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2001 Mitsubishi Montero

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Montero years

Owner complaints for the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero are substantially higher than the model-year median of 20.5.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

109 reports with mileage · 57 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 56 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 22 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

15 crash reports2 fire reports9 injury reports

What owners actually said

166 reports
145,600 miles · Oct 20, 2022
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

The contact owns a 2001 Mitsubishi Montero. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal felt sticky. Additionally, the contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal twice, the brake pedal vibrated and shuddered. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehic…

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The contact owns a 2001 Mitsubishi Montero. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal felt sticky. Additionally, the contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal twice, the brake pedal vibrated and shuddered. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ABS system had failed due a faulty hydraulic pump and accumulator. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 01V254002 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,600.

NHTSA ODI #11490224

Mileage unknown · Jun 3, 2022
Unknown Or Other

Reporting - safety recall as stated on NY state fail inspection. Emissions issues Émission results- MIL commanded “fail” Code P0136-O2 Sensor Code PO455 -Evaporative emission system leak

NHTSA ODI #11467411

Mileage unknown · Dec 18, 2021
Unknown Or Other

After googling and doing a little reaching I found out it is a very common problem amongst these vehicles that the horn starts blaring in the early morning hours non stop until unplugging the fuse or battery. I have to remove the fuse therefore I’m unsafe knowing that I’m driving without any communication with other vehicles. It…

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After googling and doing a little reaching I found out it is a very common problem amongst these vehicles that the horn starts blaring in the early morning hours non stop until unplugging the fuse or battery. I have to remove the fuse therefore I’m unsafe knowing that I’m driving without any communication with other vehicles. It is a very expensive repair that most people can’t afford so they’re left doing what I learned to do which puts a lot of people in danger. Please help with this safety concern.

NHTSA ODI #11444255

172,000 miles · Aug 17, 2020
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND ALSO WHILE AT A STAND STILL, THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMALLY LOUD SOUND FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ANTI-LOCK BRAK…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND ALSO WHILE AT A STAND STILL, THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMALLY LOUD SOUND FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM ACCUMULATOR FAILURE WAS COMING FROM THE ABS SYSTEM. THE DEALER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V254002 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT NHTSA TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,000.

NHTSA ODI #11349790

206,000 miles · May 11, 2020
Service Brakes

THE BRAKE BOOSTER ACCUMULATOR IS LEAKING SO IT MAKES A 'CHIRPING' SOUND FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A RECOGNIZED FAULT WITH THIS VEHICLE AND A RECALL WAS ISSUED I DID NOT GET NOTIFICATION OF THE RECALL SO DID NOT GET IT FIXED. IT HAS NOW BECOME A PROBLEM WHICH I AM TOLD COULD CAUSE THE BRAKES TO FAIL, OBVIOUSLY A…

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THE BRAKE BOOSTER ACCUMULATOR IS LEAKING SO IT MAKES A 'CHIRPING' SOUND FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A RECOGNIZED FAULT WITH THIS VEHICLE AND A RECALL WAS ISSUED I DID NOT GET NOTIFICATION OF THE RECALL SO DID NOT GET IT FIXED. IT HAS NOW BECOME A PROBLEM WHICH I AM TOLD COULD CAUSE THE BRAKES TO FAIL, OBVIOUSLY A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE SPOKEN TO MITSUBISHI AND THEY WILL NOT HONOR THE RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11324165

228,983 miles · Jul 5, 2019
Service Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT'S WIFE HEARD AN ABNORMAL CHIRPING SOUND AND THE BRAKES FAILED. THE SOUND ORIGINATED FROM THE UNDER THE DASHBOARD. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. IN ADDITION, THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. T…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT'S WIFE HEARD AN ABNORMAL CHIRPING SOUND AND THE BRAKES FAILED. THE SOUND ORIGINATED FROM THE UNDER THE DASHBOARD. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. IN ADDITION, THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 228,983.

NHTSA ODI #11229572

225,000 miles · Jul 10, 2018
EngineSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BATTERY AND BRAKE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWO TIMES ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANK SHA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BATTERY AND BRAKE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWO TIMES ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT GUIDE PIN FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 225,000.

NHTSA ODI #11110448

230,000 miles · Oct 13, 2017
Unknown Or OtherFireInjury

ON 9/4/2017 AT APPROXIMATELY 615AM THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE. 10 MINUTES LATER OUR PUPPY WAS BARKING AT THE DOOR LEADING TO GARAGE. HUSBAND WENT TO SEE WHY AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE DOOR. HE OPENED THE DOOR AND THE GARAGE WAS FILLED WITH BLACK SMOKE AND THERE WAS A FIRE ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. CONSEQU…

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ON 9/4/2017 AT APPROXIMATELY 615AM THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE. 10 MINUTES LATER OUR PUPPY WAS BARKING AT THE DOOR LEADING TO GARAGE. HUSBAND WENT TO SEE WHY AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE DOOR. HE OPENED THE DOOR AND THE GARAGE WAS FILLED WITH BLACK SMOKE AND THERE WAS A FIRE ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. CONSEQUENTLY THIS LED TO MY ENTIRE HOME BURNING DOWN.

NHTSA ODI #11033295

7,500 miles · Sep 5, 2017
Exterior LightingSteeringSuspension

STABILITY FAILURE AND LIGHTS DEFECT

NHTSA ODI #11021396

178,000 miles · Dec 23, 2016
Unknown Or Other

HORN ON CAR STARTS BLOWING FOR UNKNOWN REASON, CAR WAS NOT RUNNING AND WAS VERY COLD. I WAS TOLD THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE OF HORN TRIGGER WAS SENSITIVE TO COLD WEATHER.

NHTSA ODI #10937224

Official recalls

4

04V428000 · Equipment:other:labels

Sep 1, 2004

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 & remedy

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.

04V067000 · Equipment:other:owners/service/other Manual

Feb 11, 2004

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT CONTAIN A STEP-BY-STEP DESCRIPTION FOR HEADREST ADJUSTMENT WHEN INSTALLING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM (CRS) TETHER STRAP.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE TETHER STRAP IS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED TO THE TETHER ANCHOR, THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT RESTRAINED. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD COULD BE INJURED.

Remedy: A LETTER OUTLINING THE PROBLEM WILL BE SENT TO OWNERS ALONG WITH A STICKER CONTAINING THE CORRECT INSTRUCTIONS AS WELL AS INSTRUCTIONS ON WHERE TO AFFIX THE STICKER IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-888-648-7820.

01V254001 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum

Aug 3, 2001

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

00V123002 · Visibility:rearview Mirrors/devices:exterior

May 1, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRRORS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WHICH DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 111, "REARVIEW MIRRORS."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS LIMITS THE DRIVER'S FIELD OF VISION ON THAT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REARVIEW MIRROR.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.