Most common 2003 Mitsubishi Montero problems
Share of the 39 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mitsubishi Montero complaints by model year
Best Montero years: 2004, 1996, 2003. Years to avoid: 2001, 2002, 1998, 1995. Compare all years →
2003 Mitsubishi Montero recalls (2)
Equipment › Other › Labels
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.
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.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage
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.
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.
What 2003 Mitsubishi Montero owners say
Brakes
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 brakes. In dec 2007 I tried stopping in less than 3 inches of snow. My truck would not stop, I almost had an accident. When I hit the brakes it sounded and felt like the brakes were grinding or even a crunching sound. When driving in dry conditions the brakes appear to work very well but in wet or snow conditions it does not handle at all. Since then the front brakes was again replaced in nov 2008. Again on 27 jan 2009 I tried stopping in less than 2 inches of snow and the truck did not stop. I had to drive on the curb in order to stop. …
A siren sound came on. My husband proceeded to get of the road. In his attempt, the brakes became very hard to press. The vehicle continued to roll as the brakes were being applied. He the pull the emergency brakes to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. Aaa was called to tow the vehicle to a auto shop. After a thorough check, the owner (master mechanic) disassemble the braking system to check if the booster had failed, he stated the vehicle did not have a booster. I picked the vehicle up on Friday, May 7 around 4:00 pm. After traveling approximately 1 mile, the siren noise came back on. We are awaiting to have the truck towed again on Monday.
Fuel & propulsion system
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) correctly vehicle experienced same problem. SUV failed again while on family vacation, loss of acceleration and power began to occur, engine began to cough and sputter (even with a full tank of gas), gas gauge and digital fuel mileage indicator malfunctioned. SUV was eventually parked at a location, while parked fuel apparently had leaked from the fuel tank or other compartment... Fire erupted while we were parked on side of (hwy 10- alabama) I was attempting to light a flare to indicate to passing motorist that we were stranded in the road. …
Hesitation and stalling between 0-45 MPH at slightly above 3/4 full tank of gas. Vehicle leaks substantial quantity of fuel when parked on incline at slightly above 3/4 tank of gas. In addition, this vehicle was not filling properly at the gas pump (pump continually shut off as if tank were full even though it was not). These same problem occurred with our 2002 Montero which was returned to Mitsubishi through the lemon law. These problems began at 26,000 miles, problems occurred with other vehicle starting at 9,000 miles. In the 2003, they have replaced the rollover valve (cracked).
Transmission & drivetrain
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Mitsubishi Montero. The contact heard a loud piercing sound when the ignition was started. All of the warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 230,000.
2003 Mitsubishi Montero engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 18 / 15 |
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero a good car?
Based on 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 Montero rates better than average: 47% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Montero at the same age. It is one of the best Montero years by this measure. 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 2003 Mitsubishi Montero?
The brakes — 11 complaints, 28% of all complaints for this model year, most often about foundation components › disc › pads. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (6) and transmission & drivetrain (6).
How many recalls does the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero, the most recent from September 1, 2004 (labels). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mitsubishi Montero?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2004, 1996 and 2003. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2001, 2002, 1998 and 1995. See the full Mitsubishi Montero years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 Mitsubishi Montero problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 83,000 miles; 34% 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.