2002 Mitsubishi Montero
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 0 |
| 1986 | 4 |
| 1987 | 3 |
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1989 | 10 |
| 1990 | 23 |
| 1991 | 18 |
| 1992 | 12 |
| 1993 | 14 |
| 1994 | 32 |
| 1995 | 86 |
| 1996 | 27 |
| 1997 | 63 |
| 1998 | 74 |
| 1999 | 40 |
| 2000 | 51 |
| 2001 | 166 |
| 2002 | 111 |
| 2003 | 39 |
| 2004 | 5 |
| 2005 | 1 |
| 2006 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
62% of complaints: service brakes — 69 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES, A CLICKING SOUND WAS HEARD AS SMOKE WAS EMITTED FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130815
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH AND HEARD A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OF THE FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130109
LOUD NOISE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DASHBOARD CHIRPING AND VIBRATING .
NHTSA ODI report, 20120824
8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
6% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
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
NHTSA ODI report, 20190724
6% of complaints: air bags — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
2 SEPERATE HEAD ON ACCIDENTS IN THIS VEHCILE AND THE AIRBAGS HAVE FAILED BOTH TIMES. THIS TIME THE ABS ALSO DID NOT WORK. DT
NHTSA ODI report, 20021101
VEHICLE INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT WHEN SECOND PARTY RAN RED LIGHT. VEHICLES AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSIONG INJURY TO CONSUMER AND HIS DAUGHTER. *JG
NHTSA ODI report, 20020731
My horn goes off when I turn the steering wheel or hit bumps when driving and when parked and turned off, if its close to freezing it will go off constantly early in the morning before dawn and I have to disconnect the battery or pull the fuse for...
NHTSA ODI report, 20240416
5% of complaints: structure — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and frame and members.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
WAS DRIVING 60MPH AND HAD SWERVED TO MISS A DOG WHEN THE VEHICLE FLIPPED AND ROLLED OVER. THE ROOF HAD CAVED IN AND INJURED THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER. BOTH WERE HOSPITALIZED. THE AIR BAGS ON THE SIDE FAILED TO DEPLOY. TS
NHTSA ODI report, 20021025
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 LEAKAG
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED ACCUMULATOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION MAILING BEGAN OCTOBER 1, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEI
Campaign 01V254001 — check if this car was fixed
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
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 04V319000 — check if this car was fixed
BRAKE BOOSTER ACCUMULATOR FAILURE
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO.
Remedy: MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN WILL MAIL A CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION LETTER CONTAINING A WRITTEN DESCRIPTION AND A GRAPHIC OF THE BI-LINGUAL DASHBOARD AIR BAG WARNING LABEL.
Campaign 04V428000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Mitsubishi Montero — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (69 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V428000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 01V254001 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V319000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 62% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.