FaultScore

FaultScore report

2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport problems

Owners have filed 43 complaints about the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport with NHTSA between 2003 and 2017. The largest single group is the engine & cooling. Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 7 worst.

C

FaultScore 60/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Mitsubishi Montero Sport.

How this is worked out

The numbers

43

Complaints

10

Crashes reported

2

Fires reported

5

Injuries reported

1 complaint reports a death.

65,300 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

38%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

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.

Complaint volume 34 vs 50 Severity 100 vs 50 Early failure 65 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 34
Against the median year of the Mitsubishi Montero Sport. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
41.9% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 65
38% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2003 compares with every other Mitsubishi Montero Sport

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Engine & Cooling 9 20.9%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 91,464 mi

Brakes 5 11.6%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 11,500 mi

Airbags 5 11.6%

4 crashes, 0 fires · median 184,500 mi

Electrical System 5 11.6%

Median failure at 40,000 miles

Transmission & Drivetrain 5 11.6%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 8,292 mi

Fuel & Propulsion 4 9.3%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 50,500 mi

Acceleration & Cruise Control 3 7.0%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 124,000 mi

Suspension 3 7.0%
Seat Belts 1 2.3%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 93,000 mi

Wheels 1 2.3%

Median failure at 230,000 miles

Body & Structure 1 2.3%

Median failure at 1 miles

Steering 1 2.3%

Median failure at 3 miles

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 8 23.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 3 8.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 2 5.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 3 8.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 3 8.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 3 8.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 6 17.6%
150,000+ miles 6 17.6%

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.

Apr 2003 peak 6 Jun 2017

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 240,000 miles Rayford, NC Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHILE STEERING ABRUPTLY, THE VEHICLE WENT OFF ROAD AND FLIPPED OVER THREE TIMES LANDING ON ITS ROOF. THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 240,000.

NHTSA complaint #10682739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Marrero, LA Crash

AIR BAGS

[XXX] LICENSE #[XXX] VIN# [XXX]

NHTSA complaint #10606399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Marrero, LA Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

[XXX] LICENSE #[XXX] VIN# [XXX]

NHTSA complaint #10606399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Marrero, LA Crash

SERVICE BRAKES

[XXX] LICENSE #[XXX] VIN# [XXX]

NHTSA complaint #10606399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 124,000 miles Barberton, OH Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I WAS PULLING IN A SHEETS STATION AND GOING INTO A PARKING SPACE WHEN MY ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK TO THE FLOOR AND WHEN I LEFT GO THE BRAKE PEDAL VEHICLE KEPT MOVING AND CRASHED INTO A RED POST WHICH STOPPED THE VEHICLE THEN I NOTICED THE GAS PEDAL COMING BACK UP AND WAS ABLE TO ,PUT IN REVERSE AND CRUISE BACK IN SAME PARKING SPACE DID DAMAGE TO MOTOR AND RADIATOR AND FRONT BODY MY WIFE CLAIMS THIS HAS DONE IT TO HER AS WELL. I WAS SCARED.

NHTSA complaint #10554835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 124,000 miles Barberton, OH Crash

ENGINE

I WAS PULLING IN A SHEETS STATION AND GOING INTO A PARKING SPACE WHEN MY ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK TO THE FLOOR AND WHEN I LEFT GO THE BRAKE PEDAL VEHICLE KEPT MOVING AND CRASHED INTO A RED POST WHICH STOPPED THE VEHICLE THEN I NOTICED THE GAS PEDAL COMING BACK UP AND WAS ABLE TO ,PUT IN REVERSE AND CRUISE BACK IN SAME PARKING SPACE DID DAMAGE TO MOTOR AND RADIATOR AND FRONT BODY MY WIFE CLAIMS THIS HAS DONE IT TO HER AS WELL. I WAS SCARED.

NHTSA complaint #10554835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 230,000 miles Elba, AL

AIR BAGS

PLUG WIRES SEEM TO HAVE CONTINUAL MANUFACTURERS MISTAKES, THE OIL IS FORCED TO DIRECT A PATH TO THE PLUGS CAUSED TO MISFIRE

NHTSA complaint #10994069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 230,000 miles Elba, AL

WHEELS

PLUG WIRES SEEM TO HAVE CONTINUAL MANUFACTURERS MISTAKES, THE OIL IS FORCED TO DIRECT A PATH TO THE PLUGS CAUSED TO MISFIRE

NHTSA complaint #10994069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 230,000 miles Elba, AL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

PLUG WIRES SEEM TO HAVE CONTINUAL MANUFACTURERS MISTAKES, THE OIL IS FORCED TO DIRECT A PATH TO THE PLUGS CAUSED TO MISFIRE

NHTSA complaint #10994069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100 miles Elba, AL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

"TAKATA RECALL" WHEN A OIL LEEK ACCOR IN DUE TIME IT AUTOMATICALLY DRIPS DIRECTLY ON ONE OF THE SPARK PLUGS.ALSO THE EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM DOESN'T FUNCTION A READING ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTIC WHEN FINDING ISSUE

NHTSA complaint #10992777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100 miles Elba, AL

ENGINE

"TAKATA RECALL" WHEN A OIL LEEK ACCOR IN DUE TIME IT AUTOMATICALLY DRIPS DIRECTLY ON ONE OF THE SPARK PLUGS.ALSO THE EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM DOESN'T FUNCTION A READING ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTIC WHEN FINDING ISSUE

NHTSA complaint #10992777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100 miles Elba, AL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

"TAKATA RECALL" WHEN A OIL LEEK ACCOR IN DUE TIME IT AUTOMATICALLY DRIPS DIRECTLY ON ONE OF THE SPARK PLUGS.ALSO THE EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM DOESN'T FUNCTION A READING ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTIC WHEN FINDING ISSUE

NHTSA complaint #10992777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 65,000 miles Taylor, PA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. WHILE PARKED, THERE WAS A STRONG FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V319000 (FUEL SYSTEM, PROPULSION SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

NHTSA complaint #10732692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 170,161 miles Statesboro, GA

ENGINE

PIN IN THE HARMONIC BALANCER BROKE CAUSING VEHICLE TO SLING A/C BELT AND DRIVE BELT CAUSING HARMONIC BALANCER TO SEIZE UP. PIN WAS REPLACED. MONTHS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN TO COME ON SHOWING A CODE OF MISFIRE. AS WELL AS HARMONIC BALANCER COMING LOOSE...**5/5/15**..... BELTS COME OFF ON HIGH WAY DOING ABOUT 70 MPH. HARMONIC BALANCER LOOSE AGAIN. CRANK BOLT STUCK AND UN REMOVABLE.BELTS CAME OFF AND GOT CAUGHT IN FAN...UPDATED 07/30/15 *BF UPDATED 9/29/2015

NHTSA complaint #10725193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 240,000 miles Rayford, NC Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHILE STEERING ABRUPTLY, THE VEHICLE WENT OFF ROAD AND FLIPPED OVER THREE TIMES LANDING ON ITS ROOF. THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 240,000.

NHTSA complaint #10682739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Marrero, LA Crash

AIR BAGS

[XXX] LICENSE #[XXX] VIN# [XXX]

NHTSA complaint #10606399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Marrero, LA Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

[XXX] LICENSE #[XXX] VIN# [XXX]

NHTSA complaint #10606399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Marrero, LA Crash

SERVICE BRAKES

[XXX] LICENSE #[XXX] VIN# [XXX]

NHTSA complaint #10606399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Springhill, FL

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE MADE A KNOCKING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

NHTSA complaint #10585857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 110,000 miles Pueblo, CO

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

VERY COLD NIGHT , SUB ZERO. HORN STARTED BLOWING AND CONTINUED UNTIL FUSE BURNT OUT. LEFT STRONG BURNT WIRING SMELL.

NHTSA complaint #10568166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 124,000 miles Barberton, OH Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I WAS PULLING IN A SHEETS STATION AND GOING INTO A PARKING SPACE WHEN MY ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK TO THE FLOOR AND WHEN I LEFT GO THE BRAKE PEDAL VEHICLE KEPT MOVING AND CRASHED INTO A RED POST WHICH STOPPED THE VEHICLE THEN I NOTICED THE GAS PEDAL COMING BACK UP AND WAS ABLE TO ,PUT IN REVERSE AND CRUISE BACK IN SAME PARKING SPACE DID DAMAGE TO MOTOR AND RADIATOR AND FRONT BODY MY WIFE CLAIMS THIS HAS DONE IT TO HER AS WELL. I WAS SCARED.

NHTSA complaint #10554835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 124,000 miles Barberton, OH Crash

ENGINE

I WAS PULLING IN A SHEETS STATION AND GOING INTO A PARKING SPACE WHEN MY ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK TO THE FLOOR AND WHEN I LEFT GO THE BRAKE PEDAL VEHICLE KEPT MOVING AND CRASHED INTO A RED POST WHICH STOPPED THE VEHICLE THEN I NOTICED THE GAS PEDAL COMING BACK UP AND WAS ABLE TO ,PUT IN REVERSE AND CRUISE BACK IN SAME PARKING SPACE DID DAMAGE TO MOTOR AND RADIATOR AND FRONT BODY MY WIFE CLAIMS THIS HAS DONE IT TO HER AS WELL. I WAS SCARED.

NHTSA complaint #10554835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 117,329 miles Midlothian, VA

ENGINE

I JUST PICKED UP MY SON'S VEHICLE FROM THE SERVICE GARAGE WHERE I HAD JUST HAD NEW BRAKES AND ROTORS INSTALLED FOR HIM. I WAS ON THE WAY TO MEET MY HUSBAND AT THE GROCERY STORE BUT NEEDED TO DROP OFF SOME LETTERS AT THE OUTDOOR MAIL BOX AT THE POST OFFICE WHICH WAS < 1/4 MILE FROM THE SERVICE GARAGE. AS I PULLED UP TO THE POST OFFICE DROP BOX, I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND WAS GOING JUST A FEW MILES AN HOUR. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENGINE REVVED LOUDLY AND THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD. I PUSHED HARDER ON THE BRAKE BUT IT WOULDN'T STOP! THANK GOD THERE WAS NO ONE IN FRONT OF ME OR IN THE PARKING LOT, SO I JUST STEERED THE VEHICLE AROUND THE LOT CONCENTRATING ON NOT HITTING ANYTHING! ALL THE WHILE TRYING TO BRAKE THE VEHICLE TO A STOP. IT TOOK ABOUT 10-15 SECONDS AND THE ENGINE FINALLY REVVED BACK DOWN (TO THE NORMAL SOUND) AND THE BRAKES WORKED AND I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR TO THE GROCERY STORE WITHOUT ANOTHER INCIDENT. THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE (MY SON WAS GIVEN THE VEHICLE AT ABOUT 50,000 MILES) ACCORDING TO MY SON. IT WAS VERY FRIGHTENING-I AM SO GLAD NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OF ME. I JUST WANT SOME KIND OF RECORD OF THIS, IN CASE SOMETHING HAPPENS LATER. IS THERE ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THIS?

NHTSA complaint #10473099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 117,329 miles Midlothian, VA

SERVICE BRAKES

I JUST PICKED UP MY SON'S VEHICLE FROM THE SERVICE GARAGE WHERE I HAD JUST HAD NEW BRAKES AND ROTORS INSTALLED FOR HIM. I WAS ON THE WAY TO MEET MY HUSBAND AT THE GROCERY STORE BUT NEEDED TO DROP OFF SOME LETTERS AT THE OUTDOOR MAIL BOX AT THE POST OFFICE WHICH WAS < 1/4 MILE FROM THE SERVICE GARAGE. AS I PULLED UP TO THE POST OFFICE DROP BOX, I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND WAS GOING JUST A FEW MILES AN HOUR. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENGINE REVVED LOUDLY AND THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD. I PUSHED HARDER ON THE BRAKE BUT IT WOULDN'T STOP! THANK GOD THERE WAS NO ONE IN FRONT OF ME OR IN THE PARKING LOT, SO I JUST STEERED THE VEHICLE AROUND THE LOT CONCENTRATING ON NOT HITTING ANYTHING! ALL THE WHILE TRYING TO BRAKE THE VEHICLE TO A STOP. IT TOOK ABOUT 10-15 SECONDS AND THE ENGINE FINALLY REVVED BACK DOWN (TO THE NORMAL SOUND) AND THE BRAKES WORKED AND I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR TO THE GROCERY STORE WITHOUT ANOTHER INCIDENT. THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE (MY SON WAS GIVEN THE VEHICLE AT ABOUT 50,000 MILES) ACCORDING TO MY SON. IT WAS VERY FRIGHTENING-I AM SO GLAD NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OF ME. I JUST WANT SOME KIND OF RECORD OF THIS, IN CASE SOMETHING HAPPENS LATER. IS THERE ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THIS?

NHTSA complaint #10473099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 96,000 miles Slaton, TX Fire

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. WHILE DRIVING OVER 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK BACKWARDS AND HESITATE. WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING OR IN PARK, THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF BURNING OIL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE MAY BE MINOR AND COULD NOT ASSIST BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE CONTACT INTENDS TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE SOON. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 96,000.

NHTSA complaint #10251065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 93,000 miles Matthews, NC Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

I REAR-ENDED AN SUV GOING ABOUT 30-35 MPH AND MY AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND MY SEATBELT FAILED TO CATCH, THROWING MY UPPER BODY FORWARD INTO THE STEERING WHEEL. THE POLICE AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT SAID THEY COULD NOT BELIEVE MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WITH THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #10239451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 93,000 miles Matthews, NC Crash 1 injured

SEAT BELTS

I REAR-ENDED AN SUV GOING ABOUT 30-35 MPH AND MY AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND MY SEATBELT FAILED TO CATCH, THROWING MY UPPER BODY FORWARD INTO THE STEERING WHEEL. THE POLICE AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT SAID THEY COULD NOT BELIEVE MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WITH THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #10239451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 66,280 miles Huntsville, AL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN WORKED SPORADICALLY. IN ADDITION, THE HORN WOULD CONTINUE TO SOUND UNLESS THE FUSE WAS DISCONNECTED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE FUSE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. AS OF JANUARY 3, 2008, THE DEALER OR MANUFACTURER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 66,280.

NHTSA complaint #10213570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 65,600 miles Durango, CO

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

HEAD GASKET FAILURES ON 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT 3.5 L V6 ENGINE. 1. NO PRECEDING EVENT, CAR STARTED IDLING ROUGH WHEN FIRST STARTED. IDLE SMOOTHES AFTER A SHORT TIME. 2. RIGHT SIDE HEAD GASKET STARTED LEAKING COOLANT INTO CYL #2 AT 30K MILES, REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. LEFT SIDE HEAD GASKET STARTED LEAKING COOLANT INTO CYL #1 AT 65,600 MILES. REPLACEMENT DENIED BY MANUFACTURER, EVEN THOUGHT IT IS AN OBVIOUS MANUFACTURING DEFECT. 3. NOT YET REPLACED DUE TO COST.

NHTSA complaint #10173592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 139,000 miles Shiloh, GA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55MPH ON ROUGH SLIPPERY ROADS THE VEHICLE SLID OFF THE ROAD. AFTER PULLING BACK ON THE ROAD, THE VEHICLE STARTED FISH TAILING AND WENT OVER A TWENTY FOOT EMBANKMENT. THE VEHICLE UPROOTED A TREE. DURING THIS TIME THE FRONTAL AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. MODERATE HEAD INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED BY THE DRIVER. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DETERMINED THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS, BUT HAS NOT INVESTIGATED THE REASON FOR THE AIRBAG FAILURE.

NHTSA complaint #10151866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Gulfport, MS

SUSPENSION

2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING AS WELL AS THE VEHICLE BOTTOMING OUT WHILE DRIVING.*MR WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WOULD WANDER ALL OVER THE ROAD AND BOUNCES WHEN DRIVEN OVER SMALL BUMPS IN THE ROAD. THE STEERING WAS VERY LOOSE WITH 1/8 TO 1/4 INCHES OF PLAY. THERE WAS ALSO A THUMPING NOISE UNDER THE DRIVER'S LEFT FOOT. THE DEALER CHECKED THE ALIGNMENT AND STATED THAT EVERYTHING. THE PROBLEM CONTINUED AND WORSENED OVER TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PROFESSION TIRE SHOP THAT DETERMINED THAT EH VEHICLE SUSPENSION WAS THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10121591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.