2002 Mitsubishi Montero: common problems and reliability
One of the worst Montero years.
One of the Mitsubishi Montero years to avoid. All Montero years
174 owner complaints, most about service brakes. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2002 Montero?The 2002 Mitsubishi Montero has 174 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and hydraulic.
Safety record for the 2002 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2002 Mitsubishi Montero vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Montero years only. How we score it
Is 2002 a good year for the Montero?
Across the 9 Montero model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2005) to 174 (2002). With 174 complaints, the 2002 Montero sits above the model's median of 40.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2002 Montero
service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum
Campaign 01V254001VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE ACCUMULATOR THAT IS INSTALLED ON THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED. OVER A PERIOD OF TIME, THIS COULD RESULT IN LEAKAGE OF THE PRESSURIZED NITROGEN GAS FROM INSIDE THE ACCUMULATOR.
equipment:other:labels
Campaign 04V428000CERTAIN 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.
fuel system, gasoline:storage
Campaign 04V319000ON 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is generally positive, with the Montero and Montero Sport widely regarded as reliable, durable, and offering strong value, particularly in the used market.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Montero. See the full Montero owner picture and every model year.
Other Montero model years
Compare every Montero year side by side to see how 2002 ranks against the rest.
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