Plug wires seem to have continual manufacturers mistakes, the oil is forced to direct a path to the plugs caused to misfire
The worst 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine9
- Airbags5
- Electrical5
- Transmission5
- Brakes4
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine9
- Airbags5
- Electrical5
- Transmission5
- Brakes4
- Fuel system4
- Acceleration3
- Suspension3
- Body1
- Seat belts1
- Steering1
- Wheels1
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport 38
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd...
- This Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the reduction in load...
- This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of...
- This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 2nd...
- This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to explain the difference between normal dew...
- This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers
- This is a message sent to dealers, to inform them that an update for MEDIC will be available.
- This TSB contains troubleshooting steps for diagnosis of various customer complaints relating to the audio...
- This is an index of Tech Talk newsletter articles released in 2012.
2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | RWD | 16 | 21 | 18 |
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | RWD | 15 | 20 | 17 |
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 15 | 19 | 17 |
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 14 | 17 | 15 |
What 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
"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
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 the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v319000 (fuel system, propulsion system). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.
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
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.
[xxx] license #[xxx] VIN# [xxx]
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.
Very cold night , sub zero. Horn started blowing and continued until fuse burnt out. Left strong burnt wiring smell.
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.
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?
Compare the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
Other model years
Questions about the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
Is the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport reliable?
Owners have filed 31 complaints about the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport, close to a typical Montero Sport model year.
What is the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport year score?
The 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport scores 75 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mitsubishi Montero Sport: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport?
Engine and cooling, with 9 complaints, typically around 117,329 miles. Next is airbags (5).
How many recalls does the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport have?
No recalls on record.
What year does the Mitsubishi Montero Sport have bad engine?
The Mitsubishi Montero Sport model years with the most engine complaints are 1997 (16 complaints), 1998 (14 complaints) and 2000 (11 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport get?
Official estimates for the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport range from 15 to 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 16 city and 21 highway.
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