MYRModel Year Report

2003 Mitsubishi Montero

▲ Better than typical
2003 Mitsubishi Montero
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:40:01.072Z

This year had at least 30% fewer 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mitsubishi Montero Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2003 highlighted. 1986: 4 complaints 1986 1987: 3 complaints 1988: 1 complaints 1989: 10 complaints 1989 1990: 23 complaints 1991: 18 complaints 1992: 12 complaints 1992 1993: 14 complaints 1994: 32 complaints 1995: 86 complaints 1995 1996: 27 complaints 1997: 63 complaints 1998: 74 complaints 1998 1999: 40 complaints 2000: 51 complaints 2001: 166 complaints 2001 2002: 111 complaints 2003: 39 complaints 2003 2004: 5 complaints 2004 2005: 1 complaints 2006: 4 complaints 2006
2003: 39 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19840
19864
19873
19881
198910
199023
199118
199212
199314
199432
199586
199627
199763
199874
199940
200051
2001166
2002111
200339
20045
20051
20064

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

SERVICE BRAKES 31%

31% of complaints: service brakes — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ABS, EMERGENCY BRAKE, AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130205

POWER TRAIN 15%

15% of complaints: power train — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and axle assembly.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 10%

10% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 10%

10% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing storage.

FIRE
AIR BAGS 8%

8% of complaints: air bags — 3 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20040830 — fuel system, gasoline

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

R Date not on file — equipment

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

2003 Mitsubishi Montero — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (12 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 04V428000 (equipment) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 04V319000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1994 ▲ 1999 ● 2000

WORST YEARS

■ 2001 ◆ 2002 ◆ 1995

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero have?

2 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.