2004 Mitsubishi Montero Problems
- Complaints
- 5filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 125,000miles, 3 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 15 mpgcombined, 3.8L 6-cyl RWD · 13 city / 18 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2004 Mitsubishi Montero (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 5 consumer complaints for the 2004 Mitsubishi Montero. The part named most often is brakes, with 4 complaints (80% of the total), followed by other or unknown (1) and steering (1). 3 of the complaints include a mileage, and 33% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 125,000 miles. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 37 technical service bulletins for this model year. Brakes complaints overlap with 3 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Other or unknown complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
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.
- Brakes4 80%
- Other or unknown1 20%
- Steering1 20%
Example complaints
Brakes: “Dt: the contact states the brakes had less than 8,000 miles on them before they needed to be changed, and were changed in may 2005. Currently, need new front brakes . The dealer and Mitsubishi pointed the finger at each other. The brakes were making a squeaking/grinding noise.”
NHTSA complaint #10137114, filed 2005-09, 8,000 milesOther or unknown: “There are holes in frame in front area the rest of frame from conver is ok wanted to know what or how get fixed this was like this when I purchased it if I need to send photos let me know some how it was missing the callic conver that I noticed the holes on both sides it was also blownen beak lights out I pay & 98 to have fix”
NHTSA complaint #11030570, filed 2017-09Steering: “2004 Mitsubishi Montero Limited: Hydraulic Brake Booster is malfunctioning, making a ( gobble-gobble , squirrel-like chirping sound) almost every time the brake pedal is pressed. Hwy driving, without the use of brakes, the frequent chirping sounds still occur. Under medium to heavy braking, the vehicle shudders and shakes. This specific sound is made in all gear selections and even when the car's battery is on/engine off. Upon inspection of the hydraulic brake booster under the hood, the unit shakes when the chirp sound is made. …”
NHTSA complaint #11470732, filed 2022-06Mileage when problems were reported
33% of the 3 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 8,000 and 189,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2004 Mitsubishi Montero version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montero RWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $5,500 |
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
- 04V428000Sep 1, 2004Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Mitsubishi Montero 1998–2004, Eclipse 1998–2005, Diamante 1998–2004 +9 more
Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, 'occupant crash protection.' the bilingual english/spanish removable air bag warning labels affixed to the dash and to the sunvisor do not meet…
- 04V319000Jul 6, 2004Fuel system, gasoline › StorageCovers: Mitsubishi Montero 2002–2004
On certain sport utility vehicles, when the fuel tank is full and the vehicle is parked facing forward on an upward slope, the fuel tank leveling valve may not maintain proper sealing in the event the fuel expands from a rise in the ambient temperature.
- 04V095000Feb 20, 2004Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Mitsubishi Montero 2004, Montero Sport 2004
On certain sport utility vehicles, the vehicle capacity weights as stated on the tire and loading information label are in error.
Recall details for the 2004 Mitsubishi Montero → · Check a 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. 37 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10240443Jul 21, 2023Equipment. This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
- 10235609Apr 24, 2023Body and structure. This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.
- 10235608Apr 24, 2023Equipment. This Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the reduction in load carrying capacity be affixed to vehicles when the total net weight of accessories is more…
- 10235606Apr 21, 2023Equipment. This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 2nd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
- 10211530Apr 7, 2022Other or unknown, Exterior lighting. This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to explain the difference between normal dew condensation, which is a natural phenomenon, and water penetration caused by improper sealing or a…
- 10169006Nov 26, 2019Equipment. This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10163703Jul 30, 2019Equipment. This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin supersedes TSB-18-00-003, issued April, 2018, to add updated information for Carrying Capacity Reduced Label.
- 10145181Aug 8, 2018Equipment. This is a Technical Information Notice sent to dealers, to inform them that MB991855V (12-13 Pin Reprogramming Adapter) is now available for purchase. To reprogram 2002 - 2006 Montero and 2003…
- 10130468Feb 27, 2018Equipment. This is a message sent to dealers, to inform them that an update for MEDIC will be available.
- 10130469Feb 26, 2018Equipment. This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
Other model years of the Mitsubishi Montero
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 5 | 125,000 | 3 | — | 15 | — | Not enough data |
| 2003 | 39 | 81,500 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 111 | 84,500 | 3 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 166 | 107,371 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 51 | 109,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 40 | 84,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 74 | 89,500 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 63 | 110,500 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 27 | 135,500 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 86 | 147,500 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 31 | 185,000 | 5 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 14 | 150,000 | 3 | — | 15 | — | Not enough data |
| 1992 | 12 | 168,500 | 3 | — | 15 | — | Not enough data |
| 1991 | 18 | 133,345 | 1 | — | 15 | — | Stable |
| 1990 | 23 | 228,859 | 1 | — | 16 | — | Stable |
| 1989 | 10 | 194,000 | 2 | — | 16 | — | Not enough data |
All Mitsubishi Montero model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004 Mitsubishi Montero have?
NHTSA recorded 5 consumer complaints for the 2004 Mitsubishi Montero as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2004 Mitsubishi Montero is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 4 complaints (80% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 1.
Has the 2004 Mitsubishi Montero been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2004 Mitsubishi Montero get?
The EPA rates the 2004 Mitsubishi Montero (Montero, 3.8L 6-cyl) at 15 mpg combined, 13 city and 18 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $5,500 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2004 Mitsubishi Montero reported?
Among the 3 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 125,000 miles and the middle half falls between 8,000 and 189,000 miles; 33% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. 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.