2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 13%of 31 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,140miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport, 13% of the 31 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,140 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a brand new 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport with a 3.0 engine. The cam shaft came apart and the Mitsubishi rep refuse to authorize the repair. This vehicle is still under the new car warranty. Nothing was done to repair my vehicle. The SUV needs a new engine. What happen to customer service?”
NHTSA complaint #10108503, filed 2005-02, 40,140 miles“Head gasket failures on 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport 3.5 l v6 engine. 1. No preceding event, car started idling rough when first started. Idle smoothes after a short time. 2. Right side head gasket started leaking coolant into cyl #2 at 30k miles, replaced under warranty. Left side head gasket started leaking coolant into cyl #1 at 65,600 miles. Replacement denied by manufacturer, even thought it is an obvious manufacturing defect. 3. Not yet replaced due to cost.”
NHTSA complaint #10173592, filed 2006-11, 65,600 miles“Vehicle was idling in a restaurant drive thru lane. Without warning, the engine suddenly accelerated causing consumer to rear-end the vehicle in front.”
NHTSA complaint #10031534, filed 2003-07, 900 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10170074Aug 28, 2015This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170071Jul 22, 2015This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170086Nov 1, 2012This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
5 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology