Engine
3.5L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Brakes
69 complaint records1 fire report4 crash reports
"DEFECTIVE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER ACCUMULATOR # SR-01-008REVII. MITSUBUSHI DEALER DON'T OPEN RECALL FOR MY 2002 MONTERO. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
11 complaint records
"WE HAVE THE CAR FOR THE PAST 17 YEARS AND WE ALWASY HAVE A ELECTRICAL, ENGINE AND HEAD LIGHTS PROBLEMS. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE THEY CAN FIX IT . WE PAID GOOD MONEY FOR THEM TO FIX IT..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Fuel system
9 complaint records
"RECALL 04V319000 CONCERNING FUEL LEAKAGE. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO GET THIS RECALL HONORED BECAUSE THE DEALER DID NOT HAVE THE SPECIAL TOOL TO DO THE REPAIRS. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse fuel system parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| RQ06007 opened May 2006 | closed Oct 2006 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | BRAKE BOOSTER ACCUMULATOR FAILURE IN OCTOBER 2001, MITSUBISHI NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO. 01V-254) TO REMEDY A DEFECT CONDITION THAT COULD RESULT IN A LEAK OF PRESSURIZED NITROGEN GAS FROM THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER ACCUMULATOR IN APPROXIMATELY... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04V428000 | Equipment | CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. | Normally free |
| 04V319000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | 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... | Normally free |
| 01V254001 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE ACCUMULATOR THAT IS INSTALLED ON THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004255 2004-07-19 | Fuel System | 995 | 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. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEALER LETTER Jul 2023 | Equipment | This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023. | |
| TSB-23-00-001 Apr 2023 | Equipment | This Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the reduction in load carrying capacity be affixed to vehicles when the total net weight of accessories is more than 1.5 percent of the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or 100 lbs. | |
| TSB-23-00-004 Apr 2023 | Structure | This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue. | |
| DEALER LETTER Apr 2023 | Equipment | This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 2nd quarterly technician quiz for 2023. | |
| TSB-22-54-003 Apr 2022 | Unknown Or Other | This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to explain the difference between normal dew condensation, which is a natural phenomenon, and water penetration caused by improper sealing or a defective/broken part. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| TT253 Nov 2019 | Equipment | This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers. | |
| TSB-19-00-008 Jul 2019 | Equipment | This 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. | |
| TIN1800009 Aug 2018 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | This 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. | |
| MEDICUpdate517 Feb 2018 | Equipment | This is a message sent to dealers, to inform them that an update for MEDIC will be available. | |
| TT237 Feb 2018 | Equipment | This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers. | |
| TT218 Aug 2015 | Power Train | This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers. | |
| TSB-15-54-004 Jul 2015 | Equipment | This 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. | |
| TT217 Jul 2015 | Power Train | This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers. | |
| TT195 Mar 2013 | Steering | This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers. | |
| TTIndex12 Mar 2013 | Equipment | This is an index of Tech Talk newsletter articles released in 2012. | |
| TT194 Feb 2013 | Fuel System | This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers. | |
| TSB-13-42A-002 Jan 2013 | Structure | This Technical Service Bulletin updates the door adjustment procedure in the Body Section of the applicable service manuals. | |
| TT193 Jan 2013 | Fuel System | This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers. | |
| TT192 Dec 2012 | Electrical System | This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers. | |
| TT191 Nov 2012 | Service Brakes | This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers. | |
| 137 May 2007 | Power Train | REPROGRAMMING THE PCM DRIVABILITY OR SENSITIVITY ISSUES CAN BE CORRECTED. *KB | |
| 126 May 2006 | Power Train | REAR AXLE SHAFT FLANGE COMING LOOSE. *TT | |
| 0513008 Apr 2005 | Power Train | POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) REPROGRAMMING FOR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0134. *TT | |
| 0555001 Apr 2005 | Equipment | A/C COMPRESSOR OIL SPECIFICATION - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TT | |
| 113 Jan 2005 | Tires | SPARE TIRE COVER FIT. *TT | |
| 54 Dec 2004 | Electrical System | RV METER TEMPERATURE DISPLAY UPDATE. MITSUBISHI. TECH TALK. *TT | |
| 10012004 Oct 2004 | Electrical System | RV METER TEMPERATURE DISPLAY. 8EH | |
| 09012004 Sep 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | UPDATED MILLER TOOL INFORMATION. *EH | |
| 06012004 Jun 2004 | Power Train | RWD/4WD LIGHT BLINKS. *EH | |
| 0433001 Jan 2004 | Suspension | THIS BULLETIN CONTAINS CORRECTED PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING BALL JOINT DUST COVERS AND INNER RETAINERS DURING TIE ROD END BALL JOINT AND FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSION UPPER ARM BALL JOINT REMOVAL. *TT | |
| SC03001 Oct 2003 | Equipment | VACUUM HOSE ROUTING DIAGRAM LABEL MUST BE CHANGED- SERVICE CAMPAIGN. *TT | |
| 0323006 Oct 2003 | Power Train | TORQUE CONVERTER SHUDDER, SURGE, AND/OR VIBRATION (POSSIBLY INTERMITTENT) WHEN DRIVING 35-50 MPH AT STEADY THROTTLE. *TT | |
| 0351006 Sep 2003 | Electrical System | REMOTE CONTROLLED MIRRORS CIRCUIT DIAGRAMS-SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *SC | |
| 0326002 Aug 2003 | Suspension | NOISE FROM FRONT WHEEL HUB BEARING - IMPROVEMENTS. *TT | |
| 0313001 Jan 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) REPROGRAMMING FOR MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) (SERVICE ENGINE SOON) ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0125. *TT | |
| 0335001 Jan 2003 | Service Brakes | HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER ACCUMULATOR DISPOSAL - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TT | |
| 0223007 Nov 2002 | Power Train | 4WD INDICATOR LAMP FLASHING / DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) 33. *TT | |
| 0242A014R Oct 2002 | Visibility | SUNROOF MOTOR MALFUNCTION. *TT | |
| 10012002 Oct 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE STALLING HESITATION. *EH | |
| 0242A014 Sep 2002 | Visibility | SUNROOF MOTOR MALFUNCTION. *TT | |
| 09012002 Sep 2002 | Visibility | MIRROR READING OC OR SC AFTER COLLISION. *EH | |
| 0231001 Aug 2002 | Unknown Or Other | SUBJECT REGARDING CORRECTED WHEEL NUT TIGHTENING TORQUE AND SPARE TIRE MOUNT INSTRUCTIONS. *JG | |
| 0242A013 Aug 2002 | Visibility | SUBJECT REGARDING CORRECTED POWER WINDOW MOTOR INSTALLATION INFORMATION. *JG | |
| 85 Aug 2002 | Unknown Or Other | ON SOME VEHICLES, CUSTOMERS MAY FIND THAT WHEN PROGRAMMING THE RKE ANSWERBACK FUNCTION THE DESIRED FUNCTION CHANGE MAY NOT TAKE PLACE. *TT | |
| 0211004 Jul 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING ENGINE DIESEL NOISE AT IDLE. *JG | |
| TSB0213014 Jul 2002 | Fuel System | SUBJECT REGARDING FUEL TANK DIFFERENTIALPRESSURE SENSOR - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TT | |
| TSB0223005 Jul 2002 | Power Train | CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN OF A TRANSMISSION WHIRLING / WHINING AND / OR EXHAUST NOISE THAT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS COMING FROM THE FRONT FLOOR CONSOLE AREA OR THE CENTER DASH VENTS NEAR THE RADIO. *TT | |
| TSB0252A002 Jul 2002 | Structure | ON SOME VEHICLES THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR TRIM MAY INTEFERE WITH THE AIR VENT TRIM WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED. *TT | |
| 84 Jul 2002 | Electrical System | BULLETIN REVIEW TSB-02-13-011 REGARDING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0441 DIAGNOSIS - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TT | |
| TSB0213011 Jun 2002 | Unknown Or Other | SUBJECT REGARDING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0441 EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL INCORRECT PURGE FLOW DIAGNOSIS - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TT | |
| TSB0233001 Jun 2002 | Suspension | SUBJECT REGARDING BALL JOINT END PLAY CHECK PROCEDURES - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TT | |
| TSB0255004 Jun 2002 | Equipment | SUBJECT REGARDING AIR CONDITIONER REFRIGERANT QUANTITY - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TT | |
| 0254006 Apr 2002 | Electrical System | SUBJECT REGARDING IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM INFORMATION UPDATE. *TT | |
| 0254003 Mar 2002 | Unknown Or Other | SUBJECT REGARDING ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT CONNECTOR IDENTIFICATION. *JG | |
| 0251003 Mar 2002 | Tires | SUBJECT REGARDING SPARE TIRE AND COVER INSTALLATION AND PRE DELIVERY INSPECTION UPDATE. *JG | |
| 0254004 Mar 2002 | Unknown Or Other | SUBJECT REGARDING IMMOBILIZER KEY CHECK. *JG | |
| 80 Mar 2002 | Electrical System | BRIEF INFORMATION ON DIAGNOSING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0441. *TT | |
| TSB0235002 Feb 2002 | Service Brakes | SUBJECT REGARDING REAR BRAKE PAD SHIMS. *TT | |
| TSB0254001 Jan 2002 | Visibility | SUBJECT REGARDING POWER SEATS, POWER WINDOWS, RADIO, AND/OR SUNROOF MAY NOT OPERATE. *TT | |
| 78 Jan 2002 | Visibility | SUBJECT REGARDING SUNROOF OPERATION. *TT |
Showing 60 of 67 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Smell for fuel and watch the first restart when hot.Hard starting when warm, hesitation under load, or any fuel odor near the tank or engine bay match this vehicle's fuel-system cluster. Check the recall table for fuel pump campaigns.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Mitsubishi Montero →