Does the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero, the most recent reported on September 1, 2004 (Equipment: other, labels). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero?

Owners have filed 39 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is service brakes, hydraulic (7 complaints), followed by power train (6).

How many 2003 Mitsubishi Montero complaints mention a crash or fire?

4 of 39 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 4 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2003 Mitsubishi Montero recalls and problems

2 recalls and 39 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2003 Mitsubishi Montero recalls

Equipment: other, labels

NHTSA campaign 04V428000 · reported September 1, 2004 · MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN · 100,432 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
The fix: Mitsubishi caribbean will mail a customer notification letter containing a written description and a graphic of the bi-lingual dashboard air bag warning label. In addition, all current 2000-2004 nativa owners will also receive replacement air bag alert labels for the sun visors. This recall is expected to begin during march or april 2005. The notification to the nativa owners is expected to begin during april or may 2005. Owners should contact mitsubishi caribbean at 1-787-251-8715.

Fuel system, gasoline: storage

NHTSA campaign 04V319000 · reported July 6, 2004 · MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 44,214 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: If the fuel leveling valve does not seal properly, fuel may leak onto the ground. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
The fix: 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Service brakes, hydraulic7
Power train6
Service brakes5
Electrical system4
Fuel system, gasoline4
Air bags3
Engine and engine cooling3
Suspension3
Fuel system, other2
Seat belts2

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jun 29, 2016 · Engine and engine cooling · 130,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FROM THE DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A STRONG HESITATION AS THE FAILURE PROGRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO…

Jun 12, 2015 · Structure · 162,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO VEER TO THE LEFT INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT STOPPED ON THE SHOULDER TO CHECK THE TIRE PRESSURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN PUT THE VEHICLE ON THE…

May 8, 2015 · Service brakes · 187,000 miles
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…

Dec 4, 2014 · Air bags · 177,000 miles
THE HORN GOES OFF BY ITSELF THE PADS WHERE STUCK AND IT COST $1000 TO REPAIR SINCE IT NEEDS TO REMOVE THE STEERING AIRBAG,THIS SHOULD BE ON A RECALL.THIS HAS A LOT OF PROBLEMS WHO HAS SAME MODEL ON MITSUBISHI FORUMS FOUND HERE…

Oct 22, 2014 · Service brakes · 93,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH DOWN A SLIGHT INCLINE, THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO RESPOND AND THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO STOP. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE…

Montero model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2000	2	50	8	1
2001	4	166	15	2
2002	3	111	9	1
2003	2	39	4	1
2004	3	5	0	0
2005	0	1	0	0
2006	0	4	0	0

Across all years, the 2001 Montero has the most complaints (166). All Mitsubishi Montero years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero, the most recent reported on September 1, 2004 (Equipment: other, labels). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero?: Owners have filed 39 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is service brakes, hydraulic (7 complaints), followed by power train (6).
How many 2003 Mitsubishi Montero complaints mention a crash or fire?: 4 of 39 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 4 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received June 29, 2016.