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.
The worst 2003 Mitsubishi Montero problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Brakes11
- Fuel system6
- Transmission6
- Electrical4
- Airbags3
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes11
- Fuel system6
- Transmission6
- Electrical4
- Airbags3
- Engine3
- Suspension3
- Seat belts2
- Tires2
- Visibility2
- Wheels2
- Body1
- Driver assistance1
- Lights1
- Locks1
- Seats1
- Steering1
Recalls 2
Equipment: other: labels
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 04V428000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: storage
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 04V319000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero 49
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 Technical Information Notice sent to dealers, to inform them that MB991855V (12-13 Pin...
- 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...
2003 Mitsubishi Montero 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6‑cyl | RWD | 13-14 | 18 | 15 |
What 2003 Mitsubishi Montero owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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.
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/.
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.
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.
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.
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.
My hydraulic brake stop working I have to use the emergency brake the repair is 2500 my car is a 2003 with 90000 mile.
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.
Compare the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
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Questions about the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
Is the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero reliable?
Owners have filed 39 complaints about the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero, close to a typical Montero model year.
What is the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero year score?
The 2003 Mitsubishi Montero scores 74 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mitsubishi Montero: 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?
Brakes, with 11 complaints, typically around 114,000 miles. Next is fuel system (6).
How many recalls does the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero have?
2 recalls, covering equipment and fuel system, gasoline.
What year does the Mitsubishi Montero have bad brakes?
The Mitsubishi Montero model years with the most brakes complaints are 2001 (74 complaints), 2002 (68 complaints) and 1997 (14 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero get?
Official estimates for the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero range from 15 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.8L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 13-14 city and 18 highway.
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