2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport sits mid-pack among Montero Sport years: 43 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 44, with no recalls and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 5 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (9), airbags (5), and electrical system (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
43
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
10
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
5
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2003 compare to other Montero Sport years?
What are the most common 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 9 | 21% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 5 | 12% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 5 | 12% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 5 | 12% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 5 | 12% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 4 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 3 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 3 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 2% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“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…”
“BY 20,000 MILES THE TRUCK'S FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WERE SO OUT OF ROUND THAT THE TRUCK IS VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL DURRING BRAKING. THE DEALER REPORTS THAT THE BRAKING SYSTEM, AND MORE IMPORTANTLY THE BRAKE PADS ARE NOT COVERED UNDER THE NEW CAR WARRENTY. THIS IS REDICULOUS. I HAVE NEVER NEEDED TO…”
“I REAR-ENDED AN SUV GOING ABOUT 30-35 MPH AND MY AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND MY SEATBELT FAILED TO CATCH, THROWING MY UPPER BODY FORWARD INTO THE STEERING WHEEL. THE POLICE AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT SAID THEY COULD NOT BELIEVE MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WITH THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN WORKED SPORADICALLY. IN ADDITION, THE HORN WOULD CONTINUE TO SOUND UNLESS THE FUSE WAS DISCONNECTED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE FUSE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. AS OF JANUARY 3, 2008, THE DEALER OR…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. WHILE DRIVING OVER 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK BACKWARDS AND HESITATE. WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING OR IN PARK, THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF BURNING OIL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE MAY BE MINOR AND COULD NOT ASSIST BECAUSE…”
2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport — common questions
Is the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport reliable?
It is close to typical for the Montero Sport: 43 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 2003 Montero Sport problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (9 complaints), airbags (5 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints).
Does the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport.
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.