Owner-reported narrative. 67,037 miles reported. Look up ODI 10349049 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11022445 · 2017-09-09 (September 9, 2017)

THE HOOD FLEW UP WHEN SAFETY LATCH FAILED TO HOLD IT,, PLUS BRAKE LINE TROUBLES AS WELL AS GAS TANK FILL PIPE ALL RUSTED OUT,, HOOD WAS ON HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 30MPH AN WRAPPED ARROUND WINDSHIELD,,

Owner-reported narrative. 140,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11022445 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10089597 · 2004-08-24 (August 24, 2004)

WHILE DRIVING WITH VEHICLE IS AT FULL CAPACITY IT SHUTTERS. TRANSMISSION VIBRATES, AND THEN TAKE OFF, IS VERY SLUGGISH. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN REPAIR SHOP FOUR TIMES. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RESOLVED. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 15,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10089597 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

54 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

61.1%Usable mileage33 / 54 records
96.3%Valid incident date52 / 54 records
100.0%Valid filing date54 / 54 records
96.3%Ordered incident and filing dates52 / 54 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component199719981999200020012002200320042009
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
413.8%
ODI 10083048 · 125,200 mi

1997 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP FOR CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT RECALL SERVICE. 18 MONTHS LATER, THE BOLT BACKED OUT, CAUSING APPROX. $1000 IN DAMAGES, REPAIRED AT PRIVATE MECHANIC'S GARAGE. HAPPENED AGAIN 1 MONTH LATER; SAME GARAGE REPAIRED UNDER THEIR WARRANTY. HAPPENED AGAIN 1 MONTH LATER; PRIVATE GARAGE REFUSED TO REPAIR AGAIN. TOOK IT TO MANUFACTURER DEALERSHIP; PAID ANOTHER APPROX. $1100 FOR REPAIRS. HAPPENED AGAIN 2 MONTHS LATER; DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO WARRANTY REPAIR; ESTIMATES ANOTHER $2800 TO REPLACE ENTIRE CRANKS…

Look up ODI 10083048 at NHTSA ↗

720.0%
ODI 10148601 · 210,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE LOST THE ABILITY TO MOVE AND THERE WAS A SQUEALING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE PULLEY WAS BROKEN. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE CONCERNING THE BOLTS IN THE CRANK SHAFT PULLEY. THERE WAS ALSO A RECALL FOR THE ENGINE, NHTSA # 00V311001. THE VIN IS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. BUT THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT APPROVE THE RECALL PERFORMANCE BECAUSE THE REGULAR MAINTENANCE OF THE VEHICLE WAS DONE BY AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP.

Look up ODI 10148601 at NHTSA ↗

39.1%
ODI 10134687 · 143,000 mi

VEHICLE LOST USE OF POWER STEERING DURING A 90 DEGREE TURN AT A BUSY INTERSECTION AND I WAS BARELY ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF IT. I PROCEEDED TO PULL INTO PARKING LOT OF NEARBY CONVENIENCE STORE AND CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD. I NOTICED THAT THE V-BELT TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND OTHER COMPONENTS WAS TURNING RATHER SLUGGISHLY AND COULD HEAR A SQUEAKING/CHIRPING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. AFTER SWITCHING OFF THE A/C, I OBSERVED THAT THE V-BELT BEGAN TO TURN MORE FREELY BUT STILL SOMEWHAT SLOWER THAN NORMAL. I THEN DROVE THE V…

Look up ODI 10134687 at NHTSA ↗

22.1%
ODI 10003422 · 60,058 mi

2000 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE ENGINE FAILED AT 60,058 MILES. LEITH MITSUBISHI SAID I DID NOT CHANGE THE OIL AND SINCE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AT 60K MILES THAT THEY WANTED $5000 TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. I HAVE 5 DOCUMENTED OIL CHANGES, AND PERFORMED SEVERAL OTHER BUT THE OIL CHNAGES PLACES DID NOT HAVE RECORDS ON COMPUTER.

Look up ODI 10003422 at NHTSA ↗

34.8%
ODI 10104916 · 98,140 mi

I HAVE A MISTUSBISHI MONTERO SPORT XLS 2001 3.0. NOW I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 2YRS I KEPT UP WITH THE OIL CHANGES AND ALL OF THE OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR THE VEHICLE. NOW THE MOTOR HAD A TAP TO IT. ASK THE HEAD OF THE SHOP IN THE FLORENCE SC AREA AND WAS TOLD THAT ALL USED MONTEROS TAP. SHOULDN'T BE A PROBLEM. NOW AFTER CONTINUING TO DRIVE THE CAR THE TAP GOT LOUDER AND THE OIL CHANGES STILL REMAIN AS RECOMMENDED. WITHOUT ANY REASON OR WARNING THE MOTOR STARTED TO KNOCK LOUDER, THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER AND FOUND O…

Look up ODI 10104916 at NHTSA ↗

23.7%
ODI 10020126

WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT THE ENGINE STARTED RACING AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED. *NLM

Look up ODI 10020126 at NHTSA ↗

39.7%
ODI 10031534 · 900 mi

VEHICLE WAS IDLING IN A RESTAURANT DRIVE THRU LANE. WITHOUT WARNING, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED CAUSING CONSUMER TO REAR-END THE VEHICLE IN FRONT.

Look up ODI 10031534 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags:Frontal
13.4%
ODI 724955

AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY ON FRONT IMPACT OF APPROX. 30 MPH SUSTAINING $10K IN DAMAGE. *AK

Look up ODI 724955 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

13.0%
ODI 878281

CONSUMER DROVE AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH AND SUDDENLY SLID ON ICE HITTING A VEHICLE WITH FRONT END,AND CAUSING ABOUT $4100 WORTH OF DAMAGE. UPON IMPACT, DUAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, CAUSING MINOR INJURIES. *AK

Look up ODI 878281 at NHTSA ↗

55.2%
ODI 10038127

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT NON DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAGS. CONSUMER WAS DRIVING BETWEEN 30 TO 35 MPH AND WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. ALSO, DEALER WAS CONTACTED, AND STATED THAT AIR BAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY IF VEHICLE HAD NOT MADE A SADDLING STOP, WHICH CONSUMER INSISTED THAT THERE WERE TWO.*AK

Look up ODI 10038127 at NHTSA ↗

57.9%
ODI 10026937 · 50,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WAS IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT.*AK

Look up ODI 10026937 at NHTSA ↗

814.8%
ODI 10000656 · 9,500 mi

I OWN A 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO, IT HAS BEEN IN 2 SEVERE HEAD ON IMPACTS, ONE AT OVER 35MPH.....NEITHER TIME HAS THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED ON THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE CONTACTED MITSUBISHI, THEY MAINTAIN THE AIRBAGS HAVE WORKED PROPERLY, HOW THEY DETERMINE THIS, I DO NOT KNOW. THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT.

Look up ODI 10000656 at NHTSA ↗

26.5%
ODI 10151866 · 139,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55MPH ON ROUGH SLIPPERY ROADS THE VEHICLE SLID OFF THE ROAD. AFTER PULLING BACK ON THE ROAD, THE VEHICLE STARTED FISH TAILING AND WENT OVER A TWENTY FOOT EMBANKMENT. THE VEHICLE UPROOTED A TREE. DURING THIS TIME THE FRONTAL AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. MODERATE HEAD INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED BY THE DRIVER. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DETERMINED THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS, BUT HAS NOT INVESTIGATED THE REASON FOR THE AIRBAG FAILURE.

Look up ODI 10151866 at NHTSA ↗

120.0%
ODI 10146999 · 15,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING ON SLIPPERY ROADS THE CONSUMER HIT A PUDDLE AND ROLLED OVER A FENCE INTO A WATER RESERVE. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT FAILED. THE SEAT BELT CAME UNLATCHED WHILE THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER THE FENCE. THE SEAT BELT WAS ABLE TO LATCH AFTER THE ACCIDENT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK AND NECK INJURIES ALONG WITH LOSS OF MOVEMENT TO THE HAND. DURING THE ACCIDENT, THE CONTACT'S KNEE HIT THE STEERING COLUMN BECAUSE OF THE SEAT BELT FAILURE. THE POLICE DETERMINED …

Look up ODI 10146999 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

39.1%
ODI 10028383 · 90,493 mi

NEUTRAL LIGHT FLASHS WHEN DRIVING. *AK

Look up ODI 10028383 at NHTSA ↗

88.2%
ODI 10044698 · 73,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER TO CHECK THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE MANUAL STATED TO PULL OVER AND WAIT UNTIL THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE LIGHT GOES OFF AND TO PROCEED DRIVING. THE CONSUMER STARTED DRIVING AND THE TRANSMISSION ILLUMINATED AGAIN. THE CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER AGAIN. *JB THE ENGINE STARTED TO SMOKE AND THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AAMCO TRANSMISSION WHO DIAGNOSED THE TRANSMISSION AS BEING DAMAGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPON COMPLETION OF THE TR…

Look up ODI 10044698 at NHTSA ↗

57.9%
ODI 10088197

IN DECEMBER 2002 I PURCHASED MY CAR (2001 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT XLS 4X4) FROM A LOCAL PRIVATE SELLER. THE CAR HAD ABOUT 38,000 AT THE TIME AND WAS STILL UNDER THE 60,000 MILE MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY. THE SELLER INSISTED HE DID NOT HAVE THE RECORDS OF THE REPAIRS, BUT DID GIVE ME A SPREADSHEET OF ROUTINE MAINTENANCE FOR THE CAR. AFTER HAVING THE CAR CHECKED BY MY REGULAR MECHANIC I BOUGHT THE CAR DESPITE THE LACK OF RECORDS SINCE IT HAD LOW MILEAGE AND WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. I THEN DROVE THE CAR AND PERFORMED THE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. IN D…

Look up ODI 10088197 at NHTSA ↗

11.9%
ODI 10089597 · 15,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING WITH VEHICLE IS AT FULL CAPACITY IT SHUTTERS. TRANSMISSION VIBRATES, AND THEN TAKE OFF, IS VERY SLUGGISH. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN REPAIR SHOP FOUR TIMES. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RESOLVED. *AK

Look up ODI 10089597 at NHTSA ↗

516.1%
ODI 10014081 · 25 mi

VEHICLE WON'T ENGAGE WHEN SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AND REVERSE (ACTS LIKE IT'S IN NEUTRAL). ONLY HAPPENS WHEN VEHICLE IS COLD (UNDER 30 DEGREES OUTSIDE). SOMETIMES WILL SLAM INTO GEAR CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LUNGE FORWARD. VERY DANGEROUS IN OUR OPINION. VEHICLE HAS 146 MILES. DEALER HAD VEHICLE TWICE FOR 2 DAYS EACH AND SAY THEY CAN'T REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. *JB

Look up ODI 10014081 at NHTSA ↗

120.0%
ODI 10275983 · 67,000 mi

2004 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM DRIVETIME AND THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON IMMEDIATELY. IT WENT OFF AFTER I TURNED IT OFF. 2 DAYS LATER THE A/T TEMP LIGHT CAME ON. THE 4H LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. I CALLED THE WARRANTY COMPANY AND I WAS SENT TO A MECHANIC WHO REMOVED ALL THE ELECTRIC CONNECTORS AND PRONOUNCED THE CAR FIXED. 2 DAYS LATER THE A/T TEMP LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN I WAS SENT TO A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST WHO CHANGED THE TRANSMISSION 2 WEEKS LATER THE LIGHT IS ON AGAIN…

Look up ODI 10275983 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling
413.8%
ODI 10140768 · 92,000 mi

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE CRANK SHAFT PULLEY BOLT BROKE ON 10-24-05. SHE HAD RECALL 00V311000 REPAIR WORK DONE IN OCTOBER -2002. THE CONTACT WANTED TO FILE A COMPLAINT BECAUSE SHE WAS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE CRANK SHAFT. SHE FELT THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN FIXED PROPERLY THE FIRST TIME. SHE SPOKE TO THE DEALER AND TO MITSUBISHI. MITSUBISHI TOLD HER TO CONTACT THE DEALER AND IT MAY OR MAY NOT BE COVERED. SHE CONTACTED THE DEALER, AND HE TOLD HER THAT AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL THEY TIGHTENED THE BOLT, AS STATED IN THE RECALL. SHE THOUG…

Look up ODI 10140768 at NHTSA ↗

514.3%
ODI 10016351 · 84,000 mi

MAKE: MITSUBISHI MODEL: MONTERO SPORT XLS YEAR: 1998 SUV WAS TOTAL LOSS DUE TO OUT OF CONTROL AND ROLLED OVER. *N LM

Look up ODI 10016351 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

55.2%
ODI 10083001 · 52,100 mi

MY COMPLAINT CONCERNS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN #TSB-00-23-008, ISSUED NOVEMBER 2000. IN THE BULLETIN, MITSUBISHI MOTORS ADDRESSES THE NEED TO REPLACE THE A/T OIL PAN DUE TO OVERHEATING THAT IS CAUSED BY THE SHALLOWNESS OF THE PAN. JUST PRIOR TO THIS BULLETIN, IN OCTOBER 2000, PRODUCTION VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH A LARGER OIL DRAINAGE PAN TO ELIMINATE OVERHEATING CAUSE BY THE PRIOR PAN. AFTER HAVING MY 2000 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT GIVEN THE 60,000 MILE SERVICING IN JUNE 2004, I WAS DRIVING OUT OF TOWN AND NOTICED (FOR THE FIRST TIME EV…

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23.2%
ODI 10001103

WHEN COMING TO A STOP THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THIS PROBLEM OCCURED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. TS *JG

Look up ODI 10001103 at NHTSA ↗

23.7%
ODI 10139995

HARD KNOCKING NOISE AND OIL LAMP ON IMMEDIATELY AFTER OIL HAS BEEN CHANGED. CHECKED OIL, DIP STICK SHOWED NO OIL IN ENGINE. TOOK BACK TO MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED AN OIL PUMP PRESSURE TEST, DIAGNOSED WITH NO OIL PRESSURE RECOMMENDED TAKE TO DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP CLAIMS PROBLEM DUE TO LACK OF OIL CHANGES, HAVE DOCUMENTS PROVING SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE PERFORMED AS RECOMMENDED. VEHICLE IS AT THE DEALERSHIP WITH $4000 WORTH OF WORK NEEDED TO REPAIR SLUDGE IN ENGINE THAT IS THE RESULT OF SOMETHING OTHER THAN FAULTY MAINTENANCE. ONLY SOLUTION FROM …

Look up ODI 10139995 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

120.0%
ODI 10640621 · 146,000 mi

HEAT GAUGE IS FAULTY AND IT WILL BLOW HOT HEAT ONLY OUT OF DRIVER SIDE VENTS AND BLOWS COLD OUT OF THE REST OF THE VENTS. HEAT GAUGE SAYS ITS RUNNING FINE BUT IT IS REALLY OVERHEATING TO THE BOILING POINT. I AM NOT SURE HOW LONG IT HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM AS I JUST BOUGHT IT 2 WEEKS AGO AND HAVE HAD NO USE FOR THE HEAT TILL NOW AND NEVER DROVE IT FAR ENOUGH TILL TODAY WHEN I NOTICED THE HEAT GAUGE AND HEARD IT BOILING OVER WITH STEAM COMING OUT OF THE HOOD. *TR

Look up ODI 10640621 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

411.4%
ODI 10016351 · 84,000 mi

MAKE: MITSUBISHI MODEL: MONTERO SPORT XLS YEAR: 1998 SUV WAS TOTAL LOSS DUE TO OUT OF CONTROL AND ROLLED OVER. *N LM

Look up ODI 10016351 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

55.2%
ODI 10065157

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 55 MPH AND EXPERIENCED A FUNNY LITTLE CHANGE IN PAVEMENT. THE ROADS WERE BAD, AND THE TEMPERATURE WAS FALLING. CONSUMER GRIPPED THE STEERING WHEEL TIGHTLY, THEN LOST SOME CONTROL, AND END UP HITTING A WALL HEAD ON. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. *AK

Look up ODI 10065157 at NHTSA ↗

23.2%
ODI 10139587 · 77,000 mi

DT: THE CONSUMER OWNS A 2001 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. ON 10-11-05 WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE THERE WAS A WRECK IN FRONT OF CONSUMERS VEHICLE. WHEN THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES, THEY WOULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKE LIGHT HAD COME ON EARLIER THAT DAY. THE CONTACTS VEHICLE HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED BUT NOT ALL THE WAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES. *AK (11/15/05) *SC

Look up ODI 10139587 at NHTSA ↗

35.6%
ODI 10176137 · 100,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT IMPACT CRASH, AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT, BUT MINOR INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED TO THE BACK AND NECK. THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE POLICE WERE ON THE SCENE, AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED.

Look up ODI 10176137 at NHTSA ↗

39.7%
ODI 10606399

[XXX] LICENSE #[XXX] VIN# [XXX] *TR

Look up ODI 10606399 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 10428455

AT ABOUT 6PM ON DECEMBER 16, 2010 MY DAD WAS PARALLEL PARKING ALONG THE SIDE OF THE ROAD OUTSIDE OUR HOUSE, WHEN HIS NOVEMBER 2009 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT (4X2 AUTOMATIC WHICH JUST HAD ITS 5000 KM SERVICE) SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FORWARD WITH VERY HIGH ENGINE REVOLUTION (VERY LOUD) AND COLLIDED WITH A MERCEDES BENZ E230 PARKED JUST 6 METERS AWAY ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD (THE IMPACT WAS SO STRONG THAT THE E230 MOVED ABOUT 3 METERS AS EVIDENCED BY THE TIRE SKID MARKS)! THIS HAPPENED EVEN WHEN MY DAD WAS STEPPING HARD ON THE BRAKES! AFTER COLLIDING W…

Look up ODI 10428455 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System
13.4%
ODI 10246235 · 116,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE SO IT COULD WARM UP BEFORE DRIVING AND WENT BACK INTO THE HOUSE. WHILE IN THE HOUSE, SHE HEARD A LOUD BOOM SIMILAR TO AN EXPLOSION. SHE FOUND THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WERE CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOWED THE VEHICLE TO THE SALVAGE YARD. THE SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE SUSTAINED PROPERTY DAMAGE. IN JULY OF 2008, THE CONTAC…

Look up ODI 10246235 at NHTSA ↗

12.9%
ODI 10409788 · 307,000 mi

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE, I-78, AND OTHER HIGHWAYS, THE MITSUBISHI ALTERNATOR INTERMITTENTLY FAILED, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND OTHER ELECTRICALLY CONTROL FUNCTIONS. WHAT MAKES THIS NOTABLY IS THAT IT WAS THE 5TH ALTERNATOR THAT FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED WITHIN 1-1/2 YEARS. EACH TIME WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAYS BETWEEN 55 AND 65 MPH THE ALTERNATOR FAILED AND SUDDEN LOSS OF VEHICLE STEERING CONTROL AND OPERATION, OCCURRED WITH NARROW ESCAPES FROM SERIOUS ACCIDENTS WHILE NAVIGATING TO SAFETY.

Look up ODI 10409788 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

22.1%
ODI 10286669 · 61,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. WHEN RETRIEVING HIS VEHICLE FROM A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP; HE PROCEEDED TO ACCELERATE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE DEALER STATED THAT WHEN REMOVING THE BATTERY FROM THE VEHICLE AND REPLACING IT THE VEHICLE COMPUTER SYSTEM RESET WHICH CAUSED IMPROPER IDLE. HE THEN ADDED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD HAVE TO BE DUPLICATED WITHIN THE NEXT TWO DAYS IN ORDER TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED HER THAT SINCE THEY WERE UNABLE TO VIEW THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS ON THE VEHICLE, NO ASSISTANCE C…

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711.1%
ODI 10043642 · 52,800 mi

THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SO I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER RIGHT AWAY. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS AN 89$ CHARGE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. LATER THAT DAY I WAS CALLED TO BE TOLD THAT IT WOULD NOW COST ME 192$ BECAUSE THEY HAD TO DOWNLOAD INFORMATION TO THE COMPUTOR. THIS DEFINATLY SOUNDS LIKE A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM AND THEY ARE CHARGING THERE CUSTOMERS TO FIX IT. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER MITSUBISHI AGAIN. I INFORMED THE DEALERSHIP HOW I FELT BUT THEY COULD CARE LESS SO BE IT BUT I WILL TELL EVERYONE I KNOW HOW I WAS TREATED AND LET THEM MAKE …

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47.4%
ODI 10421099 · 82,000 mi

2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. THE HORN SOUNDS FOR NO REASON, WHEN THE TEMPERATURE DROPS BELOW 55DEGREES. I MUST REMOVE THE FUSE TO SILENCE IT. IT IS STATE REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT. I CONTACTED THE LANCASTER, PA MITSUBISHI DEALER BUT THEY WON'T REPLY. THE PROBLEM STARTED IN THE WINTER WHEN THE TEMPERATURE DROPPED BELOW 18 DEGREES. IT IS 8 MONTHS LATER AND A COLD AUGUST NIGHT TRIGGERED IT. *TR

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39.7%
ODI 10051992 · 40,000 mi

THE LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS WENT OUT. THE BULBS WERE GOOD THEREFORE IT'S PROBABLE THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A RELAY DEFECT. THE HORN WAS ALSO DEFECTIVE. THE HORN WOULD BLOW BUT WOULDN'T STOP. THE DRIVER HAD TO PULL THE FUSE IN ORDER TO GET THE HORN TO STOP BLOWING. PROVIDE FURTHER ANT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NLM

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Steering
26.9%
ODI 10283733 · 170,000 mi

STEERING TERMINAL CAME OFF MAKING THE VEHICLE GO IN DANGER. *TR

Look up ODI 10283733 at NHTSA ↗

12.9%
ODI 10016351 · 84,000 mi

MAKE: MITSUBISHI MODEL: MONTERO SPORT XLS YEAR: 1998 SUV WAS TOTAL LOSS DUE TO OUT OF CONTROL AND ROLLED OVER. *N LM

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13.0%
ODI 10914810 · 150,000 mi

MY CAR HAS BROKEN DOWN 3 TIMES THIS YEAR WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAD IT REPAIRED TWICE, THEN FOUND OUT IT HAD AN OPEN RECALL FROM 2000. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER YESTERDAY, FELT THEY DISMISSED MY SITUATION AS I TOLD THEM THE CAR WAS DOING EXACTLY WHAT THE RECALL DESCRIBED AND I WAS CONCERNED IT WOULD HAPPEN AGAIN. I EXPLAINED IN DETAIL ABOUT THE 1ST TWO REPAIRS. MY CAR BROKE DOWN YESTERDAY, AFTER I LEFT THE DEALER, AND WAS ONCE AGAIN UNDRIVEABLE. IT IS RELATED TO THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT. I SENT THE DEALER A VERY DETAILED EMAIL ABOUT THIS FINAL …

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66.2%
ODI 10293200 · 156,000 mi

2000 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT THE PITMAN ARM TIE ROD BOLT SNAP WHILE BACKING UP IN THE PARKING LOT. IT WAS NOT LOOSE WHATSOEVER NO SYMPTOMS IT JUST SNAP.IT WAS THE ORIGINAL OEM PART FROM THE FACTORY. IF IT WAS BROKEN AT THE HIGHWAY I WOULD HAVE KILLED MYSELF AND OTHERS AND WOULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I HAVE THE PART SAVE HERE IF YOU WISH TO INVESTIGATE . *TR THANKS

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69.5%
ODI 10050667 · 32,000 mi

2001 MONTER SPORT XLS 2WD 46,000 MILES. WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AT ANY RATE OF SPEED THE STEERING FEELS LOOSE AND IS ALSO RATTLING. CAUSES EXTRA EFFORT IN STABILIZING VEHICLE IN A SINGLE DIRECTION. WAS TAKEN TO TWO SAN ANTONIO BASED DEALERS GILLMAN MITSUBISHI SAN ANTONIO AND NORTHPOINT MITSUBISHI. NORTHPOINT MITSUBISHI DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. ALTHOUGH MITSUBISHI PROVIDES POWERTRAIN WARRANTY WHICH INCLUDES SUSPENSION, DRIVETRAIN TO 60,000 MILES MITSUBISHI CORP DENIED WARRANTY COVERAGE STATING THAT IT IS NO…

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11.9%
ODI 10006637 · 9,500 mi

AT 25 MPH SOMETHING BROKE AND THE VEHICLE MADE A SUDDEN LEFT TURN. *JB ***DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS****770767

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13.2%
ODI 10054733 · 3 mi

VEHICLE SWAYS, WONDERS ON THE ROAD AND IS UNCONTROLLABLE. ALSO, IT FEELS AS THOUGH SOMETHING IS LOOSE UNDER THE FRONT END. I HAVE TAKEN THIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, AND I'VE BEEN TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT HE FEELS EXACTLY THAT WHICH I AM DESCRIBING BUT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG AND THAT OTHER VEHICLES WERE DRIVEN AND THAT THEY TOO DID THE SAME THING. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS OBSTACLE TO HAVE CONTROL OF A MOTOR VEHICLE. *LA

Look up ODI 10054733 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
13.4%
ODI 10215166 · 149,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. HER VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO RECALL #00V311001 AFFECTING THE ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE THE MECHANIC TIGHTENED THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT. AFTER SIX MONTHS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH THE ENGINE, OIL, AND BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE STEERING COLUMN ALSO BEGAN TO TIGHTEN UP. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE SHE NOTICED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER SINCE HER VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER THE R…

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

39.1%
ODI 880107

WHEN APPLYING BRAKES EXTREME VIBRATIONS OCCURS AS VEHICLE SLOWS DOWN. THEN,VIBRATIONS DIMINISHES, CAUSE UNKNOWN.DEALER CANNOT IDENTIFY CAUSE. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

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55.2%
ODI 750217

AS I BEGAN TO FEEL FAINT WHILE DRIVING A MOUNTAIN HIGHWAY, I STARTED TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. I REMEMBER PUTTING MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE NEXT THING I KNEW I HAD HIT A TREE. I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT AND OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIRBAG DID NOT FULLY INFLATE ON THE DRIVER SIDE POSITION. THERE WERE NO PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE. MY ARM HAD LACERATIONS AND CUTS AND THE WIND SHIELD WAS CRACKED IN SEVERAL PLACES. NEITHER THE AIRBAG NOR THE SEATBELT KEPT ME FROM HITTING THE WINDSHIELD. *AK

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46.3%
ODI 10139587 · 77,000 mi

DT: THE CONSUMER OWNS A 2001 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. ON 10-11-05 WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE THERE WAS A WRECK IN FRONT OF CONSUMERS VEHICLE. WHEN THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES, THEY WOULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKE LIGHT HAD COME ON EARLIER THAT DAY. THE CONTACTS VEHICLE HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED BUT NOT ALL THE WAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES. *AK (11/15/05) *SC

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11.9%
ODI 8009825

WHEN APPLYING BRAKES AT 30 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A CLICKING SOUND. VEHICLE VEERED TO LEFT, AND THERE WAS NO BRAKING ACTION. DEALER REFUSED TO EXAMINE VEHICLE.*AK

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Air Bags:Frontal33,913–109,089 mi59,000 mi6
ODI 10000656 · 9,500 mi

I OWN A 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO, IT HAS BEEN IN 2 SEVERE HEAD ON IMPACTS, ONE AT OVER 35MPH.....NEITHER TIME HAS THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED ON THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE CONTACTED MITSUBISHI, THEY MAINTAIN THE AIRBAGS HAVE WORKED PROPERLY, HOW THEY DETERMINE THIS, I DO NOT KNOW. THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT.

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ODI 10040988 · 28,550 mi

AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY.

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ODI 10202910 · 68,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT'S WIFE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE FRONT AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT AND SHE LUNGED FORWARD INTO THE STEERING WHEEL. HIS WIFE SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES TO HER ARM, FACE, AND CHEST. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED MAJOR FRONT END DAMAGE. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 68,000.

Look up ODI 10202910 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range125,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10421099 · 82,000 mi

2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. THE HORN SOUNDS FOR NO REASON, WHEN THE TEMPERATURE DROPS BELOW 55DEGREES. I MUST REMOVE THE FUSE TO SILENCE IT. IT IS STATE REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT. I CONTACTED THE LANCASTER, PA MITSUBISHI DEALER BUT THEY WON'T REPLY. THE PROBLEM STARTED IN THE WINTER WHEN THE TEMPERATURE DROPPED BELOW 18 DEGREES. IT IS 8 MONTHS LATER AND A COLD AUGUST NIGHT TRIGGERED IT. *TR

Look up ODI 10421099 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10556927 · 125,000 mi

2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT; THE CAR HORN/ALARM GOES OFF USUALLY WHEN A DROP OF TEMPERATURE OCCURS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. TO FIX ... HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL OF THE AIR BAG AND THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN. VERY EXPENSIVE FOR A MECHANIC, OVER $1200. I HAVE TO UNHOOK MY BATTERY EVERY NIGHT AND ON COLDER DAYS. RESEARCHING ONLINE.....A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE DISABLING THE HORN/ALARM SYSTEM AND DRIVING WITHOUT HORNS. OR THEY ARE TAMPERING WITH THE AIR BAG TO TRY AND FIX. IT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM....... TODAY I COULD NOT…

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ODI 10785008 · 155,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT AT A CERTAIN ANGLE, THE HORN OF THE VEHICLE ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT AN UNKNOWN MODULE RELATED TO THE AIR BAG AND A RELAY SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE RELAY SWITCH WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.

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Structure:BodyToo few reports for a range124,802 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10511130 · 93,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING A ROUTINE INSPECTION, THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FRAME WAS ROTTING AND THERE WERE TWENTY TWO INCH-LONG FRACTURES FOUND IN THE FRAME. A DEALER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,000.

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ODI 10572507 · 109,604 mi

BROUGHT 2002 MONTERO SPORT FOR INSPECTION INSPECTOR TOLD ME THE REAR FRAME AND UNDERCARRIAGE WAS ROTTEN VEHICLE WAS NOT TO BE DRIVEN. WHAT DO I DO WITH VEHICLE NOW THAT I JUST PAID IT OFF AND I CANT DRIVE? *TR

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ODI 10651571 · 195,016 mi

FRAME AND UNDERCARRIAGE ROT/RUST. WAS TOLD BY ONE SHOP ABOUT IN 2013 THAT I HAD ALOT OF RUST ON THE FRAME WHEN THEY REPLACED MY RUSTED BRAKE LINES.. THIS WEEK IN OCTOBER 2014 I HAD TO REPLACE A RUSTY FILL PIPE FOR MY GAS AND THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT I HAD MAJOR RUST ON THE FRAME AND UNDERCARRIAGE AND THAT A REAR END COLLISION OF ANY KIND COULD POTENTIALLY TOTAL MY CAR. *TR

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Air BagsToo few reports for a range125,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10176137 · 100,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT IMPACT CRASH, AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT, BUT MINOR INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED TO THE BACK AND NECK. THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE POLICE WERE ON THE SCENE, AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED.

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ODI 10556927 · 125,000 mi

2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT; THE CAR HORN/ALARM GOES OFF USUALLY WHEN A DROP OF TEMPERATURE OCCURS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. TO FIX ... HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL OF THE AIR BAG AND THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN. VERY EXPENSIVE FOR A MECHANIC, OVER $1200. I HAVE TO UNHOOK MY BATTERY EVERY NIGHT AND ON COLDER DAYS. RESEARCHING ONLINE.....A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE DISABLING THE HORN/ALARM SYSTEM AND DRIVING WITHOUT HORNS. OR THEY ARE TAMPERING WITH THE AIR BAG TO TRY AND FIX. IT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM....... TODAY I COULD NOT…

Look up ODI 10556927 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10785008 · 155,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT AT A CERTAIN ANGLE, THE HORN OF THE VEHICLE ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT AN UNKNOWN MODULE RELATED TO THE AIR BAG AND A RELAY SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE RELAY SWITCH WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.

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Service BrakesToo few reports for a range155,500 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10968765 · 175,000 mi

MY MITSUBISHI MONTERO LIMITED STARTED MAKING A STRANGE NOISE FROM UNDER THE DASH WHILE DRIVING. ONE DAY WHILE DRIVING WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKE THE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND A RECALL FOR THE BRAKE HYDRAULIC BOOSTER FOR THIS VEHICLE BUT MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT SHOWING A RECALL. WHEN I CONTACTED MITSUBISHI ALL THEY WOULD SAY IS IT'S NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. I DON'T UNDERSTAND

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ODI 11022029 · 155,500 mi

MY MECHANIC SAID THAT THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER HAS BEEN MANUFACTURED IMPROPERLY WHICH RESULTED IN LEAKAGE OF THE PRESSURIZED NITRGEN GAS FROM INSIDE THE ACCUMULATOR. THE LOSS OF THIS GAS PRESSURE RESULTED IN AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DASH PANEL WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AND CAN DELAY FIRST TIME BRAKE BOOST ASSIST AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED FOR A PERIOD OF TIME AND SHOULD BE ON THE SAFETY RECALL LIST NO. SR-01-008REVII. HE SAID THIS BULLETIN SUPERCEDES SR-01-008REVI. HE SAID THAT MITSUBISHI SHOULD REPLACE THE OLD HY…

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ODI 11022445 · 140,000 mi

THE HOOD FLEW UP WHEN SAFETY LATCH FAILED TO HOLD IT,, PLUS BRAKE LINE TROUBLES AS WELL AS GAS TANK FILL PIPE ALL RUSTED OUT,, HOOD WAS ON HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 30MPH AN WRAPPED ARROUND WINDSHIELD,,

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Electrical System:HornToo few reports for a range79,054 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10181825 · 69,108 mi

DURING COLD WEATHER (APPROXIMATELY 20 DEGREES C AND BELOW) THE HORN STARTS BLOWING AND WON'T TURN OFF UNLESS THE BATTERY IS DISCONNECTED OR THE CAR INTERIOR HAS WARMED UP. THE ONLY WAY I HAVE TO PREVENT THE HORN FROM COMING ON IS TO KEEP THE HORN/AIR/BAG ASSEMBLY WARM. I WRAP AN ELECTRIC BLANKET AROUND THE STEERING WHEEL. *JB

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ODI 10312616 · 89,000 mi

HORN BUTTON WHEN THE ACCESSORY SOCKET IS IN USE OR NOT IN USE,THE HORN CONTINUES TO BLOW WHEN THE BUTTON IS RELEASED. THEREFORE THE FUSE TO THE HORN MUST BE DISCONNECTED AT ALL TIMES. I HAD IT PUT ON A DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE AND IN ORDER TO HAVE THIS FIXED IT WILL COST $1300 BECAUSE THE PROBLEM HAS TO DO WITH THE AIR BAG. IF IT WERE THE RELAY SWITCH IT WOULD HAVE BEEN $24. THIS IS NOT FROM WHAT I THINK IS SOMETHING THAT CONSUMERS MUST PAY FOR. I LIVE IN THE STATE OF VIRGINIA WHERE IT IS REQUIRED TO HAVE VEHICLE SAFETY INSPECTION DONE EVERY YEAR AND…

Look up ODI 10312616 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 21 reports

2004: 1 complaints · 2009: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2004011
2009011
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2004500
2009100

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentAir Bags:FrontalElectrical SystemStructure:BodyAir BagsService BrakesElectrical System:HornEngine And Engine CoolingEngine And Engine Cooling:Engine
Air Bags:Frontal—0000000
Electrical System0—0
2
ODI 10556927 · 125,000 mi

2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT; THE CAR HORN/ALARM GOES OFF USUALLY WHEN A DROP OF TEMPERATURE OCCURS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. TO FIX ... HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL OF THE AIR BAG AND THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN. VERY EXPENSIVE FOR A MECHANIC, OVER $1200. I HAVE TO UNHOOK MY BATTERY EVERY NIGHT AND ON COLDER DAYS. RESEARCHING ONLINE.....A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE DISABLING THE HORN/ALARM SYSTEM AND DRIVING WITHOUT HORNS. OR THEY ARE TAMPERING WITH THE AIR BAG TO TRY AND FIX. IT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM....... TODAY I COULD NOT…

Look up ODI 10556927 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10785008 · 155,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT AT A CERTAIN ANGLE, THE HORN OF THE VEHICLE ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT AN UNKNOWN MODULE RELATED TO THE AIR BAG AND A RELAY SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE RELAY SWITCH WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.

Look up ODI 10785008 at NHTSA ↗

0000
Structure:Body00—0
1
ODI 11022445 · 140,000 mi

THE HOOD FLEW UP WHEN SAFETY LATCH FAILED TO HOLD IT,, PLUS BRAKE LINE TROUBLES AS WELL AS GAS TANK FILL PIPE ALL RUSTED OUT,, HOOD WAS ON HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 30MPH AN WRAPPED ARROUND WINDSHIELD,,

Look up ODI 11022445 at NHTSA ↗

000
Air Bags0
2
ODI 10556927 · 125,000 mi

2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT; THE CAR HORN/ALARM GOES OFF USUALLY WHEN A DROP OF TEMPERATURE OCCURS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. TO FIX ... HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL OF THE AIR BAG AND THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN. VERY EXPENSIVE FOR A MECHANIC, OVER $1200. I HAVE TO UNHOOK MY BATTERY EVERY NIGHT AND ON COLDER DAYS. RESEARCHING ONLINE.....A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE DISABLING THE HORN/ALARM SYSTEM AND DRIVING WITHOUT HORNS. OR THEY ARE TAMPERING WITH THE AIR BAG TO TRY AND FIX. IT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM....... TODAY I COULD NOT…

Look up ODI 10556927 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10785008 · 155,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT AT A CERTAIN ANGLE, THE HORN OF THE VEHICLE ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT AN UNKNOWN MODULE RELATED TO THE AIR BAG AND A RELAY SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE RELAY SWITCH WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.

Look up ODI 10785008 at NHTSA ↗

0—0000
Service Brakes00
1
ODI 11022445 · 140,000 mi

THE HOOD FLEW UP WHEN SAFETY LATCH FAILED TO HOLD IT,, PLUS BRAKE LINE TROUBLES AS WELL AS GAS TANK FILL PIPE ALL RUSTED OUT,, HOOD WAS ON HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 30MPH AN WRAPPED ARROUND WINDSHIELD,,

Look up ODI 11022445 at NHTSA ↗

0—000
Electrical System:Horn00000—00
Engine And Engine Cooling000000—0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine0000000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

4 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

4 mentions · 7.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 17,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10046283

PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE LOSING POWER AND CUTTING OFF.*MR VEHICLE RUNS ROUGH WHEN DRIVING UPHILL. VEHICLE STALLED. *TS

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ODI 10072955 · 17,000 mi

+BRAKE PADS MUST BE CHANGED BECAUSE OF PREMATURE WEAR. MILEAGE: 17,000.IF THE TRUCK IS STOPPED, AND YOU PRESS THE ACCELERATOR, YOU FEEL LIKE IT WOULD STALL, BUT IT KEEPS GOING.*AK

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ODI 11427619

I have a 2002 Mitsibishi Montero Sport.I was driving home from work, and all the sudden i couldn't steer. I had no steering, Lost power to vehicle and battery light came on. Wasnt sure what happened, looked under the hood and noticed belts were off. Went and got new ones and noticed when trying to put the mew belts on the bolt on the crankshaft pulley was loose and the pin was broken making that pulley loose.I was lucky that I decided to take a street with less traffic otherwise I could of gotten into an accident.This should definitely be a REC…

Look up ODI 11427619 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 1.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 67,037 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10349049 · 67,037 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL LEAK WHILE SHE WAS ADDING FUEL TO THE VEHICLE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS THE FUEL STORAGE TANK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WASN'T INCLUDED IN RECALL 04V319000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: STORAGE. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,037.

Look up ODI 10349049 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 1.9% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 8007564

WHILE DRIVING, BRAKES WILL LOCK UP, AND THEN STEERING LOCKS UP. THIS CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER CANNOT FIND THE CAUSE. *AK CONSUMER STATES BRAKES AND STEERING LOCKED ON HIGHWAY TWO TIMES IN FIVE MONTHS. *YH

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Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 1.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 47,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10106535 · 47,000 mi

ONE DAY SEAT BELT LIGHT STOPPED FUNCTIONING WHEN SEAT BELT NOT SECURED. WORKS WHEN CAR IS STARTED, FLASHES AS NORMAL, BUT WHEN YOU UNDO THE BELT, YOU GET NO WARNING LIGHT ON DASH. TOOK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO KEPT TRUCK FOR TWO DAYS ONLY TO CALL ME BACK AND ADVISE FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. CALLED MITSUBISHI WHO TELL ME THAT IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE ON WHEN SEAT BELT IS NOT FASTENED -- WELL THANKS.. THAT'S GREAT... BUT HOW DO I GET A DEALERSHIP TO FIX SOMETHING THEY CLAIM IS NOT WRONG? I SHOWED SERVICE MANAGER MANUAL AND WAS TOLD THAT THE MANUAL IS WRO…

Look up ODI 10106535 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b