Most common 2004 Mitsubishi Montero problems
Share of the 5 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 →
2004 Mitsubishi Montero recalls (3)
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.
Equipment › Other › Labels
On certain sport utility vehicles, the vehicle capacity weights as stated on the tire and loading information label are in error.
Remedy: Owners will be sent replacement labels with instructions on how to install them. The recall began on April 14, 2004. Owners should contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.
What 2004 Mitsubishi Montero owners say
Brakes
2004 Mitsubishi Montero Limited: Hydraulic Brake Booster is malfunctioning, making a ("gobble-gobble", squirrel-like chirping sound) almost every time the brake pedal is pressed. Hwy driving, without the use of brakes, the frequent "chirping" sounds still occur. Under medium to heavy braking, the vehicle shudders and shakes. This specific sound is made in all gear selections and even when the car's battery is on/engine off. Upon inspection of the hydraulic brake booster under the hood, the unit shakes when the chirp sound is made. Duration of the sound lasts around one second and it happens frequently (5-10 times per minute).
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Mitsubishi Montero. While driving approximately 60 MPH and attempting to engage the brakes, the brake pedal was hard to depress. The emergency brake had to be activated in order to stop the vehicle. Also, the contact heard an abnormal noise from the driver side of the instrument panel when the brakes were applied. The dealer stated that the hydraulic booster system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously remedied according to NHTSA campaign number: 01V254001 (service brakes, hydraulic). The approximate failure mileage was 189,000.
2004 Mitsubishi Montero engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Mitsubishi Montero a good car?
Based on 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 Montero rates better than average: 93% 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 2004 Mitsubishi Montero?
The brakes — 4 complaints, 80% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next is the steering (1).
How many recalls does the 2004 Mitsubishi Montero have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2004 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 2004 Mitsubishi Montero problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 125,000 miles; 33% 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.