Most common 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport problems
Share of the 54 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mitsubishi Montero Sport complaints by model year
Best Montero Sport years: 2004, 1997, 2003. Years to avoid: 2000, 2001, 2002. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport:
Brake booster accumulator failure
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.
What 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport owners say
Brakes
My mechanic said that the hydraulic brake booster has been manufactured improperly which resulted in leakage of the pressurized nitrgen gas from inside the accumulator. The loss of this gas pressure resulted in an abnormal noise from the left side of the dash panel when the brakes are applied and can delay first time brake boost assist after the vehicle has been parked for a period of time and should be on the safety recall list no. Sr-01-008revii. He said this bulletin supercedes sr-01-008revi. He said that Mitsubishi should replace the old hydraulic brake booster accumulator with the new model. Affected vehicles are 2001-2002 Mitsubishi models produced before 6/20/01. I don't know the exact date my car was produced but this is the problem for sure. I took it to a second mechanic and he agreed. The car does not stop properly and I am very afraid to drive it.
My Mitsubishi Montero limited started making a strange noise from under the dash while driving. One day while driving when I applied the brake the pedal went all the way to the floor. I did some research and found a recall for the brake hydraulic booster for this vehicle but my VIN number is not showing a recall. When I contacted Mitsubishi all they would say is it's not covered under the recall. I don't understand
Air bags
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport. When the steering wheel was turned left or right at a certain angle, the horn of the vehicle activated independently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that an unknown module related to the air bag and a relay switch needed to be replaced. The relay switch was replaced, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 155,000.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport. While driving 35 MPH, the contact's wife rear ended another vehicle. The front air bags failed to deploy. The seat belt did not retract and she lunged forward into the steering wheel. His wife sustained minor injuries to her arm, face, and chest. The vehicle sustained major front end damage. The dealer has not been notified. A police report was filed. The current and failure mileages were 68,000.
Engine & cooling
I have a 2002 Mitsibishi Montero Sport.I was driving home from work, and all the sudden i couldn't steer. I had no steering, Lost power to vehicle and battery light came on. Wasnt sure what happened, looked under the hood and noticed belts were off. Went and got new ones and noticed when trying to put the mew belts on the bolt on the crankshaft pulley was loose and the pin was broken making that pulley loose.I was lucky that I decided to take a street with less traffic otherwise I could of gotten into an accident.This should definitely be a RECALL.
Hard knocking noise and oil lamp on immediately after oil has been changed. Checked oil, dip stick showed no oil in engine. Took back to mechanic who performed an oil pump pressure test, diagnosed with no oil pressure recommended take to dealership. Dealership claims problem due to lack of oil changes, have documents proving scheduled maintenance performed as recommended. Vehicle is at the dealership with $4000 worth of work needed to repair sludge in engine that is the result of something other than faulty maintenance. Only solution from dealership is to get a new vehicle (from them of course).
2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 21 / 18 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 20 / 17 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 19 / 17 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 17 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport a good car?
Based on 54 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Montero Sport rates use caution: 1.7× as many complaints as a typical year of the Montero Sport at the same age. It is one of the Montero Sport years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport?
The brakes — 11 complaints, 20% of all complaints for this model year, most often about foundation components. Next are the air bags (11) and engine & cooling (7).
How many recalls does the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mitsubishi Montero Sport?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2004, 1997 and 2003. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2000, 2001 and 2002. See the full Mitsubishi Montero Sport years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 89,000 miles; 28% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.