Owners have filed 80 complaints
about the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport with NHTSA between 2001 and 2024.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 7 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 63
Against the median year of the Mitsubishi Montero Sport. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
23.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 43
25% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2001 compares with every other Mitsubishi Montero Sport
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
36.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
36.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1020.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
36.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
816.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1531.3%
150,000+ miles
612.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2001peak 8Aug 2024
Recalls on the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
01V027000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.5L ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 106, "BRAKE HOSES." THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH NONCOMPLIANT BRAKE VACUUM HOSES.
Risk: THESE HOSES COULD BURST CAUSING FLUID LEAKAGE, INCREASING THE BRAKING CAPABILITY OF THE VEHICLE AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 40,000 milesHenagar, ALCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IN MAY OF 2004, THE BRAKES BEGAN FAILING. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN SLIDING. AFTER THIS INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE BEGAN MAKING NOISES CONTINUOUSLY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH AROUND A CURVE, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO TAIL SPIN WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MITSUBISHI DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE BRAKE ACCUMULATOR, WHICH AFFECTED THE ABS. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE NOISE WAS DUE TO THE VACUUM HOSE BEING DEFECTIVE. THE BRAKES HAVE NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01V027000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS) WAS REFERENCED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UPDATED 10/03/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED SHE HAD AN ACCIDENT IN THE VEHICLE, BECAUSE ANOTHER VEHICLE MADE A SUDDEN STOP AND WHEN SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE MAD A NOISE. UPDATED 10/07/08.
NHTSA complaint #10241985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,000 milesFT. Washington, MDFire
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
ON MY WAY TO A FUNERAL, MY TRUCKS TRANSMISSION STALLED ON THE ROAD. WHEN THIS STARTED MY VEHICLE STARTED TO OVERHEAT. WHEN I FINALLY WAS ABLE TO GET ON THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY MY TRUCK WAS ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER IN RICHMOND, VA. RIGHT NOW MY TRUCK IS STILL AT THE DEALER AWAITING MY APPROVAL FOR MORE REPAIRS TO BE DONE. RIGHT NOW MY REPAIR BILL IS AT A COST OF 2,013.29 AND THEY ARE NOW TELLING ME THAT I NEED TO HAVE MY TRANSMISSION REBUILT.
NHTSA complaint #10240062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,000 milesNorth Providence, RI2 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
IN JAN. MY WIFE STARTED TO GET A WHIFF OF GASOLINE EVERY NOW AND THEN WHEN SHE GOT OUT OF HER 2001 MONTERO SPORT. IT WAS NOT ENOUGH TO AROUSE SUSPICION. IN THE WEEK OF 3/27/06, THE SMELL BECAME SEVERE. I FOUND GAS RUNNING DOWN THE GAS TANK, DRIPPING ONTO A HOSE RUNNING BELOW IT, AND TO THE GROUND. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO BE REPAIRED AT VACHON MITSUBISHI ON THURS., 3/30/06. I WAS CONTACTED BY VACHON AND TOLD THAT THE TANK WAS ROTTED AT THE SEAM AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. I ASKED IF THIS WOULD BE UNDER WARRANTY AS THE CAR WAS ONLY 5 YEARS OLD AND HAD 44,000 MI. VACHON INFORMED ME THAT IT WOULD NOT BE UNDER WARRANTY. THE REPAIR WOULD COST $1083. I CALLED MITSUBISHI TO QUESTION THE WARRANTY AS I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF A GAS TANK WEARING OUT SO QUICKLY. THEY INFORMED ME THAT IT MIGHT BE COVERED UNDER THE 7 YEAR/100,000 MILE CORROSION WARRANTY. I CONTACTED VACHON AND HAD THEM LOOK INTO IT. IT WAS DISCUSSED WITH REGIONAL MANAGEMENT AND THEY DECIDED THAT IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED, IT WOULD BE PART OF THE EXPIRED EMISSIONS WARRANTY. I AGAIN CALLED CUST. SERVICE. I TOLD THEM THAT THIS FAILURE WAS TOO FAR OUT OF SORTS TO BE OUT OF WARRANTY. GAS TANKS LAST 20 TO 40 YEARS AND THIS DECISION SHOULD BE RECONSIDERED. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD BE REVIEWED. I WAS AGAIN REFUSED. I ASKED THAT A HIGHER LEVEL OF MANAGEMENT REVIEW THE CASE. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD BE DONE AND SOMEONE WOULD GET BACK TO ME. 5 DAYS LATER, I CALLED BACK BECAUSE NOBODY CALLED ME. I WAS TOLD THAT THE CASE WAS REVIEWED AGAIN AND AGAIN THEY DECIDED AGAINST ME. MY CASE NEVER GOT TO A HIGHER LEVEL OF MANAGEMENT, IT WAS DECIDED BY MR. TESSMER, THE REGIONAL PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER EVERY TIME. I ASKED IF I COULD SPEAK TO MR. TESSMER. THE ANSWER WAS NO. AT THIS POINT THE CAR IS FIXED. IT WILL COST ME $1100.06 TO PICK IT UP, MORE THAN THE PRICE QUOTE. MY WIFE AND 7 YEAR OLD HAD BEEN COMPLAINING OF FREQUENT HEADACHES. THE HEADACHES HAVE SUBSIDED SINCE THEY STOPPED USING THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10154591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,000 milesDallas, TXCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
DT: THE CONSUMER OWNS A 2001 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. ON 10-11-05 WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE THERE WAS A WRECK IN FRONT OF CONSUMERS VEHICLE. WHEN THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES, THEY WOULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKE LIGHT HAD COME ON EARLIER THAT DAY. THE CONTACTS VEHICLE HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED BUT NOT ALL THE WAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES. *AK (11/15/05)
NHTSA complaint #10139587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,000 milesDallas, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
DT: THE CONSUMER OWNS A 2001 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. ON 10-11-05 WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE THERE WAS A WRECK IN FRONT OF CONSUMERS VEHICLE. WHEN THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES, THEY WOULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKE LIGHT HAD COME ON EARLIER THAT DAY. THE CONTACTS VEHICLE HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED BUT NOT ALL THE WAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES. *AK (11/15/05)
NHTSA complaint #10139587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raleigh, NCFire
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
IN DECEMBER 2002 I PURCHASED MY CAR (2001 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT XLS 4X4) FROM A LOCAL PRIVATE SELLER. THE CAR HAD ABOUT 38,000 AT THE TIME AND WAS STILL UNDER THE 60,000 MILE MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY. THE SELLER INSISTED HE DID NOT HAVE THE RECORDS OF THE REPAIRS, BUT DID GIVE ME A SPREADSHEET OF ROUTINE MAINTENANCE FOR THE CAR. AFTER HAVING THE CAR CHECKED BY MY REGULAR MECHANIC I BOUGHT THE CAR DESPITE THE LACK OF RECORDS SINCE IT HAD LOW MILEAGE AND WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. I THEN DROVE THE CAR AND PERFORMED THE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. IN DECEMBER 2003 THE CAR REACHED 60,000 MILES AND WAS THEREFORE DUE FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. DUE TO MY LOW INCOME WHILE ATTENDING GRADUATE SCHOOL I COULD NOT AFFORD TO GET THE SERVICE DONE UNTIL THE CAR REACHED 61,000 MILES. I OPTED NOT TO GET THE SERVICE DONE AT THE DEALER BECAUSE OF COST. THE MECHANIC (CAROLINA IMPORT AND DOMESTIC, 4235 CAPITAL BLVD., RALEIGH, NC, 919-872-0350) IMMEDIATELY INFORMED ME THE CAR WAS SLIPPING BETWEEN GEARS AND THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS BLACK- MEANING THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING WAS CAUSING THE FLUID TO BE BURNED. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPAIRED SOON BUT SUGGESTED I CHANGE THE FLUID EVERY 15K IN THE MEANTIME. AFTER LEARNING THIS I IMMEDIATELY APPROACHED THE SELLER AND REQUESTED THE SERVICE RECORDS, IF ANY, AND HE FINALLY RELENTED. THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS CHANGED AT 38K BY LEITH MITSUBISHI CARY AND IT WAS BLACK THEN TOO- DEMONSTRATING LEITH MITSUBISHI IGNORED THE PROBLEM WHILE THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. I THEN CONTACTED LEITH MITSUBISHI AND THEY SAID THE FLUID SHOULD HAVE BEEN CHANGED AT 30K INSTEAD OF 38K WHICH CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL AND THEY WOULD NOT FIX THE CAR. FOLLOWING THIS I CONTACTED NUMEROUS MECHANICS AND THEY ALL AGREED THAT CHANGING THE FLUID LATE WOULD NOT CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL, THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAILING BEFORE THE FLUID NEEDED TO BE CHANGED.
NHTSA complaint #10088197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Clayton, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On multiple occasions, the horn itself will start blowing without command. After pressing the horn to alert another driver, the horn will then stick again. There are repairs where 3m tape is applied to the horn switch behind the airbag, however it is not a professional repair and looks like it could potentially cause the horn to blow without command again.
NHTSA complaint #11610655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milton, WV
POWER TRAIN
4 wh drive light flashes no apparent reason no issues makes the anti lock light come on and also the abs light worried cause a prob wit the brakes or something
NHTSA complaint #11494826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milton, WV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4 wh drive light flashes no apparent reason no issues makes the anti lock light come on and also the abs light worried cause a prob wit the brakes or something
NHTSA complaint #11494826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milton, WV
SERVICE BRAKES
4 wh drive light flashes no apparent reason no issues makes the anti lock light come on and also the abs light worried cause a prob wit the brakes or something
NHTSA complaint #11494826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Rapids, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Brake lines completely rusted through and I lost all brakes while heading to work, thankfully I was able to pull the emergency brake to slow down and I coasted through a red light blowing my horn so I was not hit. I bought this vehicle brand new with only 3 miles on it and ever since I initially got it , it began to rust. Clearly it was not rust treated as everything under the body and alot under the hood is rusted. There is even metal inside of the vehicle cabin that is rusted, like the gas cap lever. This vehicle should have been recalled many years ago like the Outlander due to all of the rust the vehicle gets under it causing thing to fail while its being driven. My vehicle just has a little over 100,000 miles on it and it now sits after that brake incident as I am afraid to drive it seeing all of the rust under it. Even the running boards are all rusted underneath. I am sure that everyone with this model vehicle has experienced the same problem but these vehicles are dangerous on the roads due to everything on them rusting .
NHTSA complaint #11437025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Rapids, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake lines completely rusted through and I lost all brakes while heading to work, thankfully I was able to pull the emergency brake to slow down and I coasted through a red light blowing my horn so I was not hit. I bought this vehicle brand new with only 3 miles on it and ever since I initially got it , it began to rust. Clearly it was not rust treated as everything under the body and alot under the hood is rusted. There is even metal inside of the vehicle cabin that is rusted, like the gas cap lever. This vehicle should have been recalled many years ago like the Outlander due to all of the rust the vehicle gets under it causing thing to fail while its being driven. My vehicle just has a little over 100,000 miles on it and it now sits after that brake incident as I am afraid to drive it seeing all of the rust under it. Even the running boards are all rusted underneath. I am sure that everyone with this model vehicle has experienced the same problem but these vehicles are dangerous on the roads due to everything on them rusting .
NHTSA complaint #11437025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 187,985 milesMarshfield, MO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I DROVE MY FAMILY TO THEIR DOCTOR APP. AND WHEN I WAS PARKED GASOLINE WAS DRIPPING DOWN IN FRONT OF THE DRIVERS REAR TIRE ONTO THE PAVEMENT UPON INSPECTION I SAW GASOLINE RUNNING OFF OF THE TOP OF THE GAS TANK I THEN WENT AND TOLD THE PARKING LOT ATTENDANT WHAT WAS HAPPENING HE THEN HAD TO BLOCKADE THAT AREA OF THE PARKING LOT OFF. I HAD CALL TO GET US A RIDE HOME . I HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED HOME AND HAD A MECHANIC INSPECT IT AND HE FOUND THE STEEL GAS LINES WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED THRU ON THE PRESSURE SIDE AND THE RETURN LINE AS WELL UPON FURTHER INSPECTION HE FOUND SEVERE FRAME ROT AND SAID IT WON'T PASS INSPECTION WHEN IT COMES DUE NEXT TIME.
NHTSA complaint #11075965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,000 milesHaughton, LA
AIR BAGS
THIS WEEK I HAVE HAD TWO OCCURRENCES WHERE THE HORN JUST STARTS BLARING AND WON'T STOP. ONCE WAS IN THE AFTERNOON, AND THE OTHER WAS AT 5:00 AM. MY ONLY DIY ALTERNATIVES ARE TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY (OBVIOUSLY CAN'T USE THE VEHICLE), OR REMOVE THE FUSE (VERY UNSAFE). THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, NO WEATHER PROBLEMS, TEMPERATURE WAS MILD (AROUND 70 DEGREES). PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING, THE HORN RARELY WORKED AT ALL; AT LEAST NOT WHEN I WANTED IT TO WORK. I GOOGLED THE PROBLEM AND IT APPEAR TO BE VERY WIDESPREAD ON THIS VEHICLE. FROM WHAT I HAVE FOUND OUT, IT INVOLVES REMOVING THE AIRBAG ASSEMBLY, SO GETTING IT FIXED IS VERY COSTLY (OVER $1000). I EXPECT TO SPEND SOME MONEY ON A FEW ITEMS HERE & THERE ON A 16 YEAR OLD VEHICLE, BUT I DON'T EXPECT TO SPEND OVER $ 1000 ON A VEHICLE JUST TO MAKE THE HORN WORK RIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10969265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,000 milesHaughton, LA
STEERING
THIS WEEK I HAVE HAD TWO OCCURRENCES WHERE THE HORN JUST STARTS BLARING AND WON'T STOP. ONCE WAS IN THE AFTERNOON, AND THE OTHER WAS AT 5:00 AM. MY ONLY DIY ALTERNATIVES ARE TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY (OBVIOUSLY CAN'T USE THE VEHICLE), OR REMOVE THE FUSE (VERY UNSAFE). THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, NO WEATHER PROBLEMS, TEMPERATURE WAS MILD (AROUND 70 DEGREES). PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING, THE HORN RARELY WORKED AT ALL; AT LEAST NOT WHEN I WANTED IT TO WORK. I GOOGLED THE PROBLEM AND IT APPEAR TO BE VERY WIDESPREAD ON THIS VEHICLE. FROM WHAT I HAVE FOUND OUT, IT INVOLVES REMOVING THE AIRBAG ASSEMBLY, SO GETTING IT FIXED IS VERY COSTLY (OVER $1000). I EXPECT TO SPEND SOME MONEY ON A FEW ITEMS HERE & THERE ON A 16 YEAR OLD VEHICLE, BUT I DON'T EXPECT TO SPEND OVER $ 1000 ON A VEHICLE JUST TO MAKE THE HORN WORK RIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10969265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,000 milesHaughton, LA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THIS WEEK I HAVE HAD TWO OCCURRENCES WHERE THE HORN JUST STARTS BLARING AND WON'T STOP. ONCE WAS IN THE AFTERNOON, AND THE OTHER WAS AT 5:00 AM. MY ONLY DIY ALTERNATIVES ARE TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY (OBVIOUSLY CAN'T USE THE VEHICLE), OR REMOVE THE FUSE (VERY UNSAFE). THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, NO WEATHER PROBLEMS, TEMPERATURE WAS MILD (AROUND 70 DEGREES). PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING, THE HORN RARELY WORKED AT ALL; AT LEAST NOT WHEN I WANTED IT TO WORK. I GOOGLED THE PROBLEM AND IT APPEAR TO BE VERY WIDESPREAD ON THIS VEHICLE. FROM WHAT I HAVE FOUND OUT, IT INVOLVES REMOVING THE AIRBAG ASSEMBLY, SO GETTING IT FIXED IS VERY COSTLY (OVER $1000). I EXPECT TO SPEND SOME MONEY ON A FEW ITEMS HERE & THERE ON A 16 YEAR OLD VEHICLE, BUT I DON'T EXPECT TO SPEND OVER $ 1000 ON A VEHICLE JUST TO MAKE THE HORN WORK RIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10969265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 199,700 milesNEW Milford, CT
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
FRAME IS RUSTING TO A POINT WHERE IT'S BECOMING UNSAFE TO DRIVE. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR TENDS TO SHIFT BACK AND FORTH IN THE REAR. A SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE POINTED OUT THE ALMOST RUSTED THROUGH FRAME NEAR THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR WHEEL.
NHTSA complaint #10893307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lathrop, CA
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. THE CONTACT HEARD A SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING PUMP PULLEY WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10672312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,000 milesAllentown, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND PROCEEDED TO DRIVE ONTO SHOULDER. AFTER CHECKING I NOTICED THE FRAME HAD RIPPED ,BROKEN OFF. THE PASSENGER SIDE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY ROTTED FOR 3-4 FEET. FROM THE FRONT DOOR TO THE REAR WHEEL . AFTER INSPECTION OF THE ENTIRE FRAME THE DRIVER SIDE IS UNAFFECTED WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE IT IS POOR METAL/FRAME FROM THE FACTORY,NO ANTY CORROSION WAS APPLY TO THE METAL FRAME FROM MITSUBISHI FACTORY.[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10651556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 214,108 milesCarver, MA
STEERING
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. I LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND PROCEEDED TO DRIVE ONTO SHOULDER. AFTER QUICKLY CHECKING TIRES, ETC. I NOTICED THE FRAME HAD RIPPED IN HALF. THE DRIVER SIDE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY ROTTED FOR 4-5 FEET. FROM THE FRONT DOOR TO THE REAR WHEEL WELL. AFTER INSPECTION OF THE ENTIRE FRAME THE PASSENGER SIDE IS UNAFFECTED WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE IT IS POOR METAL/FRAME FROM THE FACTORY.
NHTSA complaint #10551670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 214,108 milesCarver, MA
SUSPENSION
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. I LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND PROCEEDED TO DRIVE ONTO SHOULDER. AFTER QUICKLY CHECKING TIRES, ETC. I NOTICED THE FRAME HAD RIPPED IN HALF. THE DRIVER SIDE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY ROTTED FOR 4-5 FEET. FROM THE FRONT DOOR TO THE REAR WHEEL WELL. AFTER INSPECTION OF THE ENTIRE FRAME THE PASSENGER SIDE IS UNAFFECTED WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE IT IS POOR METAL/FRAME FROM THE FACTORY.
NHTSA complaint #10551670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 214,108 milesCarver, MA
STRUCTURE:BODY
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. I LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND PROCEEDED TO DRIVE ONTO SHOULDER. AFTER QUICKLY CHECKING TIRES, ETC. I NOTICED THE FRAME HAD RIPPED IN HALF. THE DRIVER SIDE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY ROTTED FOR 4-5 FEET. FROM THE FRONT DOOR TO THE REAR WHEEL WELL. AFTER INSPECTION OF THE ENTIRE FRAME THE PASSENGER SIDE IS UNAFFECTED WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE IT IS POOR METAL/FRAME FROM THE FACTORY.
NHTSA complaint #10551670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesDallas, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, HE ATTEMPTED TO SOUND THE HORN BUT IT WOULD NOT FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE ALSO STALLED. THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT, SRS AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT, AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD TO JUMPSTART THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO BEGIN DRIVING. AS THE CONTACT BEGAN DRIVING, THE HORN BEGAN TO SOUND NONSTOP UNTIL THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW EXACT FAILURE. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10465128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,500 milesYukon, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HORN SPONTANEOUSLY SOUNDED AND WOULD NOT GO OFF WHILE CAR WAS PARKED IN COLD. THE FUSE HAD TO BE REMOVED. NOW THAT THE TEMPERATURE IS WARMER THE HORN APPEARS TO BE BACK TO NORMAL WITH THE FUSE BACK IN. THE HORN SWITCH IS CONTAINED IN AN ASSEMBLY THAT INCLUDES THE AIRBAG AND IS SOLD ONLY AS A UNIT WITH A PARTS PRICE OF OVER $600, PLUS LABOR TO INSTALL. AN INVESTIGATION ON THE INTERNET SHOWS THAT A NUMBER OF OTHER 2001 MITSUBISHI MONTERO OWNERS HAVE REPORTED SIMILAR DEFECTS IN THE HORN. IT IS UNREASONABLE FOR MITSUBISHI TO CHARGE $1,000 TO FIX THEIR DEFECT IN THE HORN SWITCH. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #10383546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,000 milesMonticello, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
I HAVE A 01' MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT XLS 3.0L AS OF THE LAST WEEK IN MARCH I HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY A/C AND CALL AUTO REPAIR SHOP TO MAKE A APPOINTMENT. TO MY SURPRISE THE MITSUBISHI/SATURN SHOP, THE PLACE THAT I HAD TAKEN IT TO 6MTHS TO A YEAR BE4, MY OXYGEN SENSOR TO BE REPLACED AND SOME OTHER THINGS, WAS GONE OUT OF BUSINESS. SO I CALL WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM, AND WAS TOLD THAT I COULD GOTO A LICENSED MECHANIC SHOP TO GET MY A/C FIXED, OXYGEN SENSOR HAD DEFAULT AGAIN, BUT IT STILL HAD WARRANTY ON IT WITH THE PREVIOUSLY SHOP SO THE RECENT SHOP COULD NOT REPLACE IT AND I ALSO STILL HAD WARRANTY COVERAGE WITH THE CREDIT UNION THAT I PAY MONTHLY PAYMENTS TO. SO I CALLED THE WARRANTY GROUP, AND THE WARRANTY GROUP PAID FOR A/C TO BE FIXED AND I ONLY HAD TO PAY 100 DEDUCTIBLE. I RECEIVED MY SUV BACK ABOUT A WEEK LATER, THEN I NOTICED A KNOCKING WITHIN THE MOTOR SO I WENT BACK TO THE REPAIR SHOP, AND WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED A OIL CHANGE, BUT I JUST RECENTLY HAD A TUNE-UP AND OIL CHANGE. SO I KNEW THAT I DIDN'T NEED A OIL CHANGE. THE SHOP COULD NOT DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE KNOCKING NOISE, BUT ON 5- 23-10 MY SUV HAD MALFUNCTION THIS TIME MY CRANKSHAFT,PULLEY,RODS HAD SEPARATED AND THE ONLY THING THAT WAS HOLDING MY ENGINE TOGETHER WAS THE MAIN BOLT. SO I GOT IT TOWED BACK TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND I HAD TO GET MY ENGINE REPLACED. THE WARRANTY GROUP PAID FOR THE PRE-USED ENGINE, AND I RECEIVED MY SUV BACK ON 6-11-10. I DID NOT DRIVE MY TRUCK NO MORE THEN TO MY HOME AND PARKED IT IN MY YARD, BUT ON THAT TUESDAY JUNE 15, 10 I WENT INTO A FURNITURE STORE FOR ABOUT 20 MINS. AND LEFT MY A/C ON, CAME BACK AND ONLY THE FAN WAS BLOWING, SO I CUT-OFF MY SUV AND WAITED FOR 5MINS. CUT MY SUV BACK ON AND DROVE BACK HOME WITH NO PROBLEMS. I HAD A APPT ON WED. 06-16-10, MY SUV OIL ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THIS TIME I CHECKED THE OIL AND NO OIL IN THE MOTOR PUT 2QTS BEGIN HOME SPEED DROP75-45RADIATOR BURSTED NEEDENGINE.THE 96-99 RECALL ONMITSUB. MONT IS THE SAMETHING WRONG WITH THE01'.
NHTSA complaint #10346515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,000 milesMonticello, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I HAVE A 01' MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT XLS 3.0L AS OF THE LAST WEEK IN MARCH I HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY A/C AND CALL AUTO REPAIR SHOP TO MAKE A APPOINTMENT. TO MY SURPRISE THE MITSUBISHI/SATURN SHOP, THE PLACE THAT I HAD TAKEN IT TO 6MTHS TO A YEAR BE4, MY OXYGEN SENSOR TO BE REPLACED AND SOME OTHER THINGS, WAS GONE OUT OF BUSINESS. SO I CALL WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM, AND WAS TOLD THAT I COULD GOTO A LICENSED MECHANIC SHOP TO GET MY A/C FIXED, OXYGEN SENSOR HAD DEFAULT AGAIN, BUT IT STILL HAD WARRANTY ON IT WITH THE PREVIOUSLY SHOP SO THE RECENT SHOP COULD NOT REPLACE IT AND I ALSO STILL HAD WARRANTY COVERAGE WITH THE CREDIT UNION THAT I PAY MONTHLY PAYMENTS TO. SO I CALLED THE WARRANTY GROUP, AND THE WARRANTY GROUP PAID FOR A/C TO BE FIXED AND I ONLY HAD TO PAY 100 DEDUCTIBLE. I RECEIVED MY SUV BACK ABOUT A WEEK LATER, THEN I NOTICED A KNOCKING WITHIN THE MOTOR SO I WENT BACK TO THE REPAIR SHOP, AND WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED A OIL CHANGE, BUT I JUST RECENTLY HAD A TUNE-UP AND OIL CHANGE. SO I KNEW THAT I DIDN'T NEED A OIL CHANGE. THE SHOP COULD NOT DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE KNOCKING NOISE, BUT ON 5- 23-10 MY SUV HAD MALFUNCTION THIS TIME MY CRANKSHAFT,PULLEY,RODS HAD SEPARATED AND THE ONLY THING THAT WAS HOLDING MY ENGINE TOGETHER WAS THE MAIN BOLT. SO I GOT IT TOWED BACK TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND I HAD TO GET MY ENGINE REPLACED. THE WARRANTY GROUP PAID FOR THE PRE-USED ENGINE, AND I RECEIVED MY SUV BACK ON 6-11-10. I DID NOT DRIVE MY TRUCK NO MORE THEN TO MY HOME AND PARKED IT IN MY YARD, BUT ON THAT TUESDAY JUNE 15, 10 I WENT INTO A FURNITURE STORE FOR ABOUT 20 MINS. AND LEFT MY A/C ON, CAME BACK AND ONLY THE FAN WAS BLOWING, SO I CUT-OFF MY SUV AND WAITED FOR 5MINS. CUT MY SUV BACK ON AND DROVE BACK HOME WITH NO PROBLEMS. I HAD A APPT ON WED. 06-16-10, MY SUV OIL ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THIS TIME I CHECKED THE OIL AND NO OIL IN THE MOTOR PUT 2QTS BEGIN HOME SPEED DROP75-45RADIATOR BURSTED NEEDENGINE.THE 96-99 RECALL ONMITSUB. MONT IS THE SAMETHING WRONG WITH THE01'.
NHTSA complaint #10346515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,000 milesMonticello, FL
INTERIOR LIGHTING
I HAVE A 01' MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT XLS 3.0L AS OF THE LAST WEEK IN MARCH I HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY A/C AND CALL AUTO REPAIR SHOP TO MAKE A APPOINTMENT. TO MY SURPRISE THE MITSUBISHI/SATURN SHOP, THE PLACE THAT I HAD TAKEN IT TO 6MTHS TO A YEAR BE4, MY OXYGEN SENSOR TO BE REPLACED AND SOME OTHER THINGS, WAS GONE OUT OF BUSINESS. SO I CALL WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM, AND WAS TOLD THAT I COULD GOTO A LICENSED MECHANIC SHOP TO GET MY A/C FIXED, OXYGEN SENSOR HAD DEFAULT AGAIN, BUT IT STILL HAD WARRANTY ON IT WITH THE PREVIOUSLY SHOP SO THE RECENT SHOP COULD NOT REPLACE IT AND I ALSO STILL HAD WARRANTY COVERAGE WITH THE CREDIT UNION THAT I PAY MONTHLY PAYMENTS TO. SO I CALLED THE WARRANTY GROUP, AND THE WARRANTY GROUP PAID FOR A/C TO BE FIXED AND I ONLY HAD TO PAY 100 DEDUCTIBLE. I RECEIVED MY SUV BACK ABOUT A WEEK LATER, THEN I NOTICED A KNOCKING WITHIN THE MOTOR SO I WENT BACK TO THE REPAIR SHOP, AND WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED A OIL CHANGE, BUT I JUST RECENTLY HAD A TUNE-UP AND OIL CHANGE. SO I KNEW THAT I DIDN'T NEED A OIL CHANGE. THE SHOP COULD NOT DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE KNOCKING NOISE, BUT ON 5- 23-10 MY SUV HAD MALFUNCTION THIS TIME MY CRANKSHAFT,PULLEY,RODS HAD SEPARATED AND THE ONLY THING THAT WAS HOLDING MY ENGINE TOGETHER WAS THE MAIN BOLT. SO I GOT IT TOWED BACK TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND I HAD TO GET MY ENGINE REPLACED. THE WARRANTY GROUP PAID FOR THE PRE-USED ENGINE, AND I RECEIVED MY SUV BACK ON 6-11-10. I DID NOT DRIVE MY TRUCK NO MORE THEN TO MY HOME AND PARKED IT IN MY YARD, BUT ON THAT TUESDAY JUNE 15, 10 I WENT INTO A FURNITURE STORE FOR ABOUT 20 MINS. AND LEFT MY A/C ON, CAME BACK AND ONLY THE FAN WAS BLOWING, SO I CUT-OFF MY SUV AND WAITED FOR 5MINS. CUT MY SUV BACK ON AND DROVE BACK HOME WITH NO PROBLEMS. I HAD A APPT ON WED. 06-16-10, MY SUV OIL ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THIS TIME I CHECKED THE OIL AND NO OIL IN THE MOTOR PUT 2QTS BEGIN HOME SPEED DROP75-45RADIATOR BURSTED NEEDENGINE.THE 96-99 RECALL ONMITSUB. MONT IS THE SAMETHING WRONG WITH THE01'.
NHTSA complaint #10346515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,000 milesMonticello, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
I HAVE A 01' MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT XLS 3.0L AS OF THE LAST WEEK IN MARCH I HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY A/C AND CALL AUTO REPAIR SHOP TO MAKE A APPOINTMENT. TO MY SURPRISE THE MITSUBISHI/SATURN SHOP, THE PLACE THAT I HAD TAKEN IT TO 6MTHS TO A YEAR BE4, MY OXYGEN SENSOR TO BE REPLACED AND SOME OTHER THINGS, WAS GONE OUT OF BUSINESS. SO I CALL WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM, AND WAS TOLD THAT I COULD GOTO A LICENSED MECHANIC SHOP TO GET MY A/C FIXED, OXYGEN SENSOR HAD DEFAULT AGAIN, BUT IT STILL HAD WARRANTY ON IT WITH THE PREVIOUSLY SHOP SO THE RECENT SHOP COULD NOT REPLACE IT AND I ALSO STILL HAD WARRANTY COVERAGE WITH THE CREDIT UNION THAT I PAY MONTHLY PAYMENTS TO. SO I CALLED THE WARRANTY GROUP, AND THE WARRANTY GROUP PAID FOR A/C TO BE FIXED AND I ONLY HAD TO PAY 100 DEDUCTIBLE. I RECEIVED MY SUV BACK ABOUT A WEEK LATER, THEN I NOTICED A KNOCKING WITHIN THE MOTOR SO I WENT BACK TO THE REPAIR SHOP, AND WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED A OIL CHANGE, BUT I JUST RECENTLY HAD A TUNE-UP AND OIL CHANGE. SO I KNEW THAT I DIDN'T NEED A OIL CHANGE. THE SHOP COULD NOT DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE KNOCKING NOISE, BUT ON 5- 23-10 MY SUV HAD MALFUNCTION THIS TIME MY CRANKSHAFT,PULLEY,RODS HAD SEPARATED AND THE ONLY THING THAT WAS HOLDING MY ENGINE TOGETHER WAS THE MAIN BOLT. SO I GOT IT TOWED BACK TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND I HAD TO GET MY ENGINE REPLACED. THE WARRANTY GROUP PAID FOR THE PRE-USED ENGINE, AND I RECEIVED MY SUV BACK ON 6-11-10. I DID NOT DRIVE MY TRUCK NO MORE THEN TO MY HOME AND PARKED IT IN MY YARD, BUT ON THAT TUESDAY JUNE 15, 10 I WENT INTO A FURNITURE STORE FOR ABOUT 20 MINS. AND LEFT MY A/C ON, CAME BACK AND ONLY THE FAN WAS BLOWING, SO I CUT-OFF MY SUV AND WAITED FOR 5MINS. CUT MY SUV BACK ON AND DROVE BACK HOME WITH NO PROBLEMS. I HAD A APPT ON WED. 06-16-10, MY SUV OIL ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THIS TIME I CHECKED THE OIL AND NO OIL IN THE MOTOR PUT 2QTS BEGIN HOME SPEED DROP75-45RADIATOR BURSTED NEEDENGINE.THE 96-99 RECALL ONMITSUB. MONT IS THE SAMETHING WRONG WITH THE01'.
NHTSA complaint #10346515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,000 milesMonticello, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
I HAVE A 01' MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT XLS 3.0L AS OF THE LAST WEEK IN MARCH I HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY A/C AND CALL AUTO REPAIR SHOP TO MAKE A APPOINTMENT. TO MY SURPRISE THE MITSUBISHI/SATURN SHOP, THE PLACE THAT I HAD TAKEN IT TO 6MTHS TO A YEAR BE4, MY OXYGEN SENSOR TO BE REPLACED AND SOME OTHER THINGS, WAS GONE OUT OF BUSINESS. SO I CALL WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM, AND WAS TOLD THAT I COULD GOTO A LICENSED MECHANIC SHOP TO GET MY A/C FIXED, OXYGEN SENSOR HAD DEFAULT AGAIN, BUT IT STILL HAD WARRANTY ON IT WITH THE PREVIOUSLY SHOP SO THE RECENT SHOP COULD NOT REPLACE IT AND I ALSO STILL HAD WARRANTY COVERAGE WITH THE CREDIT UNION THAT I PAY MONTHLY PAYMENTS TO. SO I CALLED THE WARRANTY GROUP, AND THE WARRANTY GROUP PAID FOR A/C TO BE FIXED AND I ONLY HAD TO PAY 100 DEDUCTIBLE. I RECEIVED MY SUV BACK ABOUT A WEEK LATER, THEN I NOTICED A KNOCKING WITHIN THE MOTOR SO I WENT BACK TO THE REPAIR SHOP, AND WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED A OIL CHANGE, BUT I JUST RECENTLY HAD A TUNE-UP AND OIL CHANGE. SO I KNEW THAT I DIDN'T NEED A OIL CHANGE. THE SHOP COULD NOT DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE KNOCKING NOISE, BUT ON 5- 23-10 MY SUV HAD MALFUNCTION THIS TIME MY CRANKSHAFT,PULLEY,RODS HAD SEPARATED AND THE ONLY THING THAT WAS HOLDING MY ENGINE TOGETHER WAS THE MAIN BOLT. SO I GOT IT TOWED BACK TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND I HAD TO GET MY ENGINE REPLACED. THE WARRANTY GROUP PAID FOR THE PRE-USED ENGINE, AND I RECEIVED MY SUV BACK ON 6-11-10. I DID NOT DRIVE MY TRUCK NO MORE THEN TO MY HOME AND PARKED IT IN MY YARD, BUT ON THAT TUESDAY JUNE 15, 10 I WENT INTO A FURNITURE STORE FOR ABOUT 20 MINS. AND LEFT MY A/C ON, CAME BACK AND ONLY THE FAN WAS BLOWING, SO I CUT-OFF MY SUV AND WAITED FOR 5MINS. CUT MY SUV BACK ON AND DROVE BACK HOME WITH NO PROBLEMS. I HAD A APPT ON WED. 06-16-10, MY SUV OIL ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THIS TIME I CHECKED THE OIL AND NO OIL IN THE MOTOR PUT 2QTS BEGIN HOME SPEED DROP75-45RADIATOR BURSTED NEEDENGINE.THE 96-99 RECALL ONMITSUB. MONT IS THE SAMETHING WRONG WITH THE01'.
NHTSA complaint #10346515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,325 milesShenandoah, PA
STEERING
2001 MITSUBUSHI MONTERO SPORT...TIE ROD SLEEVE ON PASSENGER SIDE UNEXPECTEDLY CAME APART AS I WAS PULLING OUT FROM PARKING SPACE ONTO BUSY ROADWAY. THIS CAUSED ME TO NOT BE ABLE TO STEER CORRECTLY. MECHANIC REPLACED TIE ROD AND FEELS THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AS THREADS WHERE STILL INTACT JUST FITTING WAS NOT PROPER. YOU HAVE THE ABILITY TO SCREW TIE ROD TOGETHER AND PHYSICALLY PULL THEM APART BY HAND. HAD THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY RESULTS COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC. BEFORE THIS INCIDENT THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF A PROBLEM WITH THE TIE RODS THAT FAILED SO NEEDLESS TO SAY WHEN THEY CAME APART IT WAS A TOTAL SHOCK. I DO HAVE THE OLD PARTS THAT WHERE REMOVED FOR INSPECTION IF NECESSARY. THE REPAIR BILL WAS $285 I WAS HOPING TO BE ABLE TO RECOUP OUR EXPENSES. I'M HOPING YOU CAN ADVISE ME ON HOW TO DO THIS. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10342275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,962 milesWinchendon, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
THE HORN ON MY MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT IS DEFECTIVE. IT CONSTANTLY BLOWS FUSES, AND WHEN I CAN FINALLY FOR SOME REASON GET ONE IN THE FUSE SLOT WITHOUT BLOWING, I WILL BE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND MY HORN WILL JUST START GOING OFF AND IT WONT STOP UNTIL I PULL OVER AND TAKE THE FUSE BACK OUT.
NHTSA complaint #10341323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.