2001 Mitsubishi Montero Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 13%of 166 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 58,250miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero, 13% of the 166 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 58,250 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“2001 Mitsubishi Montero; engine shot on the highway (nj turnpike). There was no oil warning. This is a life threatening issue-if I had been on the inner lane, I would have been dead. Vehicles on nj turnpike are traveling 60-80mph. Vehicle has been serviced on timely oil changes at jiffy lube. This should not have happened. It has 90k mlies on it, bought used, I owe $15k on it, it will cost $8k to fix. 2 yrs og payments to go.”
NHTSA complaint #10102139, filed 2004-12, 90,000 miles“Since I purchase this vehicle (2001 Mitsubishi Montero limited), I always had problem with the check engine light problem. The third day I got the vehicle from the alhambra Mitsubishi dealership, the light turn on. And always got the same reply make sure the gas cap is closed properly . I had 5 cars and I never had any kind of problem like exept this Montero limited. My car has 63000miles right now, and the light will turn on every 2month. And now the vehicle has the light on again, and dealer will not do or care about the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10106006, filed 2005-01, 11,000 miles“Engine replacement at 79k miles. February 04 I noticed a knocking sound coming from under the hood of the car. The Mitsubishi mechanic said it was coming from the engine but that he would just change the oil to see if that helped. The sales ticket said, no problem found . August 04 the knocking came back. On a trip the oil light came on but there was oil in the vehicle. We had the vehicle towed to Mitsubishi. The mechanic then confirmed that it was the engine. The pickup tube was clocked but the engine walls were clean. The result was to replace the engine. …”
NHTSA complaint #10090761, filed 2004-09, 72,000 miles“Montero under 50,000 miles. Have to replace compressor, alignment bars for sun roof, and brakes. Cost $2700 with labor. Have owned the vehicle for 4 months. No warranty left. Montero has to be jumped to turn on, bucks with defrost on, no air, no radio, and brakes are bad. Dealer will not help with cost.”
NHTSA complaint #10162012, filed 2006-07, 45,000 miles“The oil light indicator failed to warn that the oil in the engine was depleted until approx 30 seconds prior to the engine seizing. The rods cracked the engine and broke the head gasket mixing oil and water together. Everything shut down in seconds. No warning whatsoever. Dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis-------770762.”
NHTSA complaint #10006539, filed 2002-12, 37,000 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.
- 10014398Oct 1, 2002Engine stalling hesitation.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 3 | 8% |
| 2002 | 8 | 7% |
| 2001 | 21 | 13% |
| 2000 | 5 | 10% |
| 1999 | 4 | 10% |
| 1998 | 9 | 12% |
| 1997 | 17 | 27% |
| 1996 | 10 | 37% |
| 1995 | 34 | 40% |
| 1994 | 13 | 42% |
| 1993 | 8 | 57% |
| 1992 | 6 | 50% |
| 1991 | 7 | 39% |
| 1990 | 7 | 30% |
| 1989 | 1 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
74 complaintsElectrical system
22 complaintsAir bags
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsSuspension
11 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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