2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 63 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (23% of complaints); the 1999 and 2003 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 2001
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 63 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“On multiple occasions, the horn itself will start blowing without command. After pressing the horn to alert another driver, the horn will then stick again. There are repairs where 3m tape is applied to the horn switch behind the airbag, however it is not a professional repair and looks like it could potentially cause the horn to blow without command again.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Aug 2024
“4 wh drive light flashes no apparent reason no issues makes the anti lock light come on and also the abs light worried cause a prob wit the brakes or something”Owner report · Service Brakes · Mar 2022
“I drove my family to their doctor app. And when I was parked gasoline was dripping down in front of the drivers rear tire onto the pavement upon inspection I saw gasoline running off of the top of the gas tank I then went and told the parking lot attendant what was happening he then had to blockade that area of the parking lot off. I had call to get us a ride home . I had my vehicle towed home and had a mechanic inspect it and he found the steel gas lines were completely rusted thru on the pressure side and the return line as well upon further inspection he found severe frame rot and said it won't pass inspection when it comes due next time.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Feb 2018
Show 7 more owner reports
“Frame is rusting to a point where it's becoming unsafe to drive. While driving the car tends to shift back and forth in the rear. A service representative pointed out the almost rusted through frame near the drivers side rear wheel.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Aug 2016
“Lost control of vehicle and proceeded to drive onto shoulder. After checking I noticed the frame had ripped ,broken off. The passenger side frame was completely rotted for 3-4 feet. From the front door to the rear wheel . After inspection of the entire frame the driver side is unaffected which leads me to believe it is poor metal/frame from the factory,no anty corrosion was apply to the metal frame from mitsubishi factory.[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr”Owner report · Structure · Oct 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 mitsubishi montero sport. The contact heard a squeaking noise coming from the steering pump pulley when the vehicle was started. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Steering · Dec 2013
“While driving on the highway. I lost control of vehicle and proceeded to drive onto shoulder. After quickly checking tires, etc. I noticed the frame had ripped in half. The driver side frame was completely rotted for 4-5 feet. From the front door to the rear wheel well. After inspection of the entire frame the passenger side is unaffected which leads me to believe it is poor metal/frame from the factory. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Nov 2013
“Horn spontaneously sounded and would not go off while car was parked in cold. The fuse had to be removed. Now that the temperature is warmer the horn appears to be back to normal with the fuse back in. The horn switch is contained in an assembly that includes the airbag and is sold only as a unit with a parts price of over $600, plus labor to install. An investigation on the internet shows that a number of other 2001 mitsubishi montero owners have reported similar defects in the horn. It is unreasonable for mitsubishi to charge $1,000 to fix their defect in the horn switch. This is a major safety defect.”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2011
“The horn on my mitsubishi montero sport is defective. It constantly blows fuses, and when I can finally for some reason get one in the fuse slot without blowing, I will be driving down the road and my horn will just start going off and it wont stop until I pull over and take the fuse back out. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2010
“2001 montero sport cruise control failure and electrical failure horn stay on have to remove fuse only way to fixed read more users same issues battery dead as parts of al this malfunctions read several people with same problems same car same year company make no recalls why??? *tr”Owner report · Interior Lighting · Feb 2010
When filing, owners marked a crash in 8 of these complaints and injuries in 8 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.5L ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 106, "BRAKE HOSES." THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH NONCOMPLIANT BRAKE VACUUM HOSES.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VACUUM HOSE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 15, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2001 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Montero Sport by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport reliable?
NHTSA has 63 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (23% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 66,825 miles or less.
Does the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.