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2002 Mitsubishi Montero Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 111 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero, most often about the brakes (61% of complaints, typically around 87,000 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about Montero model year since 2000 and has 3 recalls.
Most common 2002 Mitsubishi Montero problems
Brakes
68 complaints · 61%Half of these problems showed up before 87,000 miles. Parts named most often: power assist, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, foundation components, antilock.
1) I suddenly began hearing a noise that sounded like metal squeaking against metal under the driver side of the hood when I applied my brake. 2) when braking under normal circumstances, I can tell no difference. However, when braking under wet, slick conditions or suddenly, the anti-lock feature did not seem to work…
: the contact stated while attempting to apply brake pressure there was a squealing noise. This occurred at various speeds on normal roads without warning during normal braking. The dealership determined the hydraulic brake booster accumulator needed to be replaced. There is a NHTSA recall, # 01v254001, regarding the…
Engine
10 complaints · 9%Parts named most often: engine.
I'm experiencing 'again' engine vibrations while at idle. The speedometer needle starts to go down to 0, engine vibrates, appears that it will stall, and just in the nick of time before the needle hits 0, the needle returns to idle and all is ok. Ok???? I don't understand this vehicle and neither does the dealer. Last…
I was driving my 2002 Mitsubishi Montero limited through town when out of the blue, the loudest noise started coming from the front of the engine. You could hear the noise from blocks down the road. Took it to a local mechanic who discovered a technical service bulletin that states, "some vehicles may experience a…
Fuel system
8 complaints · 7%Parts named most often: delivery, storage.
The consumers vehicle was included in recall /fuel leakage. However, the vehicle started to leak gas once again. The consumer took the vehicle in again for the same recall. The vehicle is in the repair shop now. The vehicle is still leaking gas, which caused it stall.
I started to smell gas when near the Montero. I thought it was another recall notice about a valve sealing but it got worse, and I started noticing a gas puddle under the Montero. I removed the plastic shield from around the tank and found an area about 9" x 7" had surface rust on it and the leak is from this. The…
Air bags
7 complaints · 6%Parts named most often: frontal.
: the contact stated that an accident occurred while driving 32 MPH and the seatbelt did not restrain and the air bag did not deploy. A police report was taken a the scene of the accident. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection however the dealer has not determined the cause of the problem.
Aging of the cosmetic vinyl covering on steering wheel that covers air bag module will contract too much in cold weather, approximately 40 degrees f or lower causing car horn to go off even without engine running. The vinyl covering squeezes the car horn contacts that are just under the cover and on top of air bag…
Electrical
7 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 90,000 miles.
Aging of the cosmetic vinyl covering on steering wheel that covers air bag module will contract too much in cold weather, approximately 40 degrees f or lower causing car horn to go off even without engine running. The vinyl covering squeezes the car horn contacts that are just under the cover and on top of air bag…
The cluster was repaired in the Montero but it only works once in awhile. The panel will tell me every now and then if I have fuel or not. Also, we had to pay to have an issue resolved that shouldn't have cost US anything because it was shown here as a defect for our make and model. Our car was leaking gas, and…
Body and structure
5 complaints · 5%Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
The contact owns a 2002 Mitsubishi Montero sport. The contact stated while inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the frame was corroded. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included…
I took my truck for a frame inspection, frame was rend endeared unsafe and rusted all the way through. Body & engine are intact. New frame is 10,000.00. The mechanic told me their were numerous complaints about this years frame. He said the metal was dipped correctly. I can obtain a written report. I also called…
Transmission
5 complaints · 5%Parts named most often: automatic transmission, transfer case (4-wheel drive).
Vehicle's 4WD will engage and disengage on it's own. While in 2wd, while driving, vehicle will make a noise and while coming to a stop the noise will get louder until it gives a hard jolt, like if someone rear ended you. At this point the 4WD indicater will start blinking. If you attempt to put into 4WD then the…
Automatic transmission began to make grinding noises when truck was going slowly. Despite only 90,000 miles and well maintained. Estimate to repair is $4188. No lights were on, car drove without indication, all required services were performed.
Other or unspecified
4 complaints · 4%I also own a 2002 Mitsubishi Montero ltd. I have owned it for 6 years and have had to replace the brakes 6 times. I drive up and down the southern ca mountains, and have experienced the same same shaking a shimming as I have heard other owners express. The brakes continually wear with black "dust" around the wheels…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2002 Mitsubishi Montero recalls
Equipment: labels
Risk: This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Fuel system: storage
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Brakes: vacuum
Risk: The loss of this gas pressure could result in an abnormal noise from the left side of the dash panel when the brakes are applied, and possibly a delayed first time brake boost assist after the vehicle has been parked for a period of time, which could result in a vehicle crash.
Fix: Dealers will install an improved accumulator. Owner notification mailing began october 1, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The accumulator that is installed on the hydraulic brake booster may have been improperly manufactured. Over a period of time, this could result in leakage of the pressurized nitrogen gas from inside the accumulator.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Brake booster accumulator failure
Summary
In october 2001, mitsubishi notified the agency that it would conduct a safety recall (NHTSA recall no. 01v-254) to remedy a defect condition that could result in a leak of pressurized nitrogen gas from the hydraulic brake booster accumulator in approximately 39,000 model years (my) 2001-2002 mitsubishi montero vehicles produced from december 12, 1999 through june 20, 2001. According to mitsubishi, the accumulator that is installed on the hydraulic brake booster may have been manufactured improperly, which over a period of time may result in leakage of the pressurized nitrogen gas from inside the accumulator. The loss of this gas pressure may result in an abnormal noise from the left side of
Questions about the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: brakes (68 complaints, typically around 87,000 miles); engine (10 complaints); fuel system (8 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero have?
- 3 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from September 1, 2004 (equipment). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2002 a bad year for the Mitsubishi Montero?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about Montero model year since 2000, with 111 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.