2003 Mitsubishi Montero sport problems
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is a mid-size SUV produced by the Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi Motors using the Pajero nameplate since 1996 that has spanned over three generations and based on the Triton pickup truck. Mitsubishi has formerly used the Mitsubishi Challenger (Japanese: 三菱・チャレンジャー, Hepburn: Mitsubishi Charenjā) name in Japan and some international markets, but since the third generation, the Pajero Sport/Montero Sport/Shogun Sport was the name used instead.
First generation (K80/K90/PA/PA II; 1996)
For the SUV sold alongside the first generation Montero Sport in Latin American markets, see Mitsubishi Montero Outlander.
Production began in Japan in 1996, and was available for most export markets by 1997, where it was variously known as the Challenger, Pajero Sport in Europe, Montero Sport in North America, South America, Spain and the Philippines, Nativa in parts of Latin America, the Caribbean and the Middle East, Shogun Sport in the United Kingdom, and Strada G-Wagon in Thailand. Based on the Strada pickup truck of the same vintage, sharing many components and some body panels (i.e. front doors), the first-generation Pajero Sport was also built on the second-generation Pajero wheelbase, and served as a smaller model to the larger Pajero.
Like the Pajero, it featured independent front suspension with torsion bars and a live rear axle. In addition to numerous facelifts over the years, there was a major suspension change from rear leaf to coil springs in late 2000. As its popularity increased, local assembly for foreign markets was introduced in China in 2003, and Brazil in 2006. Sales were discontinued in Japan in 2003. In the United States, where it was superseded by the Endeavor, sales ended in 2004. In Canada the Montero Sport continued to be sold alongside the Endeavor until 2008. Sales in central and western Europe ended in 2008, with the introduction of the second generation Pajero/Montero Sport. In Japan, it was sold at a specific retail chain called Car Plaza.
The 3-litre V6 is the most commonly used engine; it produces 175 hp (130 kW; 177 PS) at 5,000 rpm. The North American market received petrol V6 engines during all years of production while a petrol 2.4-litre engine was offered on base models from 1997 through 1999 in the United States and for additional years in Canada. Markets outside of North America also had a variety of turbo-diesel four-cylinder engines to choose between.
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Common 2003 Mitsubishi Montero sport problems
The Mitsubishi Montero Sport 2003 is known for several common problems that have been reported by owners of this car. One of the most common issues is an oil leak from the valve cover, particularly on the driver's side
. The valve cover tends to have issues, and almost all Montero Sport 2003 models have an oil leak from this area, which can be caused by the heat from the motor or the way the gasket or valve cover is designed. This issue can lead to a drip onto the exhaust, causing a smell that can be noticed inside the car.
Another common problem with the Mitsubishi Montero Sport 2003 is a cracked exhaust manifold
. This issue is not unique to this model, but it seems to be a common problem with the Gen 3 Montero platform. The manifolds tend to crack on the bottom, and it is rare to find a set of manifolds without a crack. This issue can be caused by the location of the manifolds and the heat they are exposed to, which can lead to cracks in the casting.
The front four-wheel drive lights can also be an issue with the Mitsubishi Montero Sport 2003
. When shifting between different modes in the transfer case, something can get confused, leading to a sensor not working correctly. This issue can cause the front four-wheel drive lights to flash, indicating a problem with the transfer case.
The fuel injectors can also be a problem with the Mitsubishi Montero Sport 2003. It is recommended to keep the injectors clean and use a can of Sea Foam per month to prevent this issue. If not addressed, this problem can lead to electronic issues with the car.
The timing belt is another common problem with the Mitsubishi Montero Sport 2003 and should be changed about every 40-50,000 miles. If not replaced, this issue can lead to significant engine damage.
The support from Mitsubishi dealers can also be an issue with the Mitsubishi Montero Sport 2003
. If something goes wrong with the car, it can be challenging to find a dealership that can service it, especially if it is not a common model in the area.
In summary, the Mitsubishi Montero Sport 2003 is known for several common problems, including oil leaks from the valve cover, cracked exhaust manifolds, issues with the front four-wheel drive lights, fuel injector problems, timing belt issues, and a lack of support from Mitsubishi dealers. These issues can be costly to repair and can affect the car's performance and reliability.
Is the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport a good car?
This car does everything you need any car to do.
The gas mileage isn't great compared to a newer car but this vehicle will get you to and from wherever you need to go. The montero is a bare bones vehicle, it has everything you need and nothing that you don't.
Is Mitsubishi Montero Sport a reliable car?
According to MotorTrend and various forums, the Montero is overall a reliable SUV. However, there are certain model years that run into problems in their transmissions, braking, and engines, which are always certainly expensive to fix. These are the 2001 to 2002 Montero models.
How long is a 2003 Montero Sport?
Used 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport - Specs & Features
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 181.1 in. |
| Overall width without mirrors | 69.9 in. |
| Height | 68.3 in. |
| Wheelbase | 107.3 in. |
What is the engine life of a Montero?
If the engine was taken care of and properly maintained, these engines will easily see 200k miles. The highest I have seen without overhaul was around 270k miles.
2003 Mitsubishi Montero sport car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mitsubishi Montero sport problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Power train problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Mitsubishi Montero sport vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2003 Mitsubishi Montero sport
The NHTSA has received 83 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero sport. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2003 Mitsubishi Montero sport vehicles.
AIR BAGS,WHEELS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-05-11
- VIN: JA4LS21HX3J
- Components: AIR BAGS,WHEELS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: PLUG WIRES SEEM TO HAVE CONTINUAL MANUFACTURERS MISTAKES, THE OIL IS FORCED TO DIRECT A PATH TO THE PLUGS CAUSED TO MISFIRE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-05-20
- VIN: JA4LS21HX3J
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: "TAKATA RECALL" WHEN A OIL LEEK ACCOR IN DUE TIME IT AUTOMATICALLY DRIPS DIRECTLY ON ONE OF THE SPARK PLUGS.ALSO THE EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM DOESN'T FUNCTION A READING ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTIC WHEN FINDING ISSUE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-08-12
- VIN: JA4NW51S83J
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FROM THE DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A STRONG HESITATION AS THE FAILURE PROGRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-06-20
- VIN: JA4MT21H23J
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. WHILE PARKED, THERE WAS A STRONG FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V319000 (FUEL SYSTEM, PROPULSION SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-08-15
- VIN: JA4LS21H93J
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: PIN IN THE HARMONIC BALANCER BROKE CAUSING VEHICLE TO SLING A/C BELT AND DRIVE BELT CAUSING HARMONIC BALANCER TO SEIZE UP. PIN WAS REPLACED. MONTHS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN TO COME ON SHOWING A CODE OF MISFIRE. AS WELL AS HARMONIC BALANCER COMING LOOSE...**5/5/15**..... BELTS COME OFF ON HIGH WAY DOING ABOUT 70 MPH. HARMONIC BALANCER LOOSE AGAIN. CRANK BOLT STUCK AND UN REMOVABLE.BELTS CAME OFF AND GOT CAUGHT IN FAN...UPDATED 07/30/15 *BF UPDATED 9/29/2015*JS
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-05-26
- VIN: JA4LS21H53J
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO VEER TO THE LEFT INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT STOPPED ON THE SHOULDER TO CHECK THE TIRE PRESSURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN PUT THE VEHICLE ON THE LIFT AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE SUB FRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE THAN WHAT THE VEHICLE WAS WORTH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,000.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-05-03
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: A SIREN SOUND CAME ON. MY HUSBAND PROCEEDED TO GET OF THE ROAD. IN HIS ATTEMPT, THE BRAKES BECAME VERY HARD TO PRESS. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ROLL AS THE BRAKES WERE BEING APPLIED. HE THE PULL THE EMERGENCY BRAKES TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP. AAA WAS CALLED TO TOW THE VEHICLE TO A AUTO SHOP. AFTER A THOROUGH CHECK, THE OWNER (MASTER MECHANIC) DISASSEMBLE THE BRAKING SYSTEM TO CHECK IF THE BOOSTER HAD FAILED, HE STATED THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE A BOOSTER. I PICKED THE VEHICLE UP ON FRIDAY, MAY 7 AROUND 4:00PM. AFTER TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 1 MILE, THE SIREN NOISE CAME BACK ON. WE ARE AWAITING TO HAVE THE TRUCK TOWED AGAIN ON MONDAY. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-02-09
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JA4MT31R23J
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHILE STEERING ABRUPTLY, THE VEHICLE WENT OFF ROAD AND FLIPPED OVER THREE TIMES LANDING ON ITS ROOF. THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 240,000.
STEERING,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-12-04
- VIN: JA4NW51S83J
- Components: STEERING,AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE HORN GOES OFF BY ITSELF THE PADS WHERE STUCK AND IT COST $1000 TO REPAIR SINCE IT NEEDS TO REMOVE THE STEERING AIRBAG,THIS SHOULD BE ON A RECALL.THIS HAS A LOT OF PROBLEMS WHO HAS SAME MODEL ON MITSUBISHI FORUMS FOUND HERE HTTP://MITSUBISHIFORUM.COM/FORUM/MITSUBISHI-MONTERO-MONTERO-SPORT-14/HORN-ACTIVATE-ITSELF-01-MONTERO-LTD-28034/. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-10-16
- VIN: JA4NW31S23J
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH DOWN A SLIGHT INCLINE, THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO RESPOND AND THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO STOP. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-08-11
- VIN: JA4NW51S73J
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD PIERCING SOUND WHEN THE IGNITION WAS STARTED. ALL OF THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 230,000.
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-26
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JA4LS21H13J
- Components: AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: [XXX] LICENSE #[XXX] VIN# [XXX] *TR
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-04-23
- VIN: JA4LS21H93J
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE MADE A KNOCKING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-10-16
- VIN: JA4NW51S03J
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND A BUZZER. I THEN WENT TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND STOP BUT THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD NOT BUDGE. IT WAS LIKE THERE WAS A BRICK UNDER IT. THERE WAS NO WAY OF STOPPING SAFELY. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OF ME. I HAD TO YOU THE TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT DOWN. PRESSED AS HARD AS I COULD ON BRAKES AND FINALLY STOPPED. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND HAVE DISCOVERED IT IS QUITE COMMON. HOW IS IT SAFE FOR A VEHICLE WITH A ANTILOCK BRAKE MALFUNCTION TO TAKE OUT THE BRAKE SYSTEM COMPLETELY? I HAVE CONTACT MITSUBISHI AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALL!! HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE!?! THIS IS VERY UNSAFE I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE PARKED SINCE THE INCIDENT. I FEEL MITSUBISHI NEEDS TO PAY FOR THIS AND UPGRADE THE BRAKE SYSTEM. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE PRICE AND WOULD COST ME 1700.00 TO HAVE THE SYSTEM REPLACED. WITH NO GUARANTEE OF IT NOT DOING IT AGAIN. *JS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-12-18
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VERY COLD NIGHT , SUB ZERO. HORN STARTED BLOWING AND CONTINUED UNTIL FUSE BURNT OUT. LEFT STRONG BURNT WIRING SMELL. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-10-02
- VIN: JA4NW51S33J
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING, STARTED HEARING OOZING SOUND THEN I APPLIED BRAKES, VERY HARD AND WON'T GO DOWN. THEN I PULLED OVER THE SIDE CURB AND THE CURB STOPPED THE CARD. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-11-29
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JA4MT21H53J
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: I WAS PULLING IN A SHEETS STATION AND GOING INTO A PARKING SPACE WHEN MY ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK TO THE FLOOR AND WHEN I LEFT GO THE BRAKE PEDAL VEHICLE KEPT MOVING AND CRASHED INTO A RED POST WHICH STOPPED THE VEHICLE THEN I NOTICED THE GAS PEDAL COMING BACK UP AND WAS ABLE TO ,PUT IN REVERSE AND CRUISE BACK IN SAME PARKING SPACE DID DAMAGE TO MOTOR AND RADIATOR AND FRONT BODY MY WIFE CLAIMS THIS HAS DONE IT TO HER AS WELL. I WAS SCARED. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-07-09
- VIN: JA4NW31S03J
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: MY HYDRAULIC BRAKE STOP WORKING I HAVE TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE THE REPAIR IS 2500 MY CAR IS A 2003 WITH 90000 MILE. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-01-31
- VIN: JA4NW51S23J
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 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. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRIC MOTOR IN THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER UNIT FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED ON ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-09-27
- VIN: JA4NW31S83J
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL AND A CONTAINER HAD TO BE USED TO KEEP THE FUEL FROM LEAKING ONTO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE FUEL WAS SEEPING THROUGH THE FUEL TANK. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE FUEL VAC AND VAPOR FILTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V319000 (FUEL SYSTEM: GASOLINE STORAGE) AND PROVIDED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 67,000.
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-08-29
- VIN: JA4MT21H83J
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: I JUST PICKED UP MY SON'S VEHICLE FROM THE SERVICE GARAGE WHERE I HAD JUST HAD NEW BRAKES AND ROTORS INSTALLED FOR HIM. I WAS ON THE WAY TO MEET MY HUSBAND AT THE GROCERY STORE BUT NEEDED TO DROP OFF SOME LETTERS AT THE OUTDOOR MAIL BOX AT THE POST OFFICE WHICH WAS < 1/4 MILE FROM THE SERVICE GARAGE. AS I PULLED UP TO THE POST OFFICE DROP BOX, I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND WAS GOING JUST A FEW MILES AN HOUR. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENGINE REVVED LOUDLY AND THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD. I PUSHED HARDER ON THE BRAKE BUT IT WOULDN'T STOP! THANK GOD THERE WAS NO ONE IN FRONT OF ME OR IN THE PARKING LOT, SO I JUST STEERED THE VEHICLE AROUND THE LOT CONCENTRATING ON NOT HITTING ANYTHING! ALL THE WHILE TRYING TO BRAKE THE VEHICLE TO A STOP. IT TOOK ABOUT 10-15 SECONDS AND THE ENGINE FINALLY REVVED BACK DOWN (TO THE NORMAL SOUND) AND THE BRAKES WORKED AND I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR TO THE GROCERY STORE WITHOUT ANOTHER INCIDENT. THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE (MY SON WAS GIVEN THE VEHICLE AT ABOUT 50,000 MILES) ACCORDING TO MY SON. IT WAS VERY FRIGHTENING-I AM SO GLAD NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OF ME. I JUST WANT SOME KIND OF RECORD OF THIS, IN CASE SOMETHING HAPPENS LATER. IS THERE ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THIS? *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-10-31
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. WHILE PARKED, THE HORN BEGAN TO SOUND CONTINUOUSLY. THE CONTACT DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY IN ORDER TO STOP THE HORN. THE FAILURE RECURRED DIFFERENT TWICE, BOTH TIMES DURING COLDER WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS OR REPAIRS. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,000.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-02-03
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. WHILE THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH AND WAS APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKES DID NOT RESPOND. THERE WAS A LIGHT BLINKING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND AN ALARM WENT OFF. THE CONTACT STATED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS PULLED IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO COME TO COME TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-08-05
- VIN: JA4NW51S03J
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: I HAVE A 2003 MONTERO LIMITED AND SUDDENLY MY BRAKES FAILED AND THE CAR HAD A HIGH PIERCING NOISE. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A NEAR BY MITSUBISHI DEALER IN MARLOW HEIGHTS MARYLAND ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT IF IT WAS THE ACCUMULATOR THEY WOULD FIXED IT AT NO CHARGE. HOWEVER, AFTER THEIR REVIEW IT THEY SAID IT WAS THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER AND IT WOULD COST ME $2500 AFTER TAKING IT TO ANOTHER MECHANICAL SHOP I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE ACCUMULATOR AND THE PART WAS $228 PLUS LABOR CHARGES. *TR
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-04-01
- VIN: JA4NW51S53J
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE CONTACT WAS ROTATING THE TIRES WHEN HE NOTICED ONE OF THE STUDS ON THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE STUD WAS REPLACED. THE SAME FAILURE HAS SINCE RECURRED TWO ADDITIONAL TIMES ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL IN WHICH THE STUDS WERE REPLACED BY THE SAME INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,900.
Negative 2003 Mitsubishi Montero sport car reviews
Positive 2003 Mitsubishi Montero sport car reviews
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I see that you previously owned a 2001 Nissan Xterra. It sounds like it was a bit rough to ride and not very fuel efficient, with an average mileage of 13.5. I'm glad to hear that your Montero Sport is a smoother ride and gets better gas mileage, averaging 19 mpg. It also seems to perform better than the Xterra, with quicker acceleration and better handling.
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I love it! No complaints at all!
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You'll enjoy a comfortable ride in this car, and the cd/cassette stereo is great. Plus, it has a sunroof! It's also a stylish car that not everyone has.
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It's so great to hear that your Montero Sport has been such a reliable car for you and your daughter! With 180K miles and still going strong, it's clear that you've taken great care of it through regular maintenance. Your 2003 model sounds just as impressive, and it's wonderful to hear that it's been a great car for your business. And of course, your Endeavor is another fantastic vehicle that you love. Thanks for sharing your positive experiences with these cars!
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I've had my 2003 Montero Sport for a couple of months now and I must say, I really enjoy driving this vehicle. It's very fun to drive and easy to handle. Although, I must admit that the gas mileage is not what I expected. It's completely different than the sticker reads for city/highway. I average 10 miles per gallon, and the dealer told me AFTER I bought it that it was a gas-guzzler. Other than that, I still like it.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Mitsubishi Montero sport problems:
03 Sport Common Problems - Mitsubishi Forum - Mitsubishi ...
Aug 13, 2018 ... Mitsubishi Montero & Montero Sport - 03 Sport Common Problems - Hi guys, new here looking for information on an 03 Montero Sport.
Reliability of 2001-2003 Montero sport | Expedition Portal
Dec 7, 2018 ... My wife's truck is an '03 Montero Sport Limited 2WD. We had it for several years before I discovered it was designed off of Mitsubishi's ...
2003 Montero Limited issues (and fixes) - Mitsubishi Forum ...
Jul 9, 2017 ... 2003 Montero Limited issues (and fixes) · 1. Blinking center diff light every 15 mins (or every 10 or so miles going above 60mph) - Solved, drove ...
Q&A: 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Limited - Common Problems ...
Oct 8, 2014 ... I have a 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Limited 3.8 liter/V-6 4x4, 156000 miles that I bought with a problem that has gotten - Answered by a ...
2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues
Problem with your 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport? Our list of 3 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport.
Other years of Mitsubishi Montero sport
Are you having problems with your 2003 Mitsubishi Montero sport?
Benny Koss 2024-09-21
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my thoughts on the car. While the tilt wheel may work for some, I personally found it a bit difficult to maneuver as I'm quite tall. Additionally, I noticed that the outside mirrors are quite narrow, which may be something to keep in mind. I also found that the center brake light, while required for US versions, was placed in a way that blocked a significant portion of the rear view. As for the engine, I did notice that it took a bit of time to get up to speed and was a bit noisy, but that's just my personal experience. I did have a bit of trouble with the stereo controls as they were mounted quite low, but that's just a minor issue. Lastly, while the interior materials were decent, they did have a bit of a cheaper feel to them. Overall, I would suggest considering other options before settling on this one. Thanks for reading!
Edd Sipes 2024-08-18
This car is pretty decent and has off-road capabilities similar to the Montero. It doesn't have the third row seats that the Montero has, but it looks more sporty.
Willis Upton 2024-07-03
I appreciate the reviewer who warned me about the steering issues on edmunds. Unfortunately, I have experienced the same problem. It requires constant attention to the road, as the car tends to veer off course. Additionally, the sway of the car can cause discomfort for passengers, especially children. It is disappointing that there is no sway bar available to address this issue. Another drawback is that the hatchback design allows water to drip on passengers during rainy weather, and groceries can easily fall out when unloading. Despite my initial attraction to the car's appearance, I would not recommend it.
Devyn Stiedemann 2024-02-03
The license plate light had to be replaced and it cost $105.00 for a diagnostic check and to fix the corroded light harness in under a year.