Electrical complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Mitsubishi Montero. While parked, the horn began to sound continuously. The contact disconnected the battery in order to stop the horn. The failure recurred different twice, both times during colder weather. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostics or repairs. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 168,000.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Mitsubishi Montero. The contact stated that the temperature gauge needle would fluctuate from warm to hot when the vehicle was started. A local repair shop and the dealer were both able to duplicate the failure, but could not determine the cause. The current mileage is 59,082 and failure mileage was 57,500.
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 Mitsubishi refused to fix it, at their expense, even though it was listed here and there were very many complaints filed. We had to tow the car in because of the leak, and the fire department was called. Amazing that so little care was shown by Mitsubishi for something that could have caused a serious accident. This was the complaint and the recall (NHTSA recall id 01V254001) about the car being parked at an upward slope, the fuel tank leveling valve not maintaining proper sealing in the even that the fuel expands from the rise in ambient temp. …
While parked in my driveway at night, my 2002 limited Mitsubishi Montero's car alarm will go off at exactly 4:30 am each morning until we disable the alarm with the remote. We checked and no one else or thing is bumping or setting off the alarm.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Mitsubishi Montero. While driving 65 MPH, the horn sounded loudly without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the horn failed and the horn module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 352,478. Ma 10/15/2015
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Mitsubishi Montero. The contact stated that the horn sounded independently. The contact stated that the battery had to be disabled to stop the horn from sounding. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
I got brakes changed on my Montero twice in 3 years happen again while driving brake fail pads came out of caliper brakes keeps going bad after 1.5 to two years did calipers change as well same thing calipers will get stuck and pads will come out they have a recall on 1997 1998 models for brakes issue not 1999 and 2000
Upon starting car, the battery exploded spewing acid all over the engine and hood and causing several dents on both the inside and outside of the hood. This resulting in a total electrical system failure as well as loss of functionability of the vehicle. Upon reporting this to Mitsubishi roadside assistance, we were informed that was the second call that day for an exploding battery in a 2000 Mitsubishi Montero sport. Our vehicle has approximately 26,700 miles and currently the estimated cost of the damage is unknown.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mitsubishi Montero years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (22), 1997 (8), 2002 (7), 2000 (6) and 1995 (5) model years. Electrical complaints make up 13% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Mitsubishi Montero electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for any Mitsubishi Montero model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Mitsubishi Montero electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 99,000 miles; 3% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the horn (11 mentions), followed by the wiring › fuses and circuit breakers (6).
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.