2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Problems
- Complaints
- 63filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 66,825miles, 36 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 3.0L 6-cyl RWD · 16 city / 21 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write about brake problems — shuddering or vibrating pedals, warped rotors, and a brake warning light that appears before the brakes feel less effective. A recurring horn that sounds on its own, usually in cold weather, is the second most common theme, and numerous complaints describe transmission shifting or stalling behavior, airbags that did not deploy in a collision, and rust in the frame and brake/fuel lines on older, high-mileage vehicles. Reports span from a few thousand miles on brakes to well over 150,000 miles on structure and fuel-line rust.
- Brakes
Brake pedal vibration, warped rotors, weak braking
- 13 complaints (21%)
- median 33,000 mi at 3.9 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2001–2022
Owners describe the brake pedal and sometimes the steering column vibrating or shuddering when braking, especially when slowing from highway speed, and the brake warning light coming on. Several say the front or rear rotors had to be turned or replaced, some more than once, and a few describe the pedal going to the floor or the vehicle sliding or tail-spinning when braking. Some report the dealer replaced rotors, hoses, or the brake accumulator; others say the dealer found nothing wrong or that repairs were not covered. Mostly reported between roughly 4,000 and 50,000 miles, often first noticed while slowing from highway speeds.
What to check: Test the brakes from highway speed for vibration or a low pedal, and check whether the brake vacuum hose recall 01V027000 was performed. Ask for rotor and brake service records.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My husband and I purchased a 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport 3.5xs june of 2001. It now has 37,000 miles on it and during those 37,000 miles I have had to have the rotors turned twice and have the brakes pads replaced three time since june of 2001. I am not a hard driver nor do I drive recklessly. In my opinion, this is not acceptable for a brand new car. I also know someone who owns a 2001 Montero Sport es who has also had the same problems. Wondering if there was anything that can be done. …”
NHTSA complaint #10010932, filed 2003-03, 6,022 miles“I have a 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport ls 2wd, which I purchased new and approximately 14 month after I purchased with only 7000 mile's at the time, I started hearing some wired noise every time I hit the brake, and the whole vehicle vibrates at the same time, mainly when getting off the freeway, and I want to reduce speed from highway to city speed, at first I though it was the ABS, so that was why I never paid attention to it, but as I kept driving it, the noise and vibration was getting worse, so , I took it to the dealer,on august 16 03 …”
NHTSA complaint #10038966, filed 2003-09, 7,000 miles - Electrical system
Horn sounds by itself, usually in cold weather
- 9 complaints (14%)
- median 75,000 mi at 9.4 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- filed 2004–2024
Complaints describe the horn starting to blow with no input, often when the vehicle sits overnight in cold temperatures, and continuing until the fuse is pulled or the interior warms up. Some owners also report the horn failing when they press it. Several note the horn switch is part of the airbag assembly, so the repair is expensive, and one mentions a shop using tape on the switch as a workaround. Reported from about 28,000 miles upward, mainly in cold conditions and sometimes with the vehicle parked.
What to check: Ask whether the horn has ever sounded on its own and whether the horn switch or clock spring has been replaced; test the horn in cold weather if possible.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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???”
NHTSA complaint #10326751, filed 2010-04, 75,000 miles“2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport unscheduled / uninitiated horn activation. Horn activates without operator intervention and usually in cold condition. Clock sprint replaced 11/24/04 but condition persists. 10a fuse pulled to remedy situation.”
NHTSA complaint #10100595, filed 2004-11, 58,650 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission shifting oddly, stalling, or overheating
- 10 complaints (16%)
- median 69,750 mi at 6.1 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2001–2008
Owners describe the transmission shifting on its own, the vehicle moving as if starting in second gear, hesitating, or stalling at stops, sometimes with the neutral indicator light on. Some report the A/T temperature light coming on, fluid loss, smoke, and in a few cases a transmission fire or a recommendation for a rebuild. One owner said the dealer mentioned a service bulletin for the shifting symptom. Mostly reported between about 35,000 and 140,000 miles, often while accelerating from a stop or at highway speed.
What to check: Check transmission fluid level and condition, watch for delayed or erratic shifting on a test drive, and ask about any transmission or transfer case service history.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I purchased a 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport from jack taylor alexandria toyota. On september 09, 2002, I experienced trouble with my vehicle on the way back from our south carolina vacation. While driving the vehicle it started hesitating, smoking heavily and the a/t temp light came on and stayed on. Unfortunately, the stations service area was closed, but we were able to purchase transmission we added the transmission fluid as recommended and let the car cool down. …”
NHTSA complaint #10080681, filed 2004-07, 35,346 miles“On my way to a funeral, my trucks transmission stalled on the road. When this started my vehicle started to overheat. When I finally was able to get on the shoulder of the highway my truck was on fire under the hood. I had my car towed to the dealer in richmond, va. Right now my truck is still at the dealer awaiting my approval for more repairs to be done. Right now my repair bill is at a cost of 2,013.29 and they are now telling me that I need to have my transmission rebuilt.”
NHTSA complaint #10240062, filed 2008-08, 136,000 miles - Other or unknown
Rusted frame, brake lines and fuel lines
- 6 complaints (10%)
- median 187,985 mi at 14.0 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2006–2021
Owners of higher-mileage vehicles describe frame rails rusted through near the rear wheels, brake lines rusted through with total brake loss, and fuel lines or the fuel tank seam rusted enough to leak gasoline. Several say the rust was widespread underneath and that repairs required frame or tank replacement; one noted a service representative pointing out the rusted frame. Mostly reported above 100,000 miles, with several complaints filed many years after purchase.
What to check: Inspect the frame rails around the rear wheels, the brake and fuel lines, and the top and seams of the fuel tank for rust, ideally on a lift.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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 . …”
NHTSA complaint #11075965, filed 2018-03, 187,985 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10551670, filed 2013-11, 214,108 miles - Air bags
Airbags did not deploy in a frontal impact
Mentioned in 4 of 57 sampled complaints
Several complaints describe frontal collisions at moderate speed in which the airbags did not deploy, and in one case they deployed only partially. Some owners report injuries in these crashes and note police reports were made. Complaints do not describe a dealer diagnosis of the cause in most cases. Reported across a wide mileage range, from around 19,000 miles up to higher mileage.
What to check: Check that the airbag warning light comes on at startup and then goes out, and scan for stored airbag fault codes before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Another vehicle made a left hand turn out of a parking lot onto the street in front of me. I had no time to brake. Hit the other vehicle at 45 mhp with entire front end of Montero Sport. Entire front end of Montero Sport smashed in, engine died, had to be towed. Passenger taken to hospital, driver had 4.5 months of physical therapy for back, neck, and shoulder injuries.”
NHTSA complaint #761607, filed 2002-05“While driving at 40 MPH, the consumer's vehicle rear ended another vehicle. The other vehicle was part of a six car pile up. The consumer was wearing his seat belt but the air bags did not deploy. The consumer suffered severe head trauma and other injuries. A police did arrive on the seen and a report was made.”
NHTSA complaint #10082044, filed 2004-07, 19,000 miles
Buying note. Have a mechanic inspect the brakes, frame and lines for wear and rust before purchase, and confirm whether recall 01V027000 was completed. Service records for brake and transmission work help show how the vehicle has been maintained.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 57 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 63 consumer complaints for the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport. 36 of the complaints include a mileage, and 42% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 66,825 miles. Of all complaints, 8 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 8 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 20 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes17 27%
- Electrical system11 17%
- Air bags7 11%
- Engine cooling6 9.5%
- Steering6 9.5%
- Fuel system4 6.3%
- Other or unknown3 4.8%
- Suspension3 4.8%
- Equipment2 3.2%
Also reported: Exterior lighting (2), Interior lighting (2), Body and structure (2), Tires (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2).
Example complaints
Brakes: “I have a 01' Mitsubishi Montero Sport xls 3.0l as of the last week in march I had a problem with my A/C and call auto repair shop to make a appointment. To my surprise the Mitsubishi/saturn shop, the place that I had taken it to 6mths to a year be4, my oxygen sensor to be replaced and some other things, was gone out of business. …”
NHTSA complaint #10346515, filed 2010-07, 124,000 milesElectrical system: “The check engine light came on so I took the car to the dealer right away. I was told that there was an 89$ charge to diagnose the problem. Later that day I was called to be told that it would now cost me 192$ because they had to download information to the computor. This definatly sounds like a manufacturing problem and they are charging there customers to fix it. I will never buy another Mitsubishi again. I informed the dealership how I felt but they could care less so be it but I will tell everyone I know how I was treated and let them make there own decision.”
NHTSA complaint #10043642, filed 2003-10, 52,800 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “In december 2002 I purchased my car (2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport xls 4x4) from a local private seller. The car had about 38,000 at the time and was still under the 60,000 mile manufacturers warranty. The seller insisted he did not have the records of the repairs, but did give me a spreadsheet of routine maintenance for the car. After having the car checked by my regular mechanic I bought the car despite the lack of records since it had low mileage and was still under warranty. I then drove the car and performed the routine maintenance. …”
NHTSA complaint #10088197, filed 2004-08Air bags: “Dt: the consumer owns a 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport. On 10-11-05 while driving on the interstate there was a wreck in front of consumers vehicle. When the consumer applied the brakes, they would not stop the vehicle. The brake light had come on earlier that day. The contacts vehicle hit the vehicle in front. Upon impact, the air bags deployed but not all the way. The vehicle was totaled. The contact sustained injuries. (11/15/05)”
NHTSA complaint #10139587, filed 2005-10, 77,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
42% of the 36 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 33,000 and 104,500 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montero Sport · sedan | not rated | 4 / 3 | — | — | 2 |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montero Sport 2WD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Montero Sport 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Montero Sport 4WD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Montero Sport 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 18 | 16 | $4,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 01V027000Feb 5, 2001Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Mitsubishi Montero Sport 1999–2001
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.
Recall details for the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 20 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10240443Jul 21, 2023Equipment. This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
- 10235609Apr 24, 2023Body and structure. This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.
- 10235608Apr 24, 2023Equipment. This Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the reduction in load carrying capacity be affixed to vehicles when the total net weight of accessories is more…
- 10235606Apr 21, 2023Equipment. This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 2nd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
- 10211530Apr 7, 2022Other or unknown, Exterior lighting. This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to explain the difference between normal dew condensation, which is a natural phenomenon, and water penetration caused by improper sealing or a…
- 10169006Nov 26, 2019Equipment. This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10163703Jul 30, 2019Equipment. This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin supersedes TSB-18-00-003, issued April, 2018, to add updated information for Carrying Capacity Reduced Label.
- 10130468Feb 27, 2018Equipment. This is a message sent to dealers, to inform them that an update for MEDIC will be available.
- 10130469Feb 26, 2018Equipment. This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170074Aug 28, 2015Transmission and drivetrain, Exterior lighting, Engine…. This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
Other model years of the Mitsubishi Montero Sport
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 5 | 120,000 | 1 | — | 17 | — | Not enough data |
| 2003 | 31 | 65,000 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 54 | 89,000 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 63 | 66,825 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 97 | 116,350 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 33 | 96,750 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 35 | 151,120 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 29 | 120,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Mitsubishi Montero Sport model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport?
Owners of this model year most often write about brake problems — shuddering or vibrating pedals, warped rotors, and a brake warning light that appears before the brakes feel less effective. The issues reported most often: Brake pedal vibration, warped rotors, weak braking; Horn sounds by itself, usually in cold weather; Transmission shifting oddly, stalling, or overheating.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport have?
NHTSA recorded 63 consumer complaints for the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport as of Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 17 complaints (27% of the total), followed by electrical system with 11.
Has the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport get?
The EPA rates the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport (Montero Sport 2WD, 3.0L 6-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 16 city and 21 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport reported?
Among the 36 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 66,825 miles and the middle half falls between 33,000 and 104,500 miles; 42% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.