RoadVitals

2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
54
Latest Sep 4, 2022
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
16
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
14

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Brakes1117.5%
  • Airbags1117.5%
  • Engine711.1%
  • Electrical711.1%
  • Body & structure57.9%
  • Visibility34.8%
  • Fuel system34.8%
  • Powertrain (other)34.8%
  • Steering34.8%
  • Tires & wheels34.8%
  • Exterior lighting23.2%
  • Seat belts11.6%
  • Transmission11.6%
  • Suspension11.6%
  • Other / unspecified11.6%
  • Driver assistance11.6%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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,,

NHTSA ID 11022445 · filed Sep 9, 2017

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 HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER ACCUMULATOR WITH THE NEW MODEL. AFFECTED VEHICLES ARE 2001-2002 MITSUBISHI MODELS PRODUCED BEFORE 6/20/01. I DON'T KNOW THE EXACT DATE MY CAR WAS PRODUCED BUT THIS IS THE PROBLEM FOR SURE. I TOOK IT TO A SECOND MECHANIC AND HE AGREED. THE CAR DOES NOT STOP PROPERLY AND I AM VERY AFRAID TO DRIVE IT.

NHTSA ID 11022029 · filed Sep 6, 2017
All 11 reports naming brakes

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 10785008 · filed Oct 21, 2015

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 DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE EVERY TIME I HOOKED THE BATTERY CABLE BACK UP THE HORN STAYED ON. I AM CONSIDERING DISABLING THE HORN ALTOGETHER. *TR

NHTSA ID 10556927 · filed Dec 21, 2013
All 11 reports naming airbags

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 RECALL.

NHTSA ID 11427619 · filed Aug 3, 2021

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. DURING AN OIL CHANGE, FIRESTONE FOUND A LEAK IN THE GASKET AND VALVE. THE MECHANIC BELIEVED THE FLOW ENGINE VALVE CAUSED THE LEAK. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE PURCHASE DATE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID 10209553 · filed Nov 20, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I checked and there's several recalls on the vehicle and I purchase it last year from the dealership and I never received anything about the recalls and now my vehicle doesn't want to start it lock me out.

NHTSA ID 11482835 · filed Sep 4, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID 10785008 · filed Oct 21, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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,,

NHTSA ID 11022445 · filed Sep 9, 2017

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

NHTSA ID 10651571 · filed Oct 31, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE REAR VIEW MIRROR CHANGES AUTOMATICALLY TO NIGHT VISION YOU CAN NOT CHANGE IT BACK. IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE CARS BEHIND YOU WITH THE WAY IT CHANGES AND HOW CLOSE THEY ARE TO YOU. MY DAUGHTER BACKED INTO SOMEONE BECAUSE SHE COULD NOT TELL THEY WERE BEHIND HER. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THIS ALSO. I THINK IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO ADJUST THE MIRROR YOURSELF. AND YOU CAN'T. *TR

NHTSA ID 10537323 · filed Aug 26, 2013

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. HE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH WHEN IT WAS RAINING AND THE WIPERS WERE ON, THE LEFT SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER EXTENDED OFF OF THE WINDSHIELD BUT IT WAS STILL ATTACHED TO THE WIPER MOTOR. HE NOTICED THAT THE WIPER WAS ALSO SLIGHTLY DETACHED FROM THE METAL MOUNTING. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE AT THIS TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,8069 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,8085.

NHTSA ID 10314375 · filed Feb 25, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I checked and there's several recalls on the vehicle and I purchase it last year from the dealership and I never received anything about the recalls and now my vehicle doesn't want to start it lock me out.

NHTSA ID 11482835 · filed Sep 4, 2022

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,,

NHTSA ID 11022445 · filed Sep 9, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DRIVE MODE SELECTOR WILL NOT MOVE FROM THE AWD POSITION.

NHTSA ID 11103604 · filed Jun 23, 2018

SAME PROBLEM AS WITH THE COMPLAINT LISTED BELOW. I BLAMED MY MECHANIC AND NEARLY SUED HIM FOR FAILURE TO PROPERLY MAINTAIN MY SUV. RESEARCH HAS PROVEN THIS TO BE NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI CASE NUMBER: 10054255 COMPONENT: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT:SEAL DETAILS: DEALERSHIP SAID THERE IS SLUDGE IN ENGINE DUE TO "LACK OF PROPER MAINTENANCE". WE'VE HAD THE OIL CHANGED ACCORDING TO THE MANUAL BUT BELIEVE THAT THE OIL PAN IS POSITIONED WRONG AS THE DEALERSHIPS TOLD US THAT ABOUT 1/4 INCH TO 1/2 INCH IS ALWAYS LEFT IN THE BOTTOM OF THE OIL PAN WHEN YOU CHANGE THE OIL, THEREFORE CREATING SLUDGE. THE OIL PUMP HAS ALSO GONE BAD ON THIS 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT, WITH 62,000 MILES. NO ONE WILL PICK UP THE BILL, EVEN THOUGH WE PAID FOR AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. WE'VE ALSO PUT THREE ALTERNATORS ON IT IN ONE MONTH AND HAD THE CAM SEALS REPLACED. CAM SEALS ALSO SEEM TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THOSE CARS, ACCORDING TO ONE TECHNICIAN. THESE PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN GOING ON SINCE NOVEMBER 2003. CB CAUSE: RESULT: OCCURENCES: 3INJURIES: 0 FAIL DATE: 01/02/2004DEATHS: 0 MCS CHECK DATE: 1/21/2004. *AK

NHTSA ID 10078331 · filed Jun 16, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 10000284 · filed Dec 19, 2002

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

NHTSA ID 10006637 · filed Dec 18, 2002

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN THE TRUCK FAILED TO RESPOND. THE DEALER SERVICED THE TRANSFER CASE BOX. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM

NHTSA ID 10052101 · filed Dec 30, 2003

I SENT A DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCIDENT THE ODI NUMBER IS 769218. JUST IN CASE YOU DIDN'T GET IT I'LL GO OVER THE DETAILS AGAIN. ON MAY 21, 2002 MY TWO RIGHT TIRES BLEW OUT WHILE I WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. AS A RESULT OF THE BLOW OUT MY CAR COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND AND WENT OUT OF CONTROL. LUCKILY THERE WERE NO FATALITIES. ALSO IT WAS DETERMINED THAT A BRAND NEW FRAME WAS NEEDED BECAUSE THE COLLISION WAS SO BAD. POLICE DID REPORT TO THE SCENE AND COULD FIND NO DEBRIS IN THE ROAD TO CAUSE THE BLOW OUT. MY CAR IS STILL IN THE SHOP. IT HAS BEEN THERE SINCE MAY 21, 2002. THANK YOU DT

NHTSA ID 769219 · filed Nov 2, 2002

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

BOTH HEAD LIGHT BEAMS SOMETIMES DISAPPEAR WHEN SWITCHING TO HIGH BEAM WHILE DRIVING LEAVING YOU DRIVING IN THE DARK WITHOUT ANY LIGHTS.

NHTSA ID 10960167 · filed Mar 12, 2017

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AT NIGHT WITH THE HEADLIGHTS ILLUMINATED, THE HEADLIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS OF TURNING THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ON AND OFF, THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM PERSISTED, AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.

NHTSA ID 10170724 · filed Oct 13, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 WRONG. SERVICE MANAGER CLAIMS THEY CALLED MITSUBISHI AND HAVE BEEN ADVISED IT IS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. I CALLED AGAIN TO MITSUBISHI WHO ADVISED AGAIN I AM CORRECT. *NM

NHTSA ID 10106535 · filed Jan 18, 2005

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10089597 · filed Aug 24, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

AT ONLY 15 MILES PER HOUR, OUR MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT ROLLED OVER AND THE CAR WAS TOTALLED.*AK

NHTSA ID 10036722 · filed Aug 27, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10421099 · filed Aug 23, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

+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

NHTSA ID 10072955 · filed May 21, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .