2002 Mitsubishi Montero problems
The Mitsubishi Pajero (三菱・パジェロ, Japanese: ; English: /pəˈhɛroʊ/; Spanish: ) is a full-size SUV (sport utility vehicle) manufactured and marketed globally by Mitsubishi over four generations — introduced in 1981 and discontinued in 2021.
The Pajero nameplate derives from Leopardus pajeros, the Pampas cat. Mitsubishi marketed the SUV as the Montero in North America, Spain, and Latin America (except for Brazil and Jamaica) due to the term "pajero" being derogatory (meaning "wanker") in Spanish. In the United Kingdom, it was known as the Shogun (将軍), named after the Japanese word for "General." The model was discontinued in North America in 2006.
The Pajero, Montero, and Shogun names were used on other, mechanically unrelated models, such as the Pajero Mini kei car, the Pajero Junior and Pajero iO/Pinin mini SUVs, and the Triton-based Pajero/Montero/Shogun Sport mid-size SUVs. The Pajero is one of four models by Mitsubishi (the others being the Triton, Pajero Sport and the Pajero iO) that share Mitsubishi's heavy-duty, off-road-oriented Super-Select four-wheel-drive system as opposed to their light-duty Mitsubishi S-AWC all-wheel-drive system.
The Pajero has generated more than 3.3 million sales in its 40-year run. The name lives with the smaller Pajero Sport, which is based on the Mitsubishi Triton/L200/Strada pickup. Despite the similarity in name, the Pajero Sport shares none of the original Pajero's underpinnings and is smaller in overall size.
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Common 2002 Mitsubishi Montero problems
The Mitsubishi Montero, a popular SUV, has had its fair share of issues, particularly with the 2002 model year. The most common problems reported by owners include rattling, issues with shifting, and the ABS light turning on.
Firstly, rattling is a prevalent issue in the 2002 Montero. The average cost to fix this problem is $4,000, and it typically occurs at an average mileage of 108,000 miles. This issue can be caused by various factors, including loose parts or damaged components in the engine or transmission. It can be challenging to diagnose and repair, making it an expensive problem for owners.
Secondly, issues with shifting are also common in the 2002 Montero. This problem can manifest as difficulty shifting gears, delayed shifting, or the transmission getting stuck in a particular gear. The average cost to fix this issue is $2,400, and it typically occurs at an average mileage of 119,000 miles. This problem can be caused by various factors, including worn-out clutch components, damaged transmission gears, or issues with the vehicle's computer system.
Thirdly, the ABS light turning on is another common problem in the 2002 Montero. This issue can be caused by various factors, including damaged ABS sensors, faulty wiring, or issues with the vehicle's computer system. The average cost to fix this issue is $2,300, and it typically occurs at an average mileage of 120,000 miles. This problem can be challenging to diagnose and repair, making it an expensive issue for owners.
In addition to these common problems, other issues have been reported by owners of the 2002 Montero. For example, some owners have reported issues with the vehicle's computer system, including the engine revving up and not idling correctly. This issue can be caused by various factors, including faulty sensors, damaged wiring, or issues with the vehicle's computer system.
Other issues reported by owners of the 2002 Montero include problems with the heating system, issues with the rear hatch, and problems with the fuel system. These issues can be caused by various factors, including damaged components, faulty wiring, or issues with the vehicle's computer system.
In conclusion, the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero has had several common problems reported by owners, including rattling, issues with shifting, and the ABS light turning on. These issues can be challenging to diagnose and repair, making them expensive problems for owners. Additionally, other issues have been reported by owners, including problems with the vehicle's computer system, heating system, rear hatch, and fuel system. These issues can be caused by various factors, including damaged components, faulty wiring, or issues with the vehicle's computer system.
Are old Mitsubishi Monteros reliable?
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 many miles can a Mitsubishi Montero last?
I have a few customers well into the 300k mile range, and a lot of customers in the 200s. Really it all depends on how well the vehicle is maintained, but it is unusual to see any major failures even at this mileage provided the basic maintenance is done on time.
Why was Montero discontinued?
Unfortunately for Mitsubishi, Montero popularity waned in its later years as buyers started to focus more on crossovers than capable, truck-based SUVs like the Montero — so Mitsubishi cancelled the Montero in the U.S. market following the 2006 model year, and devoted itself instead to selling crossovers.
What is the mileage of Montero?
11.56 kmpl
Mileage of Mitsubishi Montero
The Montero mileage is 11.56 kmpl.
2002 Mitsubishi Montero car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mitsubishi Montero problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Air bags problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2002 Mitsubishi Montero vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
The NHTSA has received 174 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2002 Mitsubishi Montero vehicles.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-01
- VIN: JA4MW51R62J
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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 the horn under the hood fuse panel to stop it. I can't drive it with a horn fuse in and have tried replacing the steering wheel airbag and it still has the same problem. My neighbor had the same issue on his 04 Jeep and his car was fixed with an airbag actuator recall. No warning lights ever come on. Only my mechanic has looked at the vehicle.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-18
- VIN: JA4MT31R52J
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I checked and there's several recalls on the vehicle and I purchase it last year from the dealership and I never received anything about the recalls and now my vehicle doesn't want to start it lock me out.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-02-08
- VIN: Ja4mw51r42j
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I was driving down the highway, without any prior indication the brake light, and break alarm came on and my breaks went out. All at the same.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-01
- VIN: ja4mw31r02j
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: My car has 2 recalls and my local Mitsubishi dealer refused to fix the recalls.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-02
- VIN: JA4LS41R12J
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I have a 2002 Mitsibishi Montero Sport.I was driving home from work, and all the sudden i couldn't steer. I had no steering, Lost power to vehicle and battery light came on. Wasnt sure what happened, looked under the hood and noticed belts were off. Went and got new ones and noticed when trying to put the mew belts on the bolt on the crankshaft pulley was loose and the pin was broken making that pulley loose.I was lucky that I decided to take a street with less traffic otherwise I could of gotten into an accident.This should definitely be a RECALL.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-02-03
- VIN: JA4MW51R82J
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE
- Summary: 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
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-06-04
- VIN: JA4MW51R52J
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: A/L BRAKE LIGHT GOES OFF EVERYTIME BRAKE PEDALS IS APPLIED ACCOMPANIED WITH AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE DASH. THERE IS A NHTSA CAMPAIGN #01V254002 ABOUT A BRAKE BOOSTER ACCUMULATOR DEFECT. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR POSSIBLE RECALL FIX BUT GOT DENIED SINCE ITS NOT PART OF THEIR RECALL CAMPAIGN. SHOULDNT THIS BE PART OF A RECALL CAMPAIGN SINCE ITS A SAFETY ISSUE? DO I NEED TO WAIT UNTIL THE BRAKES FAIL AND GET INTO AN ACCIDENT?
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-06-22
- VIN: JA4MT21H82P
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: DRIVE MODE SELECTOR WILL NOT MOVE FROM THE AWD POSITION.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-11-22
- VIN: JA4MW51RX2J
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL I HAVE PROBLEM WITH MY SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM IT GOES OFF FOR NO REASON AND ALSO THE HORN WHEN THE WEATHER DROPS COLD THE HORN GOING OFF CONTINUOUSLY MY MECHANIC CHANGE THE HORN RELAY MORE THAN 3 TIMES BUT THE ISSUE STILL THE SAME. I DON'T UNDERSTAND THESE TWO ISSUES ARE CONNECTED OR NOT BUT I NEED HELP.
STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-03-27
- VIN: JA4MT31R52J
- Components: STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: THE HOOD FLEW UP WHEN SAFETY LATCH FAILED TO HOLD IT,, PLUS BRAKE LINE TROUBLES AS WELL AS GAS TANK FILL PIPE ALL RUSTED OUT,, HOOD WAS ON HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 30MPH AN WRAPPED ARROUND WINDSHIELD,,
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-03-31
- VIN: JA4MW51R32J
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: MY MECHANIC SAID THAT THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER HAS BEEN MANUFACTURED IMPROPERLY WHICH RESULTED IN LEAKAGE OF THE PRESSURIZED NITRGEN GAS FROM INSIDE THE ACCUMULATOR. THE LOSS OF THIS GAS PRESSURE RESULTED IN AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DASH PANEL WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AND CAN DELAY FIRST TIME BRAKE BOOST ASSIST AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED FOR A PERIOD OF TIME AND SHOULD BE ON THE SAFETY RECALL LIST NO. SR-01-008REVII. HE SAID THIS BULLETIN SUPERCEDES SR-01-008REVI. HE SAID THAT MITSUBISHI SHOULD REPLACE THE OLD HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER ACCUMULATOR WITH THE NEW MODEL. AFFECTED VEHICLES ARE 2001-2002 MITSUBISHI MODELS PRODUCED BEFORE 6/20/01. I DON'T KNOW THE EXACT DATE MY CAR WAS PRODUCED BUT THIS IS THE PROBLEM FOR SURE. I TOOK IT TO A SECOND MECHANIC AND HE AGREED. THE CAR DOES NOT STOP PROPERLY AND I AM VERY AFRAID TO DRIVE IT.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-10-15
- VIN: JA4MW51R52J
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE A CHIRPING SOUND. THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE BOTH MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V254002 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-11-17
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: MY MITSUBISHI MONTERO LIMITED STARTED MAKING A STRANGE NOISE FROM UNDER THE DASH WHILE DRIVING. ONE DAY WHILE DRIVING WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKE THE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND A RECALL FOR THE BRAKE HYDRAULIC BOOSTER FOR THIS VEHICLE BUT MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT SHOWING A RECALL. WHEN I CONTACTED MITSUBISHI ALL THEY WOULD SAY IS IT'S NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. I DON'T UNDERSTAND
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-03-05
- VIN: JA4MT21HX2J
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: BOTH HEAD LIGHT BEAMS SOMETIMES DISAPPEAR WHEN SWITCHING TO HIGH BEAM WHILE DRIVING LEAVING YOU DRIVING IN THE DARK WITHOUT ANY LIGHTS.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-03-19
- VIN: JA4MW51R22J
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSFER CASE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT TRANSFER CASE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-01-21
- VIN: JA4MW31R82J
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: THE CLUSTER WAS REPAIRED IN THE MONTERO BUT IT ONLY WORKS ONCE IN AWHILE. THE PANEL WILL TELL ME EVERY NOW AND THEN IF I HAVE FUEL OR NOT. ALSO, WE HAD TO PAY TO HAVE AN ISSUE RESOLVED THAT SHOULDN'T HAVE COST US ANYTHING BECAUSE IT WAS SHOWN HERE AS A DEFECT FOR OUR MAKE AND MODEL. OUR CAR WAS LEAKING GAS, AND MITSUBISHI REFUSED TO FIX IT, AT THEIR EXPENSE, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS LISTED HERE AND THERE WERE VERY MANY COMPLAINTS FILED. WE HAD TO TOW THE CAR IN BECAUSE OF THE LEAK, AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED. AMAZING THAT SO LITTLE CARE WAS SHOWN BY MITSUBISHI FOR SOMETHING THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THIS WAS THE COMPLAINT AND THE RECALL (NHTSA RECALL ID 01V254001) ABOUT THE CAR BEING PARKED AT AN UPWARD SLOPE, THE FUEL TANK LEVELING VALVE NOT MAINTAINING PROPER SEALING IN THE EVEN THAT THE FUEL EXPANDS FROM THE RISE IN AMBIENT TEMP. LEAKAGE OF PRESSURIZED NITROGEN GAS FROM INSIDE THE ACCUMULATOR, ETC. PLEASE CHECK THE RECALL NOTICE.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-10-18
- VIN: JA4MW51R22J
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON CENTRAL STREET IN HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL THE BRAKE LIGHT & ABS LIGHT CAME ON. ALSO AN ALARM SOUNDED. LOSS ALL BRAKES. WE WERE JUST GOING TO GO ON THE HIGHWAY 90. THIS COULD OF ENDED UP DEADLY. UPON INSPECTION BY PEP BOYS, IT WAS THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER HAS FAILED. THE SUV CAN NOT BE DRIVEN UNTIL THIS PART IS REPLACED. I HAVE NEW BRAKES ON THE SUV. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-09-30
- VIN: JA4MW51R92J
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM ACCUMULATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V254001 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-07-20
- VIN: JA4MW51R92J
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, AN ABNORMAL SCREECHING NOISE WAS HEARD WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V254001 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 105,000.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-01-01
- VIN: JA4MW51R22J
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE ABS DELAYED TO ENGAGE AND THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AXLE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE CONTACT ALSO HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE BRAKE ACCUMULATOR FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ADVISED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V254001 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-08-01
- VIN: JA4MW51R72J
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: NHTSA RECALL ID: 04V319000 MITSUBISHI MONTERO 2002 (02) MITSUBISHI RECALL CAMPAIGN NO.: SR-04-009 COMPONENT: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE RECALL DATE (Y/M):2004/07 DEFECT: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS FULL AND THE VEHICLE IS PARKED FORWARD ON AN UPWARD SLOPE, THE FUEL TANK LEVELING VALVE MAY NOT MAINTAIN PROPER SEALING IN THE EVENT THE FUEL EXPANDS FROM THE RISE IN AMBIENT TEMPERATURE. NHTSA RECALL ID: 01V254001 MITSUBISHI MONTERO 2002 (02) MITSUBISHI RECALL CAMPAIGN NO.: COMPONENT: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM RECALL DATE (Y/M):2001/08 DEFECT: 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 NITROGEN GAS FROM INSIDE THE ACCUMULATOR.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-04-10
- VIN: JA4MW51R82J
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A LOUD GRINDING SOUND EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED WHILE REVERSING FROM A PARKING SPACE. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, A SQUEALING SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER ACCUMULATOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V254001 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-11-20
- VIN: JA4MT31R12J
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: I TOOK MY TRUCK FOR A FRAME INSPECTION, FRAME WAS REND ENDEARED UNSAFE AND RUSTED ALL THE WAY THROUGH. BODY & ENGINE ARE INTACT. NEW FRAME IS 10,000.00. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THEIR WERE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS YEARS FRAME. HE SAID THE METAL WAS DIPPED CORRECTLY. I CAN OBTAIN A WRITTEN REPORT. I ALSO CALLED MITSUBISHI & THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT OFFER ANY COMPENSATION.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-02-08
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: MY 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO XLS WAS STATIONARY AND PARKED FOR THE NIGHT ON THE STREET IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE. AT APPROXIMATELY 4:00 AM, THE ALARM STARTED TO SOUND AND THE LIGHTS WERE FLASHING. THE FIRST NIGHT, THE NEIGHBORS AND POLICE DISCOVERED IT BEFORE ME, SO THE POLICE BROKE INTO MY CAR, OPENED THE HOOD, AND DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY. WHEN I RECONNECTED THE BATTERY THE NEXT MORNING, THE ALARM CONTINUED TO SOUND, SO I REMOVED THE FUSE FOR THE HORN AND REPLACED IT LATER THAT DAY, TO BE GREETED WITH SILENCE. FOUR NIGHTS LATER, I HAD THE FUSE FOR THE HORN BACK IN THE VEHICLE. I WAS WOKEN UP AT 2:00 AM TO THE SOUND OF MY HORN BLARING. I ONCE AGAIN, HAD TO REMOVE THE FUSE FOR THE HORN. THIS ISSUE HAS TURNED OUT TO BE BOTH A PUBLIC NUISANCE AND UNSAFE.
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-05-04
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JA4LS21H02J
- Components: AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL - MY LATE HUSBAND AND I WERE IN A SUV ROLLOVER ACCIDENT IN MAY 4, 2006. OUR VEHICLE WAS REAR-ENDED BY ANOTHER SUV AND ULTIMATELY INVOLVED FOUR (4) VEHICLES TOTAL. THE AIRBAGS IN OUR VEHICLE DID NOT DEPLOY AND MY HUSBAND DIED LATER FROM COMPLICATIONS INDUCED BY INTERNAL BLEEDING. POLICE REPORT FILED AND SENT TO MANUFACTURER WITH NO RESPONSE OR COMMENT. NOTICED THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL AIRBAG COMPLAINTS WITH NTSB FOR MY VEHICLE TYPE WITH NO OPEN INVESTIGATIONS. MY HUSBAND'S DEATH SHOULD TRIGGER SOME TYPE OF INVESTIGATION OR CONCERN FROM BOTH NTSB AND THE MANUFACTURER.
2002 Mitsubishi Montero recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero.
- Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: 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 DASH AND TO THE SUNVISOR DO NOT MEET THE SIZE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
- Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
- 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. IN ADDITION, ALL CURRENT 2000-2004 NATIVA OWNERS WILL ALSO RECEIVE REPLACEMENT AIR BAG ALERT LABELS FOR THE SUN VISORS. THIS RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH OR APRIL 2005. THE NOTIFICATION TO THE NATIVA OWNERS IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL OR MAY 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN AT 1-787-251-8715.
- Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
- Summary: 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 RISE IN THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE.
- Consequence: IF THE FUEL LEVELING VALVE DOES NOT SEAL PROPERLY, FUEL MAY LEAK ONTO THE GROUND. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
- Summary: 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 NITROGEN GAS FROM INSIDE THE ACCUMULATOR.
- Consequence: THE LOSS OF THIS GAS PRESSURE COULD RESULT IN AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DASH PANEL WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, AND POSSIBLY A DELAYED FIRST TIME BRAKE BOOST ASSIST AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED FOR A PERIOD OF TIME, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- 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 RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.
Negative 2002 Mitsubishi Montero car reviews
Positive 2002 Mitsubishi Montero car reviews
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I have owned my Montero XLS for 6 years and I have never regretted my purchase. Today, with 3 kids currently in car seats and my oldest (age 6) sitting in the 3rd row, it has proven to be the perfect family car. The car seats in the 2nd row stay there permanently, but I have never had any issues letting my son in and out using the rear door. The tall roof is a great feature, especially for my husband who is over 6 ft tall. As he borrowed my truck today, I couldn't help but admire it as it drove off and thought to myself, 'Wow, I still love my truck!' With 96000 miles on it, I have never had any mechanical problems ever! It has good pick up, a quiet ride, and tons of storage when the third row is tucked away. I absolutely love it!
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I had the pleasure of waiting for this vehicle and it was definitely worth it. My brother-in-law owns a Discovery and my brother has a Navigator, but both of them wish they had gotten the Montero instead. This SUV is incredibly smooth and capable. I strongly disagree with the critics who say it doesn't handle well. If you're looking for a luxury SUV with unique styling and superior appointments, the Montero is the perfect choice. As for the third row, I find it to be quite useful. While it's true that I have smaller children, I still appreciate the extra space. Of course, if I wanted a bus, I would have purchased an Econline.
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I bought this Montero brand new and have had zero mechanical problems to date. It has been a great first-time Japanese car owner experience. I highly recommend this truck to anyone looking for a reliable SUV in this category. I have not had to take it to the dealer even once for repairs or under warranty. The third-row seat is good enough for the kids and nephews.
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We were considering an Explorer, a Cherokee, and a Montero when we stumbled upon a one-year-old Montero Limited. We thoroughly enjoyed test driving it, and after getting it for a good price, we decided to purchase it. As someone who previously drove a Firebird, I am extremely satisfied with the ample head and legroom. I particularly adore the exterior design, which was something I couldn't persuade my husband about regarding the Explorer. The Montero has sufficient acceleration and handles beautifully. Overall, we are thrilled with our purchase and couldn't have asked for a better SUV.
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It's great to live in Dubai, surrounded by amazing wadis, desert dunes, and other fantastic off-road scenarios. My friends and I love taking our cars out into the desert, and I have to say, my Pajero (which is what we call it around here) is definitely the most capable of the bunch. We've put it up against Wranglers, Cherokees, Land Cruisers, and Patrols, and it always comes out on top. Of course, there have been a few issues with the exterior frame - on our second trip, the tailgate was hanging off and the front fender was decapitated - but I still love my car!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2002 Mitsubishi Montero problems:
2002 Montero Limited 6 cy Engine Problems - Mitsubishi Forum ...
Dec 6, 2010 ... oil, coolant etc, maybe I think its the valve seals are shot......now regarding the overheating issue try checking the clutch fan, start the ...
2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues
Problem with your 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport? Our list of 3 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport.
2002 Montero Xls 4wd Issues | Mitsubishi Forums
Feb 6, 2008 ... Basically, vehicles that don't have the 4wd engaged on a regular basis (ie monthly) get a bit sicky and tend to have problems like this. If you ...
Q&A: 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Cutting Issues - JustAnswer
Aug 30, 2008 ... This is caused by the throttle plate not seating properly. The First thing i would do is clean out the throttle body with some throttle plate ...
2002 stalls at idle- fixed. Thanks! | Monterosportonline.net Forum
Nov 15, 2009 ... I have a 2002 mitsubishi montero sport 3.0 with 123,000 miles. ... Common problem. Happens when you have a ... problem though. « Prev; 1; Next ».
Other years of Mitsubishi Montero
Are you having problems with your 2002 Mitsubishi Montero?
Jerrold Torphy 2024-07-04
Your Montero seems to be running pretty smoothly on the highway and at high speeds. However, it may be struggling a bit when accelerating and picking up speed. Additionally, the engine sounds like it is working hard even when idle. On the bright side, the noise is not very noticeable from inside the car unless the windows are down. Despite the useless 3rd row seats, the car provides a comfortable ride overall.
Jarred Lind 2024-04-19
Although the Montero is very comfortable, it has been disappointing to experience problems with its performance after only 1 1/2 years of ownership. Despite having only 49K miles on it, we have already had to have the brakes worked on twice (still not fixed) and just spent $440 getting the spark plug wires changed out. According to the service lady at the dealership, Mitsubishi is very particular about the parts that it can use, making it more expensive to fix anything on them. As a result, we are left feeling extremely disappointed with the quality of the vehicle, especially when compared to my '98 Nissan which has never required any repairs. However, I am confident that we will be able to find a solution to these issues and improve the performance of our Montero.
Niko Schuster 2024-03-10
I bought this vehicle because of its off-road capabilities and I have not been disappointed. Unfortunately, a plastic panel has broken off with no other damage to show cause. It seems that the exterior of the truck cannot withstand off-road trauma. The dealer says it's due to neglect, but I believe it's a defective design. Unfortunately, I lost the argument...
Norberto Kuhn 2024-03-01
Hey there! I just test drove the Limited and overall, I really like the look of the vehicle. However, I did notice that the interior quality could be improved a bit, especially with the plastics and switches on the front doors. Also, I think it would be better if the spare tire was stored somewhere else, as it makes the vehicle look a bit too long. On the bright side, the driving experience was good, with sufficient acceleration and handling. Personally, I found the vehicle to be a bit too big, but the gas mileage is comparable to my Grand Cherokee with an I6 engine.
Jaylin Herzog 2024-02-17
The vehicle is good, but it could benefit from more power. Additionally, the transmission's downshifting response time could be improved.