Montero Sport (1st)
- 460 NHTSA complaints
- 2 recalls
- 10 fire reports
- 66 crash reports
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
Every complaint of any kind (brakes, airbags, electrical and the rest) whose VIN names the engine, across all model years. The score above counts only engine, transmission and drivetrain complaints, so its figures for the same engine are smaller. Fire, injury and death figures count complaints that report one.
3.5-V6-Gas
3.5L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
3.0-V6-Gas
3.0L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Mitsubishi Montero Sport Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
3.8-V6-Gas
3.8L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Mitsubishi Montero Sport, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2000-2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
On a used 2000-2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the brakes (136), the engine (62) and the electrical system (56). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-09. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 136 owner complaints on the 2000-2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport about the brakes.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 62 owner complaints on the 2000-2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport about the engine, all engines combined.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 56 owner complaints on the 2000-2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport about the electrical system.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 52 owner complaints on the 2000-2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 52 owner complaints on the 2000-2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
Recalls (2)
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHTS AS STATED ON THE TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL ARE IN ERROR.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.5L ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 106, "BRAKE HOSES." THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH NONCOMPLIANT BRAKE VACUUM HOSES.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Alternatives in Compact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2000-2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport complaints?
Owners have filed 460 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport. The systems they name most often are the brakes, the engine and the electrical system.
Is the 2000-2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 460 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport have?
NHTSA has 460 owner complaints on file for the 2000-2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2000-2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls covering some 2000-2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Mitsubishi Montero Sport?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the brakes, the engine and the electrical system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Montero Sport?
The 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 2 stars. Electronic Stability Control: No. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 460 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-18.