U.S. public vehicle records

2003 Mitsubishi MONTERO problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

39 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

81,500 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2003 model year. Data updated: 2026-09-30 (September 30, 2026). 32 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Service Brakes is the most frequently named component, appearing in 5 of 39 complaints (12.8%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Braking behavior	12	30.8%
Steering behavior	4	10.3%
Fuel system concerns	3	7.7%
Transmission and shifting	2	5.1%
Engine operation	2	5.1%
Electrical and battery issues	2	5.1%

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.

Service Brakes

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Air Bags

Electrical System

Power Train

Engine And Engine Cooling

Fuel System, Gasoline

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage

Service Brakes: 5; Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 5; Air Bags: 3; Electrical System: 3; Power Train: 3; Engine And Engine Cooling: 2; Fuel System, Gasoline: 2; Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 8; 25,000 to 49,999: 3; 50,000 to 74,999: 4; 75,000 to 99,999: 4; 100,000 to 149,999: 6; 150,000 and above: 7

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (8). 7 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.

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2003: 3; 2004: 8; 2005: 3; 2006: 5; 2007: 2; 2008: 2; 2009: 1; 2010: 2; 2011: 2; 2012: 1; 2013: 3; 2014: 4; 2015: 2; 2016: 1

Pattern summary

Service Brakes leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 12 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns 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 10154690 · 2006-04-06 (April 6, 2006)

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55MPH A DEER WAS STRUCK WITH THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. WHILE APPLYING BRAKE PRESSURE THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO GAIN SPEED, SPUN AROUND, VEERED OFF THE ROAD AND ROLLED OVER FOUR TIMES IN A DITCH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN THE ACCIDENT. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS NOT ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE CRASH. THERE WERE THREE OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE ALL OF WHICH WERE WEARING SEAT BELTS. THE CONTACT WAS SIX MONTHS PREGNANT AND RECEIVED INJURIES DURING THE ACCIDENT. THE POLICE WERE ALERTED AND A REPORT WAS F…

Owner-reported narrative. 100,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10154690 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10164849 · 2006-08-07 (August 7, 2006)

MITSUBISHI MONTERO 2003 - BRAKE PADS HAVE BEEN REPLACED 2 TIMES WITH LESS THAN 30,000 MILES (1ST AT 19K AND 2ND AT 30K) ON THE ODOMETER. SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED AFTER DESCENDING DOWN HILL. IF YOU RIDE THE BRAKES (KEEPING SLIGHT PRESSURE APPLIED WHILE PERIODICALLY APPLYING MORE BRAKE) WHEN DRIVING DOWN A HILL, THIS CAUSES THE ROTORS TO HEAT UP AND THEN WARP. UNFORTUNATELY, WHEN THE ROTORS GET TOO HOT BRAKING BECOMES EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. THE LONG BEACH MITSUBISHI SERVICE MANAGER CLAIMS THAT THE 2003 MONTERO USES A SMALLER BRAKE P…

Owner-reported narrative. 19,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10164849 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10044205 · 2003-11-24 (November 24, 2003)

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT THE VEHICLE ALWAYS SWAYED TO THE RIGHT. THE DEALER REPLACED MANY PARTS BUT THE PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURRING. *AK THE VEHICLE ALSO MADE NOISE WHILE DRIVING OVER BUMPS AND WHILE MAKING TURNS. WHILE DRIVING THE FRONT PASSENGER AXLE AND WHEEL HUB BROKE. THE 4X4 HI LIGHT WAS FLASHING. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SHIFTER SWITCH. *NLM

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10044205 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10174759 · 2006-11-30 (November 30, 2006)

I WAS OPERATING A 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO WHEN I REAR ENDED A MERCURY MOUNTAINEER AND PROJECTED IT INTO 2 OTHER VEHICLES...... HEAVY DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF MY MONTERO, HOWEVER, MY DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT GO OFF. I WAS PROJECTED INTO THE STEERING COLUMN AND THEN MY HEAD WENT THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 40,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10174759 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10095315 · 2004-10-05 (October 5, 2004)

IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL NOTIFICATION: SR-04-008 *BF THE CONSUMER TOOK HIS VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE ON THE RECALL ISSUE AND WAS TOLD IT COULD NOT BE SERVICED AT THE ORIGINAL DEALERSHIP LOCATION BUT HAD TO BE TAKEN TWO HOURS AWAY TO AN UNRELATED DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE AND TIME. RECALL ISSUE DEALS WITH THE FUEL TANK LEVELING VALVE NOT MAINTAINING PROPER SEALING. FUEL MAY LEAK TO THE GROUND WHEN TANK IS ON FULL. THE RECALL STATED THAT GASOLINE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE. *TC *SC *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10095315 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10130868 · 2005-08-01 (August 1, 2005)

PREVIOUSLY REPORTED SIMILAR PROBLEM IN NOV. 2004 (REFERENCE NO. 10101312) FUEL LEAKAGE, ACCELERATION/POWER LOSS AT CRITICAL TIMES OF HIGHWAY TRAVEL. SUV IS NOW PARKED DUE FUELING SYSTEM PROBLEMS AND UNRELIABILITY. SUV WAS REPAIRED AT FAZELI MISUBISHI 11/2004. EVEN AFTER KNOW RECALL (PURPORTED) CORRECTLY VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SAME PROBLEM. SUV FAILED AGAIN WHILE ON FAMILY VACATION, LOSS OF ACCELERATION AND POWER BEGAN TO OCCUR, ENGINE BEGAN TO COUGH AND SPUTTER (EVEN WITH A FULL TANK OF GAS), GAS GAUGE AND DIGITAL FUEL MILEAGE INDICATOR MALFUN…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10130868 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10057948 · 2004-02-11 (February 11, 2004)

WHILE DRIVING AND COMING TO COMPLETE STOP AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOESN'T SHIFT PROPERLY FROM THE FIRST TO THE SECOND GEAR. DEALER INSPECTED VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 80,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10057948 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10585588 · 2014-04-29 (April 29, 2014)

I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND A BUZZER. I THEN WENT TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND STOP BUT THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD NOT BUDGE. IT WAS LIKE THERE WAS A BRICK UNDER IT. THERE WAS NO WAY OF STOPPING SAFELY. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OF ME. I HAD TO YOU THE TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT DOWN. PRESSED AS HARD AS I COULD ON BRAKES AND FINALLY STOPPED. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND HAVE DISCOVERED IT IS QUITE COMMON. HOW IS IT SAFE FOR A VEHICLE WITH A ANTILOCK BRAKE MALFUNCTION TO TAKE OUT THE BRAKE SYSTEM COMPLETELY…

Owner-reported narrative. 187,800 miles reported. Look up ODI 10585588 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10075816 · 2004-07-15 (July 15, 2004)

THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE SLOWING DOWN FOR A STOP LIGHT. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE IS IN DRIVE IT SOMETIMES ROLLS BACKWARDS AS IF IT IS IN NEUTRAL. *AK *NM

Owner-reported narrative. 37,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10075816 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10080910 · 2004-07-12 (July 12, 2004)

HESITATION AND STALLING BETWEEN 0-45 MPH AT SLIGHTLY ABOVE 3/4 FULL TANK OF GAS. VEHICLE LEAKS SUBSTANTIAL QUANTITY OF FUEL WHEN PARKED ON INCLINE AT SLIGHTLY ABOVE 3/4 TANK OF GAS. IN ADDITION, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT FILLING PROPERLY AT THE GAS PUMP (PUMP CONTINUALLY SHUT OFF AS IF TANK WERE FULL EVEN THOUGH IT WAS NOT). THESE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED WITH OUR 2002 MONTERO WHICH WAS RETURNED TO MITSUBISHI THROUGH THE LEMON LAW. THESE PROBLEMS BEGAN AT 26,000 MILES, PROBLEMS OCCURRED WITH OTHER VEHICLE STARTING AT 9,000 MILES. IN THE 2003, THE…

Owner-reported narrative. 26,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10080910 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10037616 · 2003-08-26 (August 26, 2003)

AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE WAS CAUSING ALL ELECTRICAL OPERATED COMPONENTS TO MALFUNCTION OR INOPERATIVE. FOR EXAMPLE, AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS/INTERIOR LIGHTS/RADIO AND ETC. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED ALTHOUGH VEHICLE HAD BEEN SERVICED SEVERAL TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 50,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10037616 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10433766 · 2011-11-01 (November 1, 2011)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. WHILE PARKED, THE HORN BEGAN TO SOUND CONTINUOUSLY. THE CONTACT DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY IN ORDER TO STOP THE HORN. THE FAILURE RECURRED DIFFERENT TWICE, BOTH TIMES DURING COLDER WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS OR REPAIRS. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 168,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10433766 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

39 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

82.1%Usable mileage32 / 39 records

97.4%Valid incident date38 / 39 records

100.0%Valid filing date39 / 39 records

97.4%Ordered incident and filing dates38 / 39 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.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	216.7% ODI 756244 CRANKCASE BOLT WAS UNDER RECALL AND WAS INSPECTED AT DEALER LAST APRIL OF 2001. DEC . 28TH NOISE FROM ENGINE FORCED ME TO GO TO INDEPENT SHOP I HAVE USED PREVIOUSLY THE CRANKCASE BOLT THAT WAS UNDER RECALL AND WAS INSPECTED 10,000 MILES EARLIER AND FOUND TO BE AT PROPER TORQUE HAD LOOSENED .I SPOKE TO CALIFONIA CUSTOMER NO SERVICE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REINSPECTED AND TO BE REIMBURSED 67.00 TO TIGHTEN BOLT WITH NO SUCCESS. IF YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS I WOULD APPRECIATE IT. .BUT THE RECALL AT LEAST IN MY CASE DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM IT.*AK Look up ODI 756244 at NHTSA ↗	642.9% ODI 10088338 · 45 mi ON 03/16/01 RECALL WORK WAS DONE AT SERVICE DEALER. ON DATE OF INCIDENT, CRANK BOLT SHEERED OFF OR CAME OUT WHILE DRIVING AT 45M MPH. *JB Look up ODI 10088338 at NHTSA ↗	722.6% ODI 10068349 · 211,000 mi I WAS DRIVING ALONG, WHEN MY AIRCONDITIONING AND POWER STEERING WENT OUT. BELIEVING IT WAS A BELT, I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD TO FIND OUT THAT MY CRANKSHAFT BOLT HAD BROKEN CAUSING MY KEYWAY AND HARMONIC BALANCER TO FALL OFF. I CALLED THE LOCAL MITSUBISHI DEALER TO LOCATE THE PARTS, AND THEY NOTIFIED ME THAT THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT WAS DEFECTIVE AND A NHTSA RECALL WAS IN PLACE ON IT. THEY THEN TOLD ME THAT THE BOLT WOULD BE REPLACED AS WELL AS ANY SUBSEQUENT DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE BREAKING OF THE BOLT. THE DEALER HAS NOW CALLED ME BACK, AND SAID T… Look up ODI 10068349 at NHTSA ↗	2023.3% ODI 10008331 · 143,000 mi CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT AND COLLATERAL DAMAGES HAVE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED 3 TIMES WITHIN EIGHTEEN MONTHS, LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING AND NO NOTIFICATION OF RECALL 00V311001.*JB Look up ODI 10008331 at NHTSA ↗	414.8% ODI 10034275 NHTSA RECALL 00-V-311-001:MONTERO MODELS EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L ENGINES. BOLT SECURING THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY CAN BECOME LOOSE AND THE PULLEY COULD FALL OFF THE VEHICLE. DEALER WON'T HONOR THIS RECALL IN PUERTO RICO. *AK Look up ODI 10034275 at NHTSA ↗	57.9% ODI 10034181 CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN RECALL 00V311002 . THE DEALER WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED. AK THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT LOOSENED WHICH RESULTED IN A LOST OF POWER STEERING. TS PH NLM Look up ODI 10034181 at NHTSA ↗	22.7% ODI 10068313 CRANKSHAFT BOLT BROKE, CAUSING TIMING BELT PULLEY/SPROCKET TO FALL OFF. THIS IS AN INTERFERENCE ENGINE AND COULD HAD CAUSED SERIOUS DAMAGE. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL FOR THE MONTERO 3.0 ENGINE FOR SAME PROBLEM..WHY NOT THE 3.5? INTEND TO CONTACT THE CORPORATION COMMISSION. VERY POOR DESIGN.*AK Look up ODI 10068313 at NHTSA ↗	25.0% ODI 10064587 · 65,000 mi 1999 MITSUBISHI MONTERO BLEW UP ON ME FOR NO REASON MITSH REFUSES TO RELEASE ANY RECALL/SPEC/SAFETY RECORDS TO ME THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL RIGHT OFF DID CAUSE SECOND DEGREE BURNS TO MYSELF..FIRE DEPT SAID MAGNESIUM SOMEWHERE IN THE VEHICLE CONTRIBUTED TO THE HIGH RATE OF LOST AND BURN FACTOR. *JB Look up ODI 10064587 at NHTSA ↗	23.9% ODI 561848 DOOR LOCKS KEEP RUNNING WHEN ACTUATED. (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT) *YH Look up ODI 561848 at NHTSA ↗	63.6% ODI 10006539 · 37,000 mi THE OIL LIGHT INDICATOR FAILED TO WARN THAT THE OIL IN THE ENGINE WAS DEPLETED UNTIL APPROX 30 SECONDS PRIOR TO THE ENGINE SEIZING. THE RODS CRACKED THE ENGINE AND BROKE THE HEAD GASKET MIXING OIL AND WATER TOGETHER. EVERYTHING SHUT DOWN IN SECONDS. NO WARNING WHATSOEVER. DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS-------770762. AK NLM Look up ODI 10006539 at NHTSA ↗	54.5% ODI 10010812 ENGINE VIBRATES WHEN AT IDLE, AND ACTS AS IF IT MAY STALL, BUT DOES NOT. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND DEALER SAID IDLE WAS TOO LOW. BUT A WEEK LATER, ENGINE VIBRATED AGAIN AND APPEARED IT WAS GOING TO STALL BUT DID NOT. I CALLED MITSUBISHI REPS IN CALIFORNIA, THEY CAME DOWN TO FLORIDA TO TEST MY CAR. FOR THREE DAYS THEY KEPT IT AND SAID THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM: THEY CHANGED THE SPARK PLUGS AND CABLES AND TOLD ME TO USE PREMIUM FUEL FROM AMOCO. A WEEK LATER THE CAR VIBRATED AGAIN AND APPEARED IT WOULD STALL BUT IT DID NOT. MITSUBISHI SAI… Look up ODI 10010812 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Service Brakes	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1710.2% ODI 10463206 · 85,718 mi I'M DRIVING DOWNHILL WHEN MY BRAKES START ACTING UP. IT WAS SO HARD AND NO POWER BRAKES , I NEEDED TO USE THE HAND BRAKES TO MAKE SURE I WASN'T GOING HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. TOOK TO THE DEALER COST A COUPLE HUNDRED BUCKS FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND THEY SAID MY POWER BRAKE BOOSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I CANT AFFORD TO HAVE IT FIX RIGHT AWAY IT COST FEW THOUSAND BUCKS FOR THE NEW ONE AND I DON'T WANT PUT A USED ONE BECAUSE I'M NOT SURE IF ITS GOING TO LAST. HOW COME MITSUBISHI MOTORS CAN'T HELP US FOR THIS THEY KNOW THESE PARTS ARE NOT GOING TO… Look up ODI 10463206 at NHTSA ↗	2118.9% ODI 10472369 · 128,999 mi LOUD NOISE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DASHBOARD CHIRPING AND VIBRATING . WHEN I APPLIED BRAKES IT WAS LIKE U HAD NO BRAKES I APPLIED IT AGAIN N THE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN AT THE SAME TIME THERE WAS A CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM DASH BOARD I TRIED TO STOP THE CAR AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER HITTING THE SIDE RAIL OF THE FREEWAY . AT THE MOMENT THE ABS LIGHTS CAME IN TURN THE CAR OFF ONCE WE TURNED THE CAR BACK ON THE BRAKES SEEMED TO BE WORKING JUST FINE BUT KNOW I'M UNABLE TO DRIVE IT THIS IS THE 5 TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE. I … Look up ODI 10472369 at NHTSA ↗	512.8% ODI 10496520 · 135,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ABS, EMERGENCY BRAKE, AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRIC MOTOR IN THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER UNIT FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED ON ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FA… Look up ODI 10496520 at NHTSA ↗	240.0% ODI 10631989 · 189,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS HARD TO DEPRESS. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HAD TO BE ACTIVATED IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE HYDRAULIC BOOSTER SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REMEDIED… Look up ODI 10631989 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	250.0% ODI 10522688 I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON A MAIN ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY I FOUND I COULD NOT BRAKE WHATSOEVER USING MY PEDAL I WAS ABLE TO SLOW DOWN AND PARK THE VEHICLE USING SOLELY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. UPON CLOSER INSPECTION BY MY MECHANIC I LEARNED THE ABS PUMP HAD GONE BAD AND THAT MY BRAKES AWD SYSTEM AND ANTI LOCK BRAKES SYSTEM WERE ALSO RENDERED UNUSABLE DUE TO THE ABS HYDRAULIC ASSEMBLY BEING FAULTY. *TR Look up ODI 10522688 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	11.2% ODI 500799 OUTSIDE BRAKE HOSE FROM PIVOT TO CALIPER FAILED. *SD Look up ODI 500799 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	2313.9% ODI 10071976 · 27,000 mi WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY BRAKES FAILED. THIS CAUSED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE, AND CONSUMER HAD TO SWITCH TO NEUTRAL TO DECELERATE THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK Look up ODI 10071976 at NHTSA ↗	1715.3% ODI 10075266 · 500 mi CAR EITHER FAILS TO STOP OR IS SLOW TO STOP RESULTING IN SEVERAL NEAR CRASHES. THIS CAR HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER AND TO LOCAL BRAKES SHOPS NUMEROUS TIMES TO NO AVAIL. *AK Look up ODI 10075266 at NHTSA ↗	512.8% ODI 10167605 · 11,000 mi RECENT INCIDENT OF RIGHT BACK WHEEL DISPLAYING EXCESSIVE NOISE AND IMPAIRING DRIVING, AS WELL AS REPEATED INCIDENTS OF BRAKE WEAR, MALFUNCTION AND EXCESSIVE BRAKE NOISES. REPEATED REPLACEMENT OF REAR RIGHT ROTOR. DRIVER WAS IN FEAR FOR HER SAFETY. *NM Look up ODI 10167605 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Vacuum	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	2414.5% ODI 10130973 DT: THE SERVICE BRAKE WAS DOING THE SAME THING AS STATED IN THE RECALL FOR ACCUMULATOR ON THE BRAKE SYSTEM . IT MADE A PRESSURE NOISE FROM UNDERNEATH WHERE MASTER CYLINDER WAS AND THE BRAKE BOOSTER. THE WHOLE PIECE WILL ACTUALLY SHAKEN. HAVE NOT CONTACTED THE DEALER. THEY WILL CHARGE TO LOOK AT IT. *AK Look up ODI 10130973 at NHTSA ↗	1513.5% ODI 10092744 · 5,535 mi THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN RECALL 01V254001. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR UPON TRYING TO STOP. AK ULTIMATELY, THE CONSUMER HAD AN ACCIDENT AS A RESULT OF THE BRAKE FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL, HOWEVER THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL.JB Look up ODI 10092744 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	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	325.0% ODI 826414 ABS WARNING LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED, INDICATING MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE SYSTEM. CAUSE UNKNOWN. ALSO REPLACED DOME LIGHTS, AND DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR SWITCH JAMS. *AK Look up ODI 826414 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	13.2% ODI 874302 THEIR IS A LOW SPOT IN BRAKES BEFORE THEY CATCH WHEN PEDAL IS APPLIED. THERE IS A RECALL FOR BRAKE HOSE (00V-226) WHICH CAN DEVELOP A LEAK. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK Look up ODI 874302 at NHTSA ↗	33.5% ODI 480192 PREMATURE WEAR OF BRAKE PADS. Look up ODI 480192 at NHTSA ↗	13.7% ODI 868614 ABS BRAKING SYSTEM WAS NOT OPERABLE AND BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON DASHBOARD. BRAKES MADE GRINDING AND STREAKING NOISES. ALSO, VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED.*AK Look up ODI 868614 at NHTSA ↗	711.1% ODI 719928 I HAVE NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES AND CD CHANGER ON THIS VEHICLE, AS WELL AS NUMBROUS OTHER PROBLEMS. PLEASE ADVISE IF I HAVE ANY RECOURSE? *AK Look up ODI 719928 at NHTSA ↗	34.1% ODI 845230 WHENEVER BRAKES ARE APPLIED, VEHICLE WOULD SLIDE OR SKID. INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. TOOK TO DEALER & INFORMED BRAKES ARE STICKING. WOULD HAVE ODORS/FUMES COMING INSIDE VEHICLE. ALSO, SOME SQUEAKING COMING FROM FRONT END. *AK Look up ODI 845230 at NHTSA ↗	12.5% ODI 720029 MY TRUK HAS PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES. THEY CHIME AND HAVE MESSED UP. MY TRUCK GOED SIDE TO SIDE. ALSO, TOLD ME THAT THE FREON IS LEAKING, WHEN YOU DRIVE YOU FEEL IT . IAM SO MAD THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE . THANK YOU MRS JACKIE MUNOZ. *AK Look up ODI 720029 at NHTSA ↗	59.8% ODI 729535 ON 7/13/00, WHILE TRAVELLING ON CITY STREET @ 25-30 MPH & MAINTAINING ADEQUATE DISTANCE ( AT LEAST 2 CAR LENGTHS )FROM VEHICLE IN FRONT, DRIVER OF SAID VEHICLE STOPPED IN LANE ( AT A GREEN LIGHT )TO AVOID HITTING CARS IN FRONT OF HIM THAT HAD STOPPED, I PRESSED DOWN ON MY BRAKES & IT FAILED TO STOP MY VEHICLE. I PRESSED THE PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR (WHILE BRUISING 3 TOES ON MY RIGHT FOOT);WAS UNABLE TO STOP, VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ROLL INTO THE BACK OF THE OTHER VEHILCE. BRAKES DEFINITELY FAILED. WAS RECORDED BY POLICE OFFICER IN HIS REPORT… Look up ODI 729535 at NHTSA ↗	63.6% ODI 10032666 · 40,892 mi WE HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE RECALL PART 01V254001, THE DEALER REPLACED THIS PART BUT THE BRAKE BOOSTER IS DAMAGED , THERFORE, THE PART MALFUCTIONS. *AK Look up ODI 10032666 at NHTSA ↗	65.4% ODI 10111761 · 35,657 mi WHILE DRIVING THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND STAYED ON THE REMAINDER OF THE TIME THAT VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.*AK Look up ODI 10111761 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	120.0% ODI 10137114 · 8,000 mi DT: THE CONTACT STATES THE BRAKES HAD LESS THAN 8,000 MILES ON THEM BEFORE THEY NEEDED TO BE CHANGED, AND WERE CHANGED IN MAY 2005. CURRENTLY, NEED NEW FRONT BRAKES . THE DEALER AND MITSUBISHI POINTED THE FINGER AT EACH OTHER. THE BRAKES WERE MAKING A SQUEAKING/GRINDING NOISE.*AK Look up ODI 10137114 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	34.8% ODI 10081177 · 75,000 mi 1 - THIS JUST STARTED HAPPENING, NO ACCIDENT OR MISUSE. 2 - VEHICLE WILL NOT START AT TIMES AND MUST KEEP TURNING IGNITION, EVENTUALLY IT STATS. (CHANGED BATTERY, TERMINALS, WIRES, ETC, WITH NO AFFECT) ALARM GOES OFF SPORADICALLY OR SETS ON IT'S OWN. DOOR LOCKS UNLOCK, THEN IMMEDIATELY LOCK BACK. WINDOWS ARE NOT GOING UP CORRECTLY AND ARE TILTING SLIGHTLY CAUSING A SMALL AIR LEAK ON BOTH FRONT WINDOWS. ALL PROBLEMS ARE ANNOYING BUT I CAN STILL GET FROM POINT A TO POINT B. THIS HAPPENS EVERY DAY.*AK Look up ODI 10081177 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	12.5% ODI 10012128 THE ALARM SYSTEM WENT OFF WITHOUT WARNING AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHUT DOWN. *JB Look up ODI 10012128 at NHTSA ↗	47.8% ODI 10282242 2000 MITSUBISHI MONTERO REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW BUTTON CAUGHT FIRE. *TR Look up ODI 10282242 at NHTSA ↗	137.8% ODI 10162012 · 45,000 mi MONTERO UNDER 50,000 MILES. HAVE TO REPLACE COMPRESSOR, ALIGNMENT BARS FOR SUN ROOF, AND BRAKES. COST $2700 WITH LABOR. HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR 4 MONTHS. NO WARRANTY LEFT. MONTERO HAS TO BE JUMPED TO TURN ON, BUCKS WITH DEFROST ON, NO AIR, NO RADIO, AND BRAKES ARE BAD. DEALER WILL NOT HELP WITH COST. *NM Look up ODI 10162012 at NHTSA ↗	76.3% ODI 10265392 · 102,933 mi CAR STALLED DUE TO DRINK (WHICH WAS IN DRINK HOLDER) SPILLING ACROSS SHIFT AREA DURING SUDDEN BRAKING - APPARENTLY LIQUID SHORTED OUT WIRING AND CAR WOULDN'T DRIVE AGAIN UNTIL IT DRIED OUT - IF THESE TWO ITEMS MUST BE CLOSE TOGETHER THEN THE GEAR/SHIFT AREA SHOULD BE WATER TIGHT/PROOF - FOR SURE THIS COULD CAUSE DAMAGE/CRASH/DEATH/INJURY. *TR Look up ODI 10265392 at NHTSA ↗	37.7% ODI 10037616 · 50,000 mi AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE WAS CAUSING ALL ELECTRICAL OPERATED COMPONENTS TO MALFUNCTION OR INOPERATIVE. FOR EXAMPLE, AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS/INTERIOR LIGHTS/RADIO AND ETC. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED ALTHOUGH VEHICLE HAD BEEN SERVICED SEVERAL TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM.*AK Look up ODI 10037616 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Unknown Or Other	18.3% ODI 10025107 WHILE DRIVING THE FRONT WHEEL LOCKED UP. *NLM Look up ODI 10025107 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	622.2% ODI 526678 VEHICLE ABRUPTLY LOSES SIGNIFICANT POWER. ALSO, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. Look up ODI 526678 at NHTSA ↗	23.2% ODI 10081177 · 75,000 mi 1 - THIS JUST STARTED HAPPENING, NO ACCIDENT OR MISUSE. 2 - VEHICLE WILL NOT START AT TIMES AND MUST KEEP TURNING IGNITION, EVENTUALLY IT STATS. (CHANGED BATTERY, TERMINALS, WIRES, ETC, WITH NO AFFECT) ALARM GOES OFF SPORADICALLY OR SETS ON IT'S OWN. DOOR LOCKS UNLOCK, THEN IMMEDIATELY LOCK BACK. WINDOWS ARE NOT GOING UP CORRECTLY AND ARE TILTING SLIGHTLY CAUSING A SMALL AIR LEAK ON BOTH FRONT WINDOWS. ALL PROBLEMS ARE ANNOYING BUT I CAN STILL GET FROM POINT A TO POINT B. THIS HAPPENS EVERY DAY.*AK Look up ODI 10081177 at NHTSA ↗	56.8% ODI 11415421 AT THE MOMENT THE ONLY SITUATION THAT I HAVE HAD WITH THE MITSUBISHI AIRBAG RECALL IS THAT WHEN I CALL THE CUSTOMER RELATIONS DEPARTMENT THEY SAY THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS, THAT SUPPOSEDLY THE MITSUBISHI COMPANY HAS NOT YET SENT THE REPLACEMENT PARTS.....I HAVE TO CALL WITHIN 2 MONTHS TO SEE IF THE PARTS HAVE ARRIVED AT THE REPAIR SHOPS. Look up ODI 11415421 at NHTSA ↗	25.0% ODI 11122350 · 174,598 mi ALTO RIESGO EN EL TORNILLO DE DAMPER Y CUA , MITSUBISHI MONTERO 199 3,0 LITROS YA A VOTADO YA 4 VECES EL TORNILLO DEL DAMPER Y HA HECHO AVERIAS AL MOTOR Y ME SIENTO INISEGURO EN EL VEHICULO , LA MITSUBISHIEN PR TENEN CONOCIMIENTO DEL RECALL Y LAS VECES QUE HA ROTO LA MONTERO Y NO QUIERE HACERSE RESPONSABLES NECESITO AYUDA , POR FAVOR YA HA SIDO MUCHAS VECES Y ESTO ES UN ALTO RIESGO , SEGUN SUS NORMAS Look up ODI 11122350 at NHTSA ↗	23.9% ODI 11075657 I GOT BRAKES CHANGED ON MY MONTERO TWICE IN 3 YEARS HAPPEN AGAIN WHILE DRIVING BRAKE FAIL PADS CAME OUT OF CALIPER BRAKES KEEPS GOING BAD AFTER 1.5 TO TWO YEARS DID CALIPERS CHANGE AS WELL SAME THING CALIPERS WILL GET STUCK AND PADS WILL COME OUT THEY HAVE A RECALL ON 1997 1998 MODELS FOR BRAKES ISSUE NOT 1999 AND 2000 Look up ODI 11075657 at NHTSA ↗	53.0% ODI 10937224 · 178,000 mi HORN ON CAR STARTS BLOWING FOR UNKNOWN REASON, CAR WAS NOT RUNNING AND WAS VERY COLD. I WAS TOLD THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE OF HORN TRIGGER WAS SENSITIVE TO COLD WEATHER. Look up ODI 10937224 at NHTSA ↗	43.6% ODI 10101558 RE SAFETY RECALL SR-04-008 FM MITSUBISHI FOR 2002 MONTERO, HAVING SAFETY NOTICE AUTHORIZED BY DEALERSHIP IN ROTA, SPAIN. BF THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECALL DID NOT APPLY TO HER VEHICLE ANY LONGER. SC Look up ODI 10101558 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	120.0% ODI 11030570 THERE ARE HOLES IN FRAME IN FRONT AREA THE REST OF FRAME FROM CONVER IS OK WANTED TO KNOW WHAT OR HOW GET FIXED THIS WAS LIKE THIS WHEN I PURCHASED IT IF I NEED TO SEND PHOTOS LET ME KNOW SOME HOW IT WAS MISSING THE CALLIC CONVER THAT I NOTICED THE HOLES ON BOTH SIDES IT WAS ALSO BLOWNEN BEAK LIGHTS OUT I PAY & 98 TO HAVE FIX Look up ODI 11030570 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Air Bags	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	11.6% ODI 535132 NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG DURING VEHICLE COLLISION. Look up ODI 535132 at NHTSA ↗	34.1% ODI 11362913 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V035000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. Look up ODI 11362913 at NHTSA ↗	512.5% ODI 10109610 · 80,000 mi NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE FOR RECALL#D17 CONCERNING AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING. MASSEY YARDLEY, [phone removed]. *AK Look up ODI 10109610 at NHTSA ↗	47.8% ODI 10389745 · 100,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, SHE SWERVED TO AVOID HITTING AN OBJECT ON THE ROADWAY AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER THREE TIMES AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES TO BOTH ARMS. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. Look up ODI 10389745 at NHTSA ↗	74.2% ODI 10062476 · 69,000 mi ROLL OVER ACCIDENT IN 2001 MONTERO LTD. AT 65 MPH THE TRUCK WAS ROLLED OVER 2.5 TIMES AND ENDED UP RESTING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. OF THE FOUR AIRBAGS AVAILABLE, NOT ONE DEPLOYED. THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR PASSENGER EXTERIOR DOOR SKIN, PASSENGER SIDE FRONT INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR DOOR SKINS WERE COMPLETELY REMOVED. THE ROOF WAS RESTING ON THE STEERING WHEEL. PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD PILLAR SEPARATED AT BODY. DRIVERS SIDE HEADREST BENT AT 90-DEGREE ANGLE TOWARDS HOOD. PICTURES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. Look up ODI 10062476 at NHTSA ↗	54.5% ODI 10653550 · 90,000 mi AGING OF THE COSMETIC VINYL COVERING ON STEERING WHEEL THAT COVERS AIR BAG MODULE WILL CONTRACT TOO MUCH IN COLD WEATHER, APPROXIMATELY 40 DEGREES F OR LOWER CAUSING CAR HORN TO GO OFF EVEN WITHOUT ENGINE RUNNING. THE VINYL COVERING SQUEEZES THE CAR HORN CONTACTS THAT ARE JUST UNDER THE COVER AND ON TOP OF AIR BAG MODULE. *TR Look up ODI 10653550 at NHTSA ↗	37.7% ODI 10154690 · 100,000 mi DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55MPH A DEER WAS STRUCK WITH THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. WHILE APPLYING BRAKE PRESSURE THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO GAIN SPEED, SPUN AROUND, VEERED OFF THE ROAD AND ROLLED OVER FOUR TIMES IN A DITCH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN THE ACCIDENT. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS NOT ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE CRASH. THERE WERE THREE OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE ALL OF WHICH WERE WEARING SEAT BELTS. THE CONTACT WAS SIX MONTHS PREGNANT AND RECEIVED INJURIES DURING THE ACCIDENT. THE POLICE WERE ALERTED AND A REPORT WAS F… Look up ODI 10154690 at NHTSA ↗	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
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Service Brakes	135,000–187,000 mi	145,000 mi	5	ODI 10496520 · 135,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ABS, EMERGENCY BRAKE, AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRIC MOTOR IN THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER UNIT FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED ON ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FA… Look up ODI 10496520 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10556663 · 145,000 mi I WAS DRIVING, STARTED HEARING OOZING SOUND THEN I APPLIED BRAKES, VERY HARD AND WON'T GO DOWN. THEN I PULLED OVER THE SIDE CURB AND THE CURB STOPPED THE CARD. *TR Look up ODI 10556663 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10585588 · 187,800 mi I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND A BUZZER. I THEN WENT TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND STOP BUT THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD NOT BUDGE. IT WAS LIKE THERE WAS A BRICK UNDER IT. THERE WAS NO WAY OF STOPPING SAFELY. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OF ME. I HAD TO YOU THE TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT DOWN. PRESSED AS HARD AS I COULD ON BRAKES AND FINALLY STOPPED. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND HAVE DISCOVERED IT IS QUITE COMMON. HOW IS IT SAFE FOR A VEHICLE WITH A ANTILOCK BRAKE MALFUNCTION TO TAKE OUT THE BRAKE SYSTEM COMPLETELY… Look up ODI 10585588 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	Too few reports for a range	110,900 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10167605 · 11,000 mi RECENT INCIDENT OF RIGHT BACK WHEEL DISPLAYING EXCESSIVE NOISE AND IMPAIRING DRIVING, AS WELL AS REPEATED INCIDENTS OF BRAKE WEAR, MALFUNCTION AND EXCESSIVE BRAKE NOISES. REPEATED REPLACEMENT OF REAR RIGHT ROTOR. DRIVER WAS IN FEAR FOR HER SAFETY. NM Look up ODI 10167605 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10256903 · 107,800 mi IN 2007 I HAD THE BRAKES TO MY 2003 MITSUBUSHI MONTERO LIMITED REPLACED BECAUSE I FELT THEY MY TRUCK WOULD NOT STOP AS DESIRED. AFTER HAVING THE BRAKES REPLACED IT APPEARS THAT THE PROBLEM BECAME WORSE. I TOOK MY VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY ASSURED ME THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. IN DEC 2007 I TRIED STOPPING IN LESS THAN 3 INCHES OF SNOW. MY TRUCK WOULD NOT STOP, I ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT. WHEN I HIT THE BRAKES IT SOUNDED AND FELT LIKE THE BRAKES WERE GRINDING OR EVEN A CRUNCHING SOUND. WHEN DRIVING IN DRY CONDITIONS THE… Look up ODI 10256903 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10365734 · 114,000 mi I HAVE A 2003 MONTERO LIMITED AND SUDDENLY MY BRAKES FAILED AND THE CAR HAD A HIGH PIERCING NOISE. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A NEAR BY MITSUBISHI DEALER IN MARLOW HEIGHTS MARYLAND ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT IF IT WAS THE ACCUMULATOR THEY WOULD FIXED IT AT NO CHARGE. HOWEVER, AFTER THEIR REVIEW IT THEY SAID IT WAS THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER AND IT WOULD COST ME $2500 AFTER TAKING IT TO ANOTHER MECHANICAL SHOP I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE ACCUMULATOR AND THE PART WAS $228 PLUS LABOR CHARGES. TR Look up ODI 10365734 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags	Too few reports for a range	100,000 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10154690 · 100,000 mi DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55MPH A DEER WAS STRUCK WITH THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. WHILE APPLYING BRAKE PRESSURE THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO GAIN SPEED, SPUN AROUND, VEERED OFF THE ROAD AND ROLLED OVER FOUR TIMES IN A DITCH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN THE ACCIDENT. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS NOT ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE CRASH. THERE WERE THREE OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE ALL OF WHICH WERE WEARING SEAT BELTS. THE CONTACT WAS SIX MONTHS PREGNANT AND RECEIVED INJURIES DURING THE ACCIDENT. THE POLICE WERE ALERTED AND A REPORT WAS F… Look up ODI 10154690 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10174759 · 40,000 mi I WAS OPERATING A 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO WHEN I REAR ENDED A MERCURY MOUNTAINEER AND PROJECTED IT INTO 2 OTHER VEHICLES...... HEAVY DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF MY MONTERO, HOWEVER, MY DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT GO OFF. I WAS PROJECTED INTO THE STEERING COLUMN AND THEN MY HEAD WENT THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. JB Look up ODI 10174759 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10662222 · 177,000 mi THE HORN GOES OFF BY ITSELF THE PADS WHERE STUCK AND IT COST $1000 TO REPAIR SINCE IT NEEDS TO REMOVE THE STEERING AIRBAG,THIS SHOULD BE ON A RECALL.THIS HAS A LOT OF PROBLEMS WHO HAS SAME MODEL ON MITSUBISHI FORUMS FOUND HERE HTTP://MITSUBISHIFORUM.COM/FORUM/MITSUBISHI-MONTERO-MONTERO-SPORT-14/HORN-ACTIVATE-ITSELF-01-MONTERO-LTD-28034/. *TR Look up ODI 10662222 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	Too few reports for a range	109,000 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10037616 · 50,000 mi AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE WAS CAUSING ALL ELECTRICAL OPERATED COMPONENTS TO MALFUNCTION OR INOPERATIVE. FOR EXAMPLE, AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS/INTERIOR LIGHTS/RADIO AND ETC. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED ALTHOUGH VEHICLE HAD BEEN SERVICED SEVERAL TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM.AK Look up ODI 10037616 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10433766 · 168,000 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. WHILE PARKED, THE HORN BEGAN TO SOUND CONTINUOUSLY. THE CONTACT DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY IN ORDER TO STOP THE HORN. THE FAILURE RECURRED DIFFERENT TWICE, BOTH TIMES DURING COLDER WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS OR REPAIRS. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,000. Look up ODI 10433766 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	Too few reports for a range	151,973 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10228163 · 73,945 mi LOUD HUMMING NOISE FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR END. EXCESSIVE WEAR ON REAR DRIVERS SIDE TIRE. GOT LOUDER THE HIGHER THE MPH WENT. HAD MECHANIC INSPECT AND FOUND THE ARM FROM THE WHEEL TO THE DIFFERENTIAL WAS SEPARATED AND ABOUT TO COME APART. MISTUBISHI DEALER REPAIRED AND CHARGED 2100.00 TO FIX. TR Look up ODI 10228163 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10621355 · 230,000 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD PIERCING SOUND WHEN THE IGNITION WAS STARTED. ALL OF THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 230,000. Look up ODI 10621355 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	Too few reports for a range	26,750 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10075816 · 37,500 mi THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE SLOWING DOWN FOR A STOP LIGHT. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE IS IN DRIVE IT SOMETIMES ROLLS BACKWARDS AS IF IT IS IN NEUTRAL. AK NM Look up ODI 10075816 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10184274 · 16,000 mi I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 MITSUBISHI TO WORK ON FEBRUARY 5,2007, AT 6:30 A.M. WHEN, ALL AT ONCE I HEARD A GROANING NOISE AND THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE "ENGINE FAILURE" LIGHT ALSO CAME ON. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFFENED AND JUST LUCKILY I WAS CLOSE ENOUGH TO AN AUTO REPAIR STATION/WRECKER SERVICE TO COAST INTO. I CALLED MY BOYFRIEND TO COME AND TAKE ME TO WORK,AND HE THEN CALLED THE MITSUBISHI "ROADSIDE SERVICE" NUMBER TO TOW IT TO THE CLOSEST DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT AND REPAIRED. LATER THAT DAY HE CALLED TO SEE WHAT THE P… Look up ODI 10184274 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel System, Gasoline	Too few reports for a range	26,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10080910 · 26,000 mi HESITATION AND STALLING BETWEEN 0-45 MPH AT SLIGHTLY ABOVE 3/4 FULL TANK OF GAS. VEHICLE LEAKS SUBSTANTIAL QUANTITY OF FUEL WHEN PARKED ON INCLINE AT SLIGHTLY ABOVE 3/4 TANK OF GAS. IN ADDITION, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT FILLING PROPERLY AT THE GAS PUMP (PUMP CONTINUALLY SHUT OFF AS IF TANK WERE FULL EVEN THOUGH IT WAS NOT). THESE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED WITH OUR 2002 MONTERO WHICH WAS RETURNED TO MITSUBISHI THROUGH THE LEMON LAW. THESE PROBLEMS BEGAN AT 26,000 MILES, PROBLEMS OCCURRED WITH OTHER VEHICLE STARTING AT 9,000 MILES. IN THE 2003, THE… Look up ODI 10080910 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

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

ComponentPeriod

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
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09 (partial)	None	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.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2005: 0 complaints · 2006: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2005	0	0	0
2006	0	0	1

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2005	0	0	1
2006	4	0	0

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
Component	Service Brakes	Service Brakes, Hydraulic	Air Bags	Electrical System	Power Train	Engine And Engine Cooling	Fuel System, Gasoline	Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage
Service Brakes	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	0	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Air Bags	0	0	—	0	0	0	0	0
Electrical System	0	0	0	—	0	0	0	0
Power Train	0	0	0	0	—	0	0	0
Engine And Engine Cooling	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Fuel System, Gasoline	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—

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.

Search patterns

4 patterns with matching reports.

Brake response concerns

5 mentions · 12.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 135,000 mi (5 usable records).

ODI 10365734 · 114,000 mi

I HAVE A 2003 MONTERO LIMITED AND SUDDENLY MY BRAKES FAILED AND THE CAR HAD A HIGH PIERCING NOISE. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A NEAR BY MITSUBISHI DEALER IN MARLOW HEIGHTS MARYLAND ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT IF IT WAS THE ACCUMULATOR THEY WOULD FIXED IT AT NO CHARGE. HOWEVER, AFTER THEIR REVIEW IT THEY SAID IT WAS THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER AND IT WOULD COST ME $2500 AFTER TAKING IT TO ANOTHER MECHANICAL SHOP I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE ACCUMULATOR AND THE PART WAS $228 PLUS LABOR CHARGES. *TR

Look up ODI 10365734 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10382546 · 190,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. WHILE THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH AND WAS APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKES DID NOT RESPOND. THERE WAS A LIGHT BLINKING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND AN ALARM WENT OFF. THE CONTACT STATED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS PULLED IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO COME TO COME TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.

Look up ODI 10382546 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10496520 · 135,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ABS, EMERGENCY BRAKE, AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRIC MOTOR IN THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER UNIT FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED ON ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FA…

Look up ODI 10496520 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

3 mentions · 7.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 100,000 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10154690 · 100,000 mi

Look up ODI 10154690 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10649213 · 93,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH DOWN A SLIGHT INCLINE, THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO RESPOND AND THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO STOP. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000.

Look up ODI 10649213 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10881447 · 130,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FROM THE DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A STRONG HESITATION AS THE FAILURE PROGRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Look up ODI 10881447 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Stalling or loss of power

2 mentions · 5.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 31,750 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10075816 · 37,500 mi

THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE SLOWING DOWN FOR A STOP LIGHT. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE IS IN DRIVE IT SOMETIMES ROLLS BACKWARDS AS IF IT IS IN NEUTRAL. *AK *NM

Look up ODI 10075816 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10080910 · 26,000 mi

Look up ODI 10080910 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 2.6% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10130868

Look up ODI 10130868 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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