2003 Mitsubishi Montero Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 28%of 39 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 124,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero, 28% of the 39 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 124,500 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 2003 Montero limited and suddenly my brakes failed and the car had a high piercing noise. I had the car towed to a near by Mitsubishi dealer in marlow heights maryland only to be told that if it was the accumulator they would fixed it at no charge. However, after their review it they said it was the hydraulic brake booster and it would cost me $2500 after taking it to another mechanical shop I was told it was the accumulator and the part was $228 plus labor charges.”
NHTSA complaint #10365734, filed 2010-11, 114,000 miles“I was driving on the freeway, when all of a sudden my ABS light came on and a buzzer. I then went to apply the brakes and stop but the brake pedal would not budge. It was like there was a brick under it. There was no way of stopping safely. Luckily no one was in front of me. I had to you the transmission to shift down. Pressed as hard as I could on brakes and finally stopped. I have researched this issue and have discovered it is quite common. How is it safe for a vehicle with a antilock brake malfunction to take out the brake system completely? …”
NHTSA complaint #10585588, filed 2014-04, 187,800 miles“I was driving, started hearing oozing sound then I applied brakes, very hard and won't go down. Then I pulled over the side curb and the curb stopped the card.”
NHTSA complaint #10556663, filed 2013-12, 145,000 miles“A siren sound came on. My husband proceeded to get of the road. In his attempt, the brakes became very hard to press. The vehicle continued to roll as the brakes were being applied. He the pull the emergency brakes to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. Aaa was called to tow the vehicle to a auto shop. After a thorough check, the owner (master mechanic) disassemble the braking system to check if the booster had failed, he stated the vehicle did not have a booster. I picked the vehicle up on friday, may 7 around 4:00pm. After traveling approximately 1 mile, the siren noise came back on. …”
NHTSA complaint #10715411, filed 2015-05, 187,000 miles“In 2007 I had the brakes to my 2003 mitsubushi Montero limited replaced because I felt they my truck would not stop as desired. After having the brakes replaced it appears that the problem became worse. I took my vehicle back to the dealer and they assured me that there was nothing wrong with the brakes. In dec 2007 I tried stopping in less than 3 inches of snow. My truck would not stop, I almost had an accident. When I hit the brakes it sounded and felt like the brakes were grinding or even a crunching sound. …”
NHTSA complaint #10256903, filed 2009-01, 107,800 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10170087Dec 7, 2012This 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.
- 10041406Aug 1, 2011Mitsubishi: 2003-2006 montero. A corrected pressure switch check procedure.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 4 | 80% |
| 2003 | 11 | 28% |
| 2002 | 68 | 61% |
| 2001 | 74 | 45% |
| 2000 | 7 | 14% |
| 1999 | 4 | 10% |
| 1998 | 10 | 14% |
| 1997 | 14 | 22% |
| 1996 | 4 | 15% |
| 1995 | 7 | 8% |
| 1994 | 6 | 19% |
| 1992 | 5 | 42% |
| 1991 | 2 | 11% |
| 1990 | 2 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 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