VehicleVerdict

2003 Mitsubishi Montero problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 53 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.3 times the median Montero year — the 2003 model ranks #7 of 22 Montero years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (12), fuel system (7), and electrical system (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

53

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Montero years?

Montero NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted213 complaints1984: 0 complaints1986: 8 complaints1987: 4 complaints1988: 1 complaints1989: 10 complaints1990: 25 complaints1991: 22 complaints1992: 18 complaints1993: 17 complaints1994: 35 complaints1995: 106 complaints1996: 40 complaints1997: 85 complaints1998: 91 complaints1999: 47 complaints2000: 68 complaints2001: 213 complaints2002: 132 complaints2003: 53 complaints2004: 7 complaints2005: 1 complaints2006: 6 complaints
Montero NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Montero years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Mitsubishi Montero problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1223%
Fuel System713%
Electrical System611%
Transmission611%
Tires & Wheels48%
Engine36%
Airbags36%
Suspension36%
Visibility & Wipers24%
Seat Belts24%
Body & Structure12%
Steering12%
Seats12%
Lighting12%
Latches & Locks12%

Does the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

04V428000OtherSeptember 1, 2004 · 100,432 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

04V319000Fuel SystemJuly 6, 2004 · 44,214 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“IN 2007 I HAD THE BRAKES TO MY 2003 MITSUBUSHI MONTERO LIMITED REPLACED BECAUSE I FELT THEY MY TRUCK WOULD NOT STOP AS DESIRED. AFTER HAVING THE BRAKES REPLACED IT APPEARS THAT THE PROBLEM BECAME WORSE. I TOOK MY VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY ASSURED ME THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 26, 2009 · crash

“PREVIOUSLY REPORTED SIMILAR PROBLEM IN NOV. 2004 (REFERENCE NO. 10101312) FUEL LEAKAGE, ACCELERATION/POWER LOSS AT CRITICAL TIMES OF HIGHWAY TRAVEL. SUV IS NOW PARKED DUE FUELING SYSTEM PROBLEMS AND UNRELIABILITY. SUV WAS REPAIRED AT FAZELI MISUBISHI 11/2004. EVEN AFTER KNOW RECALL (PURPORTED)…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 28, 2005 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE NEEDLE WOULD FLUCTUATE FROM WARM TO HOT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THE DEALER WERE BOTH ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE, BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 5, 2007

“LOUD HUMMING NOISE FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR END. EXCESSIVE WEAR ON REAR DRIVERS SIDE TIRE. GOT LOUDER THE HIGHER THE MPH WENT. HAD MECHANIC INSPECT AND FOUND THE ARM FROM THE WHEEL TO THE DIFFERENTIAL WAS SEPARATED AND ABOUT TO COME APART. MISTUBISHI DEALER REPAIRED AND CHARGED 2100.00 TO FIX. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 5, 2008

“DT: HUSBAND HAD A VEHICLE WRECK, THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP ON SNOW. CONTACT FELT TIRES WERE NOT RIGHT FOR CLIMATE. HAD TIRES ROTATED AND PRESSURE CHECKED REGULARLY. WAS TOLD BY MANUFACTURER THAT THE PSI SHOULD BE 35, BUT THE DOOR STICKER INDICATED 29 PSI. TIRES DID NOT WORK WELL IN SNOW. ALSO, DRIVERS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · January 15, 2005 · crash

2003 Mitsubishi Montero — common questions

Is the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 53 complaints put the 2003 model at #7 of 22 Montero years. It is one of the Montero years to avoid.

What are the most common 2003 Montero problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (12 complaints), fuel system (7 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints).

Does the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mitsubishi Montero years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Montero years to avoid are 2001, 2002, 1995, 1998, 1997, 2000, 2003, 1999, 1996. The cleanest record among Montero years belongs to 1984.

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.