2002 Mitsubishi Montero Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 5%of 111 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 97,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero, 5% of the 111 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 97,500 miles.
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 was going to start driving a very inclined hill aprox. 45 degrees, I stopped the car, changed the automatic transmission to 3 gear, when I get to the top of the hill I changed the transmission back to d gear, but I noticed something weird with the way the transmission was responding but I didn't know what it was, so I kept driving almost 100 meters more and stopped the car to take some pictures. …”
NHTSA complaint #10536190, filed 2013-08, 102,000 miles“Automatic transmission began to make grinding noises when truck was going slowly. Despite only 90,000 miles and well maintained. Estimate to repair is $4188. No lights were on, car drove without indication, all required services were performed.”
NHTSA complaint #10268701, filed 2009-05, 93,000 miles“Vehicle's 4wd will engage and disengage on it's own. While in 2wd, while driving, vehicle will make a noise and while coming to a stop the noise will get louder until it gives a hard jolt, like if someone rear ended you. At this point the 4wd indicater will start blinking. If you attempt to put into 4wd then the vehicle almost becomes impossible to turn and causes the tires to squell as if you were doing a burn out. Took to the dealer twice in 2004 with no luck. They couldn't figure out what was wrong with it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10127610, filed 2005-07, 65,000 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Mitsubishi Montero. While driving various speeds, the transfer case warning indicator illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front transfer case sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10939248, filed 2017-01, 170,000 miles“Consumer states that while driving at any speed up hill and no warning the transmission will decelerate even when foot is on the accelerator, and it will be hard for the consumer to control the vehicle. Dealer notified.”
NHTSA complaint #10026156, filed 2003-06Related 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.
- 10170096Mar 5, 2013This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170100Feb 6, 2013This 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.
- 10021743May 1, 2007Reprogramming the pcm drivability or sensitivity issues can be corrected.
- 10020120May 1, 2006Rear axle shaft flange coming loose.
- 10016139Apr 1, 2005Powertrain control module (pcm) reprogramming for diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0134.
- 10014377Jun 1, 2004Rwd/4wd light blinks.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 6 | 15% |
| 2002 | 5 | 5% |
| 2001 | 13 | 8% |
| 2000 | 5 | 10% |
| 1999 | 8 | 20% |
| 1998 | 3 | 4% |
| 1997 | 4 | 6% |
| 1996 | 4 | 15% |
| 1995 | 5 | 6% |
| 1991 | 1 | 6% |
| 1990 | 2 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
68 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsTires
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
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