RoadVitals

2004 Mitsubishi Montero

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

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.
5
Latest Jun 23, 2022
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Sep 1, 2004
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
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.
0

Overview

Our database contains 5 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2004 Mitsubishi Montero, most frequently naming the brakes and steering categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 43 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Brakes480.0%
  • Steering120.0%

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

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
04V428000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Sep 1, 2004
100,432 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.' THE BILINGUAL ENGLISH/SPANISH REMOVABLE AIR BAG WARNING LABELS AFFIXED TO THE DASH AND TO THE SUNVISOR DO NOT MEET THE SIZE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
The risk: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
The remedy: MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN WILL MAIL A CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION LETTER CONTAINING A WRITTEN DESCRIPTION AND A GRAPHIC OF THE BI-LINGUAL DASHBOARD AIR BAG WARNING LABEL. IN ADDITION, ALL CURRENT 2000-2004 NATIVA OWNERS WILL ALSO RECEIVE REPLACEMENT AIR BAG ALERT LABELS FOR THE SUN VISORS. THIS RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH OR APRIL 2005. THE NOTIFICATION TO THE NATIVA OWNERS IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL OR MAY 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN AT 1-787-251-8715.
MITSUBISHI CARIBBEANView on NHTSA.gov
04V319000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE

Jul 6, 2004
44,214 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS FULL AND THE VEHICLE IS PARKED FACING FORWARD ON AN UPWARD SLOPE, THE FUEL TANK LEVELING VALVE MAY NOT MAINTAIN PROPER SEALING IN THE EVENT THE FUEL EXPANDS FROM A RISE IN THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE.
The risk: IF THE FUEL LEVELING VALVE DOES NOT SEAL PROPERLY, FUEL MAY LEAK ONTO THE GROUND. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEVELING VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037 OR MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN AT 1-787-251-8715.
MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA, INC.Manufacturer number SR-04-008View on NHTSA.gov
04V095000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Feb 20, 2004
491 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHTS AS STATED ON THE TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL ARE IN ERROR.
The risk: THIS INFORMATION COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN CONSUMERS LOADING THEIR VEHICLES BEYOND THE GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR).
The remedy: OWNERS WILL BE SENT REPLACEMENT LABELS WITH INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO INSTALL THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 14, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.
MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

BrakesSteering
Filed Jun 23, 2022

2004 Mitsubishi Montero Limited: Hydraulic Brake Booster is malfunctioning, making a ("gobble-gobble", squirrel-like chirping sound) almost every time the brake pedal is pressed. Hwy driving, without the use of brakes, the frequent "chirping" sounds still occur. Under medium to heavy braking, the vehicle shudders and shakes. This specific sound is made in all gear selections and even when the car's battery is on/engine off. Upon inspection of the hydraulic brake booster under the hood, the unit shakes when the chirp sound is made. Duration of the sound lasts around one second and it happens frequently (5-10 times per minute).

NHTSA ID
11470732
Incident
Jan 31, 2021
Filed Sep 29, 2017

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

NHTSA ID
11030570
Incident
Feb 6, 2016
Brakes
Filed Sep 9, 2014

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 ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V254001 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,000.

NHTSA ID
10631989
Incident
Jun 1, 2010
Mileage
189,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Oct 9, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS A COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKE POWER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO PUMP THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE DIAGNOSES PULLED APPROXIMATELY 20 DIFFERENT CODES. AS OF OCTOBER 9, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 125,000.

NHTSA ID
10205257
Incident
Oct 4, 2007
Mileage
125,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Sep 20, 2005

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

NHTSA ID
10137114
Incident
Sep 13, 2005
Mileage
8,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

DEALER LETTER

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.

TSB-23-00-004

STRUCTURE

This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.

TSB-23-00-001

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the reduction in load carrying capacity be affixed to vehicles when the total net weight of accessories is more than 1.5 percent of the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or 100 lbs.

DEALER LETTER

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 2nd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.

TSB-22-54-003

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to explain the difference between normal dew condensation, which is a natural phenomenon, and water penetration caused by improper sealing or a defective/broken part.

TT253

EQUIPMENT

This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mitsubishi Montero by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2006400—
2005100—
2004Viewing530—
2003392048.2
20021113156.5
20011664053.0
2000512051.3
1999402050.8
1998744157.3
1997632051.5
1996272042.5
1995862051.4
1994315048.1
1993143040.6
1992124048.1
1991182153.1
1990231253.9
1989102258.2
1988111—
1987311—
1986412—
1985000—
1984010—
1983000—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.