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Mitsubishi Montero SportModel year report

2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Problems

Complaints
54filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
89,000miles, 32 complaints with mileage
Recalls
0campaigns 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 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2002 Montero Sport most often describe front airbags that did not deploy in collisions, and a horn that sounds on its own, often in cold weather. Other common themes are sudden brake problems, frame and undercarriage rust, and steering that stops responding normally. Where mileage is listed, the rust and brake reports mostly come from higher-mileage vehicles, while the steering reports come from low-mileage vehicles.

  1. Air bags

    Airbags did not deploy in crashes

    • 13 complaints (24%)
    • median 94,500 mi at 6.3 yrs old (10 state mileage)
    • 10 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2002–2015

    Owners describe front airbags that did not deploy, or deployed only partly, in collisions that included frontal and rear-end impacts. Some complaints describe injuries, including head contact with the steering wheel. According to the complaints, the manufacturer maintained that the airbags had worked properly. Mileage in these complaints ranges from 9,500 to 127,871 miles, and some complaints do not list mileage.

    What to check: Ask the seller whether the airbag warning light works normally and whether the vehicle has been in a crash, and ask for any airbag repair records. Have a dealer or independent shop run a diagnostic check of the airbag system before buying.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I own a 2002 Mitsubishi montero, it has been in 2 severe head on impacts, one at over 35mph.....neither time has the airbags deployed on this vehicle. I have contacted Mitsubishi, they maintain the airbags have worked properly, how they determine this, I do not know. This is a manufacturer defect.”

    NHTSA complaint #10000656, filed 2002-12, 9,500 miles

    “I was in an auto accident and hit a car in it's side. I was going approximately 30 MPH. The vehicle also rolled on it's left side after impact. I was the only front passenger. My airbag never deployed. My head ended up hitting the steering wheel.”

    NHTSA complaint #10327616, filed 2010-04, 127,871 miles
  2. Electrical system

    Horn sounds on its own, often in cold weather

    • 5 complaints (9%)
    • median 89,000 mi at 9.9 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2007–2015

    Owners describe the horn sounding without the button being pressed, sometimes when the steering wheel is turned, and sometimes continuing after the button is released. Some owners disconnect the horn fuse or battery to stop it. Some were told the problem involved the airbag system or the steering column wiring, and a relay replacement reportedly did not stop it. Mileage in these complaints ranges from 69,108 to 155,000 miles, and several complaints tie the horn to cold weather or overnight temperature drops.

    What to check: Ask whether the horn sounds on its own, especially in cold weather, and whether any airbag or steering column repair has been done. During a test drive, check that the horn stops when released, and ask for invoices for any electrical or airbag work.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “During cold weather (approximately 20 degrees c and below) the horn starts blowing and won't turn off unless the battery is disconnected or the car interior has warmed up. The only way I have to prevent the horn from coming on is to keep the horn/air/bag assembly warm. I wrap an electric blanket around the steering wheel.”

    NHTSA complaint #10181825, filed 2007-02, 69,108 miles

    “2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport. The horn sounds for no reason, when the temperature drops below 55degrees. I must remove the fuse to silence it. It is state required safety equipment. I contacted the lancaster, pa Mitsubishi dealer but they won't reply. The problem started in the winter when the temperature dropped below 18 degrees. It is 8 months later and a cold august night triggered it.”

    NHTSA complaint #10421099, filed 2011-08, 82,000 miles
  3. Brakes

    Sudden loss of braking or brake line failure

    • 9 complaints (17%)
    • median 165,250 mi at 15.3 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
    • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2002–2017

    Owners describe a brake pedal that sank toward the floor, or braking that stopped without warning while driving. Some complaints tie a noise from under the dash and a delay in brake assist after parking to the hydraulic brake booster, and a mechanic named the master cylinder in a separate case. In a frontal impact, a brake line broke where the flexible rubber section meets the metal fitting, and a dealer declined to examine the vehicle in another report. Where mileage is listed, these complaints are at 155,500 to 175,000 miles, and some complaints do not list mileage.

    What to check: Ask whether the brake booster or brake lines have been inspected or replaced, and check the VIN for open brake booster recalls. During a test drive, confirm the pedal stays firm and listen for noise from under the dash when braking.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “My Mitsubishi montero limited started making a strange noise from under the dash while driving. One day while driving when I applied the brake the pedal went all the way to the floor. I did some research and found a recall for the brake hydraulic booster for this vehicle but my VIN number is not showing a recall. When I contacted Mitsubishi all they would say is it's not covered under the recall. I don't understand”

    NHTSA complaint #10968765, filed 2017-03, 175,000 miles

    “The front brake lines failed upon frontal impact. I am a police officer/accident investigator and I investigated an accident involving a 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport. The driver of the montero impacted the rear of a vehicle ahead of her. The impact damaged the left front of the montero enough to deploy the air bags, but not enough to prevent the wheel from rolling. The impact also caused the left front brake line to break. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10010383, filed 2003-03
  4. Body and structure

    Frame and undercarriage rust

    • 5 complaints (9%)
    • median 124,802 mi at 12.6 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2006–2017

    Owners describe rust and rot in the frame and undercarriage, sometimes found while replacing brake lines or a fuel fill pipe. A routine inspection reportedly found frame fractures, and the dealer was notified but offered no assistance. In another complaint an inspector advised that the vehicle not be driven. Mileage in these complaints ranges from 93,000 to 195,016 miles, and the rust was often found during inspections or repairs.

    What to check: Ask whether the frame has been inspected or repaired for rust, and have a mechanic check the frame, brake lines, and fuel fill pipe from underneath before buying.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Frame and undercarriage rot/rust. Was told by one shop about in 2013 that I had alot of rust on the frame when they replaced my rusted brake lines.. This week in october 2014 I had to replace a rusty fill pipe for my gas and the mechanic told me that I had major rust on the frame and undercarriage and that a rear end collision of any kind could potentially total my car.”

    NHTSA complaint #10651571, filed 2014-10, 195,016 miles

    “Brought 2002 Montero Sport for inspection inspector told me the rear frame and undercarriage was rotten vehicle was not to be driven. What do I do with vehicle now that I just paid it off and I cant drive?”

    NHTSA complaint #10572507, filed 2014-03, 109,604 miles
  5. Steering

    Steering loss or lock-up while driving

    • 6 complaints (11%)
    • median 39,662 mi at 3.6 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
    • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2002–2021

    Owners describe steering that stopped responding normally, including the wheel rolling or spinning while stopping or on gravel. A complaint describes a sudden turn to the left after a part broke, and another describes steering and brakes locking up on the highway, where the dealer could not identify the source of the lock-up. In a further complaint, drive belts came off and the owner had no steering, and the crankshaft pulley pin was reported broken. Where mileage is listed, these complaints are at 9,500 and 11,325 miles, and some complaints do not list mileage.

    What to check: Ask for records of any steering, belt, or pulley work, and have a mechanic check steering play and the drive belts before buying. Ask the seller whether any steering recall was checked against the vehicle's VIN.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “A month after my vehicle was purchased we had a number of problems, the rear differential was cracked, leaking windshield washer fluid and now the steering isn't working in the manner it should. The car is all over the road and while stopping yesterday the steering wheel completely rolled to the left. Then while on a gravel road the wheel completely spun around. I called another dealership today and they said there was a recall on the steering, but the Mitsubishi headquarters said there aren't any recalls.”

    NHTSA complaint #10000284, filed 2002-12, 11,325 miles

    “I have a 2002 Mitsibishi Montero Sport.I was driving home from work, and all the sudden i couldn't steer. I had no steering, Lost power to vehicle and battery light came on. Wasnt sure what happened, looked under the hood and noticed belts were off. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11427619, filed 2021-08

Buying note. Before buying, ask for records of any airbag, brake, or steering work and have a mechanic inspect the frame and undercarriage for rust. During a test drive, check the horn and the airbag warning light, since several complaints involve horn behavior tied to the airbag system.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 50 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 54 consumer complaints for the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport. 32 of the complaints include a mileage, and 28% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 89,000 miles. Of all complaints, 14 involved a crash, 14 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns 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.

Also reported: Tires (2), Engine (1), Equipment (1), Seat belts (1), Suspension (1), Vehicle speed control (1).

Example complaints

Air bags: “2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport; the car horn/alarm goes off usually when a drop of temperature occurs in the middle of the night. To fix ... Has something to do with a short in the electrical of the air bag and the steering wheel column. Very expensive for a mechanic, over $1200. I have to unhook my battery every night and on colder days. Researching online.....a lot of people are disabling the horn/alarm system and driving without horns. Or they are tampering with the air bag to try and fix. It is a very common problem....... …”

NHTSA complaint #10556927, filed 2013-12, 125,000 miles

Brakes: “I have had several times to take my car to a service center to have my brakes checked and/or replaced. I have a 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport lx that have given me discomfort when having to stop when traveling at speed above 45 MPH. I have been told that the number of time I have replace my brakes are not normal. I have also been told to do a complete brake overhaul which caused me to get 2nd and 3rd opinions which is costly as well. I feel that Mitsubishi should be checked on this model and year for issues related to and not related to crashes over the past 6 years.”

NHTSA complaint #10325910, filed 2010-04, 182,071 miles

Electrical system: “Horn button when the accessory socket is in use or not in use,the horn continues to blow when the button is released. Therefore the fuse to the horn must be disconnected at all times. I had it put on a diagnostic machine and in order to have this fixed it will cost $1300 because the problem has to do with the air bag. If it were the relay switch it would have been $24. This is not from what I think is something that consumers must pay for. I live in the state of virginia where it is required to have vehicle safety inspection done every year and the first thing that's checked is the horn. …”

NHTSA complaint #10312616, filed 2010-02, 89,000 miles

Engine cooling: “I had a bad 02 sensor replaced on my 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport in june 2006. A month later another 02 sensor needed to be replaced. Total expense was $600+.”

NHTSA complaint #10165322, filed 2006-08, 89,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

28% of the 32 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 47,000 and 127,000 miles.

6%0–109%10–2513%25–5016%50–7513%75–10025%100–15019%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (32 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 89,000 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.

10’03’05’07’10’13’15’18’22
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2002 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.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Montero Sport · sedan not rated4 / 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 2002 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).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Montero Sport 2WD3.0L 6-cyl4-speed automatic162118$3,700
Montero Sport 2WD3.5L 6-cyl4-speed automatic152017$3,950
Montero Sport 4WD3.0L 6-cyl4-speed automatic151917$3,950
Montero Sport 4WD3.5L 6-cyl4-speed automatic141715$4,450

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

NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by 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.

See all 20 bulletins →

Other model years of the Mitsubishi Montero Sport

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
20045120,0001—17—Not enough data
20033165,0000—18Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20025489,0000—18Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20016366,8251—18Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200097116,3501—17Not compared (before 2008)Stable
19993396,7503—18Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199835151,1201—21Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199729120,0001—21Not 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 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport?

Owners of the 2002 Montero Sport most often describe front airbags that did not deploy in collisions, and a horn that sounds on its own, often in cold weather. The issues reported most often: Airbags did not deploy in crashes; Horn sounds on its own, often in cold weather; Sudden loss of braking or brake line failure.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport have?

NHTSA recorded 54 consumer complaints for the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport is reported most often?

Air bags is named most often, in 11 complaints (20% of the total), followed by brakes with 11.

Has the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport been recalled?

NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport get?

The EPA rates the 2002 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 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport reported?

Among the 32 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 89,000 miles and the middle half falls between 47,000 and 127,000 miles; 28% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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.