Owners have filed 53 complaints
about the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero with NHTSA between 2003 and 2016.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 11 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 — 33
Against the median year of the Mitsubishi Montero. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 88
17% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 53
31% 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
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
36.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
920.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
511.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
715.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
613.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
715.6%
150,000+ miles
817.8%
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.
Aug 2003peak 4Jun 2016
Recalls on the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
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
04V428000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
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: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
04V319000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
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: 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2004255995 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, when the fuel tank is full and the vehicle is parked forward on an upward slope, the fuel tank leveling valve may not maintain proper sealing in the event the fuel expands from the rise in ambient temperature. 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. Correction: Dealers will replace the fuel leveling valve.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 107,800 milesFort Washington, MDCrash
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10256903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesCrestwood, KYCrash1 injured
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.
NHTSA complaint #10174759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesCamden, ARCrash3 injured
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10154690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tampa, TXFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
PREVIOUSLY REPORTED SIMILAR PROBLEM IN NOV. 2004 (REFERENCE NO. 10101312) FUEL LEAKAGE, ACCELERATION/POWER LOSS AT CRITICAL TIMES OF HIGHWAY TRAVEL. SUV IS NOW PARKED DUE FUELING SYSTEM PROBLEMS AND UNRELIABILITY. SUV WAS REPAIRED AT FAZELI MISUBISHI 11/2004. EVEN AFTER KNOW RECALL (PURPORTED) CORRECTLY VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SAME PROBLEM. SUV FAILED AGAIN WHILE ON FAMILY VACATION, LOSS OF ACCELERATION AND POWER BEGAN TO OCCUR, ENGINE BEGAN TO COUGH AND SPUTTER (EVEN WITH A FULL TANK OF GAS), GAS GAUGE AND DIGITAL FUEL MILEAGE INDICATOR MALFUNCTIONED. SUV WAS EVENTUALLY PARKED AT A LOCATION, WHILE PARKED FUEL APPARENTLY HAD LEAKED FROM THE FUEL TANK OR OTHER COMPARTMENT... FIRE ERUPTED WHILE WE WERE PARKED ON SIDE OF (HWY 10- ALABAMA) I WAS ATTEMPTING TO LIGHT A FLARE TO INDICATE TO PASSING MOTORIST THAT WE WERE STRANDED IN THE ROAD. DESTROYED BY THE FLAMES WERE CLOTHING, LAP TOP COMPUTER, MEDICATION, CHILDREN TOYS AND ELECTRONIC GAMES, AND RELIGIOUS EFFECTS.
NHTSA complaint #10130868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,000 milesRamey, PACrash
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
DT: HUSBAND HAD A VEHICLE WRECK, THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP ON SNOW. CONTACT FELT TIRES WERE NOT RIGHT FOR CLIMATE. HAD TIRES ROTATED AND PRESSURE CHECKED REGULARLY. WAS TOLD BY MANUFACTURER THAT THE PSI SHOULD BE 35, BUT THE DOOR STICKER INDICATED 29 PSI. TIRES DID NOT WORK WELL IN SNOW. ALSO, DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT, AND THE BACK SEAT ON PASSENGER'S SIDE WON'T FOLD FORWARD. HAD BACK SEAT REPAIRED ONCE.
NHTSA complaint #10120243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,000 milesRamey, PACrash
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
DT: HUSBAND HAD A VEHICLE WRECK, THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP ON SNOW. CONTACT FELT TIRES WERE NOT RIGHT FOR CLIMATE. HAD TIRES ROTATED AND PRESSURE CHECKED REGULARLY. WAS TOLD BY MANUFACTURER THAT THE PSI SHOULD BE 35, BUT THE DOOR STICKER INDICATED 29 PSI. TIRES DID NOT WORK WELL IN SNOW. ALSO, DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT, AND THE BACK SEAT ON PASSENGER'S SIDE WON'T FOLD FORWARD. HAD BACK SEAT REPAIRED ONCE.
NHTSA complaint #10120243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 130,000 milesPinebluff, NC
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 MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #10881447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 162,000 milesLawrence, MA
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10724898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 187,000 milesYulee, FL
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10715411 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 177,000 milesBremerton, WA
AIR BAGS
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/.
NHTSA complaint #10662222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 177,000 milesBremerton, WA
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/.
NHTSA complaint #10662222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,000 milesSteubenville, OH
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.
NHTSA complaint #10649213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,000 milesSteubenville, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #10649213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 230,000 milesLouisville, KY
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.
NHTSA complaint #10621355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 187,800 milesBoring, OR
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10585588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesOregon, WI
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.
NHTSA complaint #10556663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Rapids, MI
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.
NHTSA complaint #10525110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesHannibal, MO
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10496520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesCharlotte, NC
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10477373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,000 milesClementon, NJ
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.
NHTSA complaint #10433766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesDuluth, GA
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10382546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesCapital Heights, MD
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10365734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesCapital Heights, MD
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
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.
NHTSA complaint #10365734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesRamey, PA
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10343029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,800 milesFort Washington, MDCrash
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10256903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesRYE, CO
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.
NHTSA complaint #10235977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesRYE, CO
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10235977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,945 milesKeno, OR
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.
NHTSA complaint #10228163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,500 milesLAS Vegas, NV
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.
NHTSA complaint #10196197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,000 milesMercer, PA
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 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!
NHTSA complaint #10184274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesCrestwood, KYCrash1 injured
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.
NHTSA complaint #10174759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.