2003 Mitsubishi Montero recalls and problems

The 2003 Mitsubishi Montero has 2 safety recalls and 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mitsubishi dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

4 / 1

Injuries / deaths

4 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Mitsubishi Montero vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Mitsubishi Montero recalls

Recall 04V-428: Equipment

Reported Sep 1, 2004 · 100,432 vehicles affected · MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 04V-319: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Jul 6, 2004 · 44,214 vehicles affected · MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

2003 Mitsubishi Montero problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	7
Power Train	6
Service Brakes	5
Electrical System	4
Fuel System, Gasoline	4
Suspension	3
Engine and Engine Cooling	3
Air Bags	3
Tires	2
Fuel System, Other	2
Visibility	2
Seat Belts	2

Most reported parts

Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage — 2
Equipment › Electrical › Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. — 1
Tires › Tread/Belt — 1
Fuel System, Other › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings — 1
Fuel System, Other › Delivery — 1
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Rear Window — 1
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 83,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Mitsubishi Montero complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine and Engine Cooling · at 130,000 miles · reported Jun 29, 2016

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.

Structure · at 162,000 miles · reported Jun 12, 2015

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.

Service Brakes · at 187,000 miles · reported May 8, 2015

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…

Air Bags · at 177,000 miles · reported Dec 4, 2014

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/.

Service Brakes · at 93,000 miles · reported Oct 22, 2014

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.

Other Mitsubishi Montero years

2006 200420032002 2001 2000

Compare all Mitsubishi Montero years · All Mitsubishi models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero: 04V-428 (equipment), 04V-319 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero?

Owners report service brakes, hydraulic problems most often (7 reports), followed by power train (6). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 83,000 miles.

Are Mitsubishi recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mitsubishi dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.