Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Mitsubishi Montero. While driving various speeds, the transfer case warning indicator illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front transfer case sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.
Vehicle's 4wd will engage and disengage on it's own. While in 2wd, while driving, vehicle will make a noise and while coming to a stop the noise will get louder until it gives a hard jolt, like if someone rear ended you. At this point the 4wd indicater will start blinking. If you attempt to put into 4wd then the vehicle almost becomes impossible to turn and causes the tires to squell as if you were doing a burn out. Took to the dealer twice in 2004 with no luck. They couldn't figure out what was wrong with it. All of a sudden the vehicle appeared to be okay for about 4 months with no problems until recently where it has start to act up again.
Incident: repacement of 4 differetnials in 30.000 miles/have all documentation, returned vehicle 3 days after purchase for repair. Repaired every 8000 miles and seeking repair as of todays date May 11 2004 failure: 4 differentials failed, still failing as of May 10, 2004 have consumer protection/fraud case worker & 2 letters from department of jjustice asking for dealership to comply. Consequences: differential 4 is making noise & appears to be going out again what was done: replaced differential 4 times, mitsubushi cant fix car, says is a defect flaw and is not a problem with safety or product liability. Refuses to replace vehicle and or compensate for defective differential. Mediation suggested mitsubushi replace car have other complaints with same problem year 2001 Montero. Dealership unwilling to cooperate. …
Dt: the contact stated that while driving on an incline the gear shift indicator moved from drive to neutral. The vehicle would not move forward, so he pulled over. Upon stopping the check engine light came on. There was smoke coming from under the hood, but no fire. He walked away from the vehicle and called 911 and a towing service. When the tow truck arrived he discovered a lot of oil underneath the vehicle and suspected this was from the transmission. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, who noted that the transmission line disconnected from the vehicle. There was no explanation as to why this occurred. The dealer installed new lamps, refilled fluid to proper levels, and cleared the code. The transmission line was also replaced with a new one. No further problems since the repair.
Took my truck back to the dealer on 2/22/01 for engine light that came on. They replaced a leaky fuel cap and engine light went off. Told them when I call for service about the 2nd -3rd shift that was slipping in the transmission. The could not find what I was speaking of the first time. The second time I took it back for the same reason they then said that Mitsubishi had a letter stating that there was a problem with the 2nd - 3rd shift. The called the tech line and no one new what to do with the vehicle. They in turn wanted me to pay for a tranny flush, I refused telling them I had been instructed by a mechanic friend that this is not the problem, so I did not have that done. To boot they wanted me to pay for this (80.00).!! …
After ~ 2hours of highway driving the "n" (neutral) light flashes which indicates that the transmission has overheated. The car most be stopped asap to cool the transmission so as to not damage it. I am concerned that since this problem has occurred everytime I go on a trip lasting more than 2 hours of hwy driving am I damaging the car or causing a potential safety (fire/personnel injury) hazard!? I have taken the car to the dealer to search for a cause and solution but they found nothing. Is the transmission fluid compromised and therby causing this? In addition, this is an inconvenience when one is travelling. Being that I travel a lot I always have to be on the lookout for this problem. Aside from being a safety issue and potentially a costly repair issue it's a nuisance! Flashing light ?
Frequently asked questions
Which Mitsubishi Montero years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (13), 1999 (8), 2003 (6), 1995 (5) and 2000 (5) model years. Transmission complaints make up 8% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Mitsubishi Montero transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles; 31% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (21 mentions), followed by the driveline › differential unit (5).
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.