Model year
2003 Mitsubishi Montero
NHTSA lists 2 recalls and 39 complaints for the 2003 Mitsubishi Montero (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are SERVICE BRAKES (5), SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC (5), AIR BAGS (3). NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 15 mpg combined (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $5,500, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2000 51 complaints
- 2001 166 complaints
- 2002 111 complaints
- 2003 39 complaints
- 2004 5 complaints
- 2005 1 complaints
- 2006 4 complaints
Recalls
04V428000 · Sep 1, 2004
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
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 THE SIZE REQUIREMENTS…
04V319000 · Jul 6, 2004
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
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.
Complaints
39 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 4, fire flag on 1, injury field 4, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
No investigations are matched to this name.
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montero · 3.8L · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 14 | 18 | 15 | — | — | $5,500 |
| Montero · 3.8L · Automatic (S5) · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 13 | 18 | 15 | — | — | $5,500 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2003 Mitsubishi Montero at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.