2002 Mitsubishi Montero: common problems and reliability

The 2002 Mitsubishi Montero has 235 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and hydraulic. Owners most often flag underpowered engine performance (especially in gasoline and older non-turbo diesel variants) — sluggish acceleration, struggles on highways. frequency: recurrent.

Safety record for the 2002 model year

235
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
39
Crash reports
1
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2002 Mitsubishi Montero vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

service brakes
92
hydraulic
63
air bags
31
engine and engine cooling
26
electrical system
21

Recalls affecting the 2002 Montero

service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum

Campaign 01V254001

VEHICLE 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 …

equipment:other:labels

Campaign 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 …

fuel system, gasoline:storage

Campaign 04V319000

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…

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. Long-term owner reports consistently praise the vehicles for their longevity, with examples ci

  • Underpowered engine performance (especially in gasoline and older non-turbo diesel variants) — sluggish acceleration, struggles on highways. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Firm/stiff ride quality — described as "tagtag" or uncomfortable, especially compared to crossover competitors. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Transmission overheating/hunting (older automatic models) — gear hunting, getting stuck in lower gears on inclines. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Outdated infotainment and technology — low-resolution screens, basic features, wired connectivity only. Frequency: recurrent.
  • High fuel consumption (gasoline models and older generations) — reports of 18-20 MPG (13-14 L/100km) or worse, particularly in V6 models. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Montero.

Typical used price

Used Montero listings typically run $8,064–$12,975 across 2001 to 2006 model years.

Other Montero model years

2000 Montero
Full Mitsubishi Montero owner reportCompare against another car