2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Worth extra scrutiny
The 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport sits mid-pack among Montero Sport years: 63 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 44, with no recalls and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 14 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (11), brakes (11), and electrical system (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
63
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
14
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
14
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2002 compare to other Montero Sport years?
What are the most common 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 11 | 17% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 11 | 17% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 7 | 11% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 7 | 11% | — flat |
| Transmission | 5 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 5 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 3 | 5% | — flat |
| Steering | 3 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Other | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, ANOTHER VEHICLE REAR ENDED IT AND PUSHED IT INTO THREE OTHER VEHICLES. THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG PARTIALLY DEPLOYED BUT THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AT ALL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MULTIPLE INJURIES.…”
“WHILE DRIVING 45MPH AND WITHOUT WARNING, APPLIED BRAKES; HOWEVER, BRAKES WERE INOPERABLE, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. CONSUMER HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER AND MECHANIC INDICATED PROBLEM WAS THE MASTER CYLINDER, WHICH COULD CAUSE ANOTHER ACCIDENT.*AK”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. DURING AN OIL CHANGE, FIRESTONE FOUND A LEAK IN THE GASKET AND VALVE. THE MECHANIC BELIEVED THE FLOW ENGINE VALVE CAUSED THE LEAK. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE PURCHASE DATE AND CURRENT…”
“DURING COLD WEATHER (APPROXIMATELY 20 DEGREES C AND BELOW) THE HORN STARTS BLOWING AND WON'T TURN OFF UNLESS THE BATTERY IS DISCONNECTED OR THE CAR INTERIOR HAS WARMED UP. THE ONLY WAY I HAVE TO PREVENT THE HORN FROM COMING ON IS TO KEEP THE HORN/AIR/BAG ASSEMBLY WARM. I WRAP AN ELECTRIC BLANKET…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING A ROUTINE INSPECTION, THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FRAME WAS ROTTING AND THERE WERE TWENTY TWO INCH-LONG FRACTURES FOUND IN THE FRAME. A DEALER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…”
2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport — common questions
Is the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport reliable?
It is close to typical for the Montero Sport: 63 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.
What are the most common 2002 Montero Sport problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (11 complaints), brakes (11 complaints), electrical system (7 complaints).
Does the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport.
Is the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Mitsubishi Montero Sport years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Montero Sport years to avoid are 2000, 2001. The cleanest record among Montero Sport years belongs to 2009.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.