Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (180 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2011
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is mixed, leaning towards positive for long-term reliability when properly maintained, but with significant criticism for specific recurring mechanical failures and poor fuel economy.
8 problems reported (4 recurrent, 4 isolated) · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentShift interlock cable/mechanism failure
Prevents shifter from engaging Park and/or key from being removed from ignition. Known issue with Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs).
- RecurrentTorque converter shudder
Severe vibration, described as feeling like a "rough rumble strip," occurring at steady cruising speeds (noted at 35-45 mph / 56-72 km/h).
- RecurrentRandom stalling and no-start electrical issues
Vehicle dies while idling or driving; subsequent attempts to start result in a single click and no crank, often with radio resetting. Linked to bad grounds or negative battery cable corrosion.
+ 5 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentPoor fuel economy
Noted as a significant downside, with expectations of low MPG.
- IsolatedCold start difficulty
Extended cranking required on cold mornings, requiring throttle input to start. Suspected causes include fuel delivery issues (pump, filter, injectors).
- IsolatedPower steering squeal at full lock
Loud squealing noise when turning steering wheel to its limit, potentially related to low fluid or a leak.
- IsolatedAge-related oil leaks
Rubber seals drying up and causing engine oil leaks around 8 years of age.
- IsolatedPaint quality issues
Paint peeling on fender flares on a 4-year-old vehicle, with warranty claim denied. Paint on wheels noted to fade after approximately 7 years.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available. No specific trim levels (e.g., LS, Limited) or model years are singled out as superior within the available discussions.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Nissan Murano, Buick Rendezvous and Ford Explorer.
Is the Endeavor right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Full owner reportHide full owner report
Overall sentiment
Sentiment is mixed, leaning towards positive for long-term reliability when properly maintained, but with significant criticism for specific recurring mechanical failures and poor fuel economy. Owners who purchased the vehicle at a low price point and performed regular maintenance report high satisfaction, with several examples reaching over 200,000 miles with only normal upkeep. The vehicle is generally viewed as a durable, practical, and affordable used SUV, particularly for its all-wheel-drive capability which is noted to handle rough terrain competently. However, strong negative feedback centers on a cluster of electrical and transmission-related issues that appear frequently in owner discussions, including problematic shift interlock systems, torque converter shudder, and random stalling. Paint quality and age-related oil leaks are also noted weaknesses. The consensus indicates the Endeavor is a high-value, high-mileage beater for the budget-conscious, but one that comes with predictable and potentially expensive repair needs as it ages.
Positioning vs competitors
Insufficient owner data available for a detailed competitive positioning analysis. The vehicle is historically grouped with midsize crossovers like the Highlander and Pilot. Isolated owner feedback suggests it was purchased as a more affordable alternative to Toyota or Honda products, trading perceived brand prestige and ultimate reliability for a lower purchase price.
Recommended configurations
All-wheel-drive (AWD) is recommended by owners for improved traction, with one report noting its capability on rough forest roads despite modest ground clearance. No other specific configurations (engine, trim) are recommended.
General recommendations
Suitable as a low-cost, high-mileage used vehicle for buyers comfortable with performing or budgeting for repairs. Ideal for owners seeking a simple, mechanically straightforward SUV with competent AWD for light off-pavement use. NOT recommended for owners seeking modern fuel efficiency, as poor gas mileage is consistently noted. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is critical, with specific focus on the shift interlock mechanism, torque converter, and electrical grounding. Purchase price should be low enough to account for imminent repairs. Maintenance history is more important than mileage.
Remarks
The provided feedback spans the entire 2004-2011 production run, with specific problem reports for model years 2004, 2007, 2008, and 2011. The shift interlock problem appears to be a well-documented design flaw with official service bulletins. The torque converter shudder is a common high-mileage ailment, with repair costs requiring a value judgment on the vehicle's worth. Electrical gremlins, particularly related to grounding, are a frequent source of frustrating intermittent failures. Owners who accept the vehicle's utilitarian nature and propensity for specific repairs report strong longevity, with multiple examples exceeding 200,000 miles. Analysis based on approximately 15 substantive owner discussions and mentions.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearSource: NHTSA (US)Show table
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 182 | 6 | structure |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices6 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2004 · trailer hitchescampaign 04V197000
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN EQUIPPED WITH DEALER-INSTALLED TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESS AND CONTROL MODULE. THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE CAN OVERHEAT.
2004 · equipment:other:labelscampaign 04V428000
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.
2004 · seatscampaign 04V279000
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE FOOT OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT RISER MAY DEVELOP A CRACK, RESULTING IN REDUCED STRENGTH OF THE SEAT ANCHORAGE.
2004 · fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and capcampaign 10V065000
MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 ENDEAVOR VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND WASHINGTON D.C. COLD STATES INCLUDE NORTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA, NEBRASKA, KANSAS, OKLAHOMA, COLORADO, WYOMING, MONTANA, IDAHO, WASHINGTON, OREGON, AND UTAH. ADJOINING STATES INCLUDE ARKANSAS, TENNESSEE, AND NORTH CAROLINA. IN SEVERE CORROSIVE ENVIRONMENTS WHERE ROAD SALTS ARE FREQUENTLY USED IN WINTER VEHICLES MAY BE EXPOSED TO ROAD DEBRIS (MUD) MIXED WITH ROAD SALT. THIS MATERIAL CAN BECOME TRAPPED BETWEEN A REINFORCING BRACKET AND THE FUEL FILLER PIPE, POTENTIALLY CAUSING CORROSION. OVER TIME, CORROSION COULD CREATE A LEAK IN THE FUEL FILLER PIPE THAT COULD RESULT IN A FUEL LEAKAGE WHEN FUELING THE VEHICLE.
2004 · parking brakecampaign 05V069000
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE PARKING BRAKE PEDAL CABLE LOCK NUT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER TORQUE SPECIFICATION. THE LOCK NUT MAY LOOSEN AND COME OFF, WHICH WILL REDUCE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PARKING BRAKE.
2004 · electrical system:ignitioncampaign 08V139000
MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING 120,000 MY 2004-2006 ENDEAVOR PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING VEHICLE USE, THE IGNITION KEY INTERLOCK CABLE (WHICH IS A COMPONENT OF THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM) MAY ALLOW THE INTERLOCKING CAM TO FALL FORWARD AND ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH WHEN THE GEARSHIFT MECHANISM IS NOT IN THE PARK POSITION.
Specifications
3.8 i V6 24V
3.8L 6-cylinder · 218 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2003–2004