2003 Mitsubishi Montero

Recalls

2 recalls name the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero. Newest first.

• Equipment › Other › Labels

  Sep 1, 2004NHTSA 04V428000100,432 vehicles

  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.

  Risk and remedy

  Risk

  This does not meet the requirements of the standard.

  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.

  Full recall details →

• Fuel system, gasoline › Storage

  Jul 6, 2004NHTSA 04V31900044,214 vehicles

  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.

  Risk and remedy

  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.

  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.

  Full recall details →

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Service brakes, hydraulic7
2. Power train6
3. Service brakes5
4. Fuel system, gasoline4
5. Electrical system4
6. Air bags3
7. Suspension3
8. Engine and engine cooling3
9. Seat belts2
10. Fuel system, other2

Latest complaints

• Jun 29, 2016NC130,000 mi
  Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor
  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…

  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.

• Jun 12, 2015MA162,000 mi
  Structure › Body
  TL* the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi montero. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle started to veer to the left independently. The contact stopped on the shoulder to check the tire pressure. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic. The technician put…

  TL* the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi montero. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle started to veer to the left independently. The contact stopped on the shoulder to check the tire pressure. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic. The technician put the vehicle on the lift and diagnosed that the entire sub frame was severely corroded. The technician stated that the repairs would have been more than what the vehicle was worth. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 162,000.

• May 8, 2015FL187,000 mi
  Service brakes
  A siren sound came on. My husband proceeded to get of the road. in his attempt, the brakes became very hard to press. the vehicle continued to roll as the brakes were being applied. he the pull the emergency brakes to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. aaa was called to tow the vehicle to a…

  A siren sound came on. My husband proceeded to get of the road. in his attempt, the brakes became very hard to press. the vehicle continued to roll as the brakes were being applied. he the pull the emergency brakes to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. aaa was called to tow the vehicle to a auto shop. after a thorough check, the owner (master mechanic) disassemble the braking system to check if the booster had failed, he stated the vehicle did not have a booster. I picked the vehicle up on friday, may 7 around 4:00pm. after traveling approximately 1 mile, the siren noise came back on. we are awaiting to have the truck towed again on monday. *tr

• Dec 4, 2014WA177,000 mi
  Air bags · Steering

  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

• Oct 22, 2014OH93,000 mi
  Service brakes · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Abs warning light

  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.

• Aug 11, 2014KY230,000 mi
  Power train

  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.

• Apr 29, 2014OR187,800 mi
  Service brakes
  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…

  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? I have contact mitsubishi and they said there IS no recall!! How IS this possible!?! This IS very unsafe I have had the vehicle parked since the incident. I feel mitsubishi needs to pay for this and upgrade the brake system. I have researched the price and would cost me 1700.00 to have the system replaced. With no guarantee of it not doing it again. *js

• Dec 19, 2013WI145,000 mi
  Service brakes

  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

• Jul 16, 2013MI
  Service brakes, hydraulic

  My hydraulic brake stop working I have to use the emergency brake the repair IS 2500 my car IS a 2003 with 90000 mile. *tr

• Feb 5, 2013MO135,000 mi
  Service brakes
  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…

  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 failure and current mileage was 135,000.

• Sep 28, 2012NC67,000 mi
  Fuel/propulsion system
  TL* the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi montero. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking fuel and a container had to be used to keep the fuel from leaking onto the ground. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the fuel was seeping through the fuel tank. The dealer…

  TL* the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi montero. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking fuel and a container had to be used to keep the fuel from leaking onto the ground. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the fuel was seeping through the fuel tank. The dealer advised that the fuel vac and vapor filter needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under nhtsa campaign ID number: 04v319000 (fuel system: gasoline storage) and provided no further assistance. The failure and the current mileages were 67,000.

• Nov 1, 2011NJ168,000 mi
  Electrical system

  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.

• Feb 14, 2011GA190,000 mi
  Service brakes, hydraulic
  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…

  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.

• Nov 15, 2010MD114,000 mi
  Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes, hydraulic
  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…

  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

• Jul 13, 2010PA83,000 mi
  Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
  TL* the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi montero. The contact was rotating the tires when he noticed one of the studs on the rear passenger wheel was fractured. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where the stud was replaced. The same failure has since recurred two additional times…

  TL* the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi montero. The contact was rotating the tires when he noticed one of the studs on the rear passenger wheel was fractured. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where the stud was replaced. The same failure has since recurred two additional times on the rear passenger side wheel in which the studs were replaced by the same independent mechanic. The failure mileage was 83,000 and the current mileage was 86,900.

• Jan 29, 2009MD107,800 miCrash
  Service brakes, hydraulic
  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…

  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 brakes appear to work very well but in wet or snow conditions it does not handle at all. Since then the front brakes was again replaced in nov 2008. Again on 27 jan 2009 I tried stopping in less than 2 inches of snow and the truck did not stop. I had to drive on the curb in order to stop. I was on a residential street and was driving less than 20 miles per hour. My brakes does not work in snow conditions or even in extremely wet conditions. *Tr

• Jul 28, 2008CO85,000 mi
  Suspension · Wheels

  Tl*the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi montero. while the contact's daughter was accelerating from a stop sign, she heard a popping sound. she had to maneuver the vehicle onto the side of the road. the front driver's side wheel was twisted. the vehicle has not been inspected. the current and failure mileages were 85,000. updated 09/15/08 *bf updated 09/18/08. *Jb

• May 19, 2008OR73,945 mi
  Power train

  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

• Jul 12, 2007NV57,500 mi
  Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel

  Tl*the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi montero. the contact stated that the temperature gauge needle would fluctuate from warm to hot when the vehicle was started. a local repair shop and the dealer were both able to duplicate the failure, but could not determine the cause. the current mileage IS 59,082 and failure mileage was 57,500.

• Mar 5, 2007PA16,000 mi
  Engine and engine cooling
  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…

  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 problem was and for the next couple days,they tried to blame us for 1. Low oil 2.OIL not changed often enough 3. "Bad" oil. when we were able to prove that none of these were true-we even threatened to send the oil to have it "tested"(we use mobil 1) they said that they didn't have the oil anymore. A couple days after they changed the oil,they somehow found the oil and said that although the oil had carbon and metal shavings in it, there was not anything wrong with the oil. Each day we called to see what was going on,the service manager "a.j." would give us a run around and would say they were running the vehicle to see how it was working. They then said , after 17 days,the vehicle was ready to leave and to run it for 1,000 miles and see if the noise goes away! *Jb

• Nov 30, 2006KY40,000 miCrash1 injury
  Air bags

  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

• Sep 7, 2006CA11,000 mi
  Power train › Axle assembly · Service brakes, hydraulic · Suspension › Rear

  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

• Aug 7, 2006CA19,000 mi
  Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads
  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)…

  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 pad then its previous year models. *Jb

• May 11, 2006LA
  Power train

  5-4-06. 2003 montero center differential light flashes slowly. *ts ***nar***

• Apr 6, 2006AR100,000 miCrash3 injuries
  Air bags
  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…

  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 filed. the vehicle was deemed totaled, but has not been inspected to determine why the airbags did not deploy. *Ak

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 10240443This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
• 10235609This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.
• 10235608This 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.
• 10235606This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 2nd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
• 10211530This 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.
• 10170852This Technical Service Bulletin updates the door adjustment procedure in the Body Section of the applicable service manuals.
• 10170100This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
• 10170099This is an index of Tech Talk newsletter articles released in 2012.
• 10170097This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
• 10170096This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
• 10170087This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
• 10170086This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
• 10170074This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
• 10170071This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
• 10170070This TSB contains troubleshooting steps for diagnosis of various customer complaints relating to the audio system speakers in Mitsubishi vehicles equipped with original equipment audio components.
• 10169006This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
• 10163703This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin supersedes TSB-18-00-003, issued April, 2018, to add updated information for Carrying Capacity Reduced Label.
• 10145181This is a Technical Information Notice sent to dealers, to inform them that MB991855V (12-13 Pin Reprogramming Adapter) is now available for purchase. To reprogram 2002 - 2006 Montero and 2003 - 2006 Outlander vehicles, MB991855 is necessary. This tool was removed from our essential tool kit due to its limited application and became part of our tool loaner program.
• 10130469This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
• 10130468This is a message sent to dealers, to inform them that an update for MEDIC will be available.
• 10041406Mitsubishi: 2003-2006 montero. A corrected pressure switch check procedure.
• 10021743Reprogramming the pcm drivability or sensitivity issues can be corrected.
• 10020120Rear axle shaft flange coming loose.
• 10018379Rv meter temperature display update. Mitsubishi. Tech talk.
• 10016169A/c compressor oil specification - service manual revision.
• 10016139Powertrain control module (pcm) reprogramming for diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0134.
• 10015216Spare tire cover fit.
• 10014398Engine stalling hesitation.
• 10014397Tool set & flashlight dropped.
• 10014388Rv meter reading incorrect.
• 10014385Rear seat does not unlatch.
• 10014377Rwd/4wd light blinks.
• 10014189Tool set & flashlight dropped.
• 10013783Rv meter temperature display. 8EH
• 10013734Updated miller tool information.
• 10013703Intermittent diagnostic trouble code p2100.
• 10013681Astc code 35 or 37. Mitsubishi tech talk.
• 10010662Drive pinion height adjustment service manuel revision.
• 10008907Active skid & traction control (astc) light on at pdi or during servicing. Group 35C astc system. Mitsubishi motors tech talk. Vol. 88. Nov. 2002.
• 10006214ABS data list items - service manual revision. Tsb revision 04-35-003. Update.

Every Mitsubishi Montero model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.