2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 61 complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions as the top reported area.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport has 61 owner complaints, 15 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Mitsubishi
- Model
- Montero Sport
- Model year
- 2002
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 61
- Crash-related complaints
- 15
- Safety recall campaigns
- 0
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
Most Common 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Brake System
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Brake System, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport?
The 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
Inspection Focus
- Inspect airbag system for any warning lights or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake and engine components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on brakes and engine.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect airbag system for any warning lights or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake and engine components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on brakes and engine.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport are concentrated in airbag malfunctions, brake system issues, and engine problems. Crash-related complaints account for about a quarter of all reports, but the overall confidence in this data is low due to the single model year and limited sample size.
- Airbag malfunctions are the most reported component with 12 complaints.
- Brake system issues total 11 complaints, nearly as frequent as airbag problems.
- Engine problems account for 10 complaints, making it the third most common concern.
- Crash-related complaints represent 15 out of 61 total complaints.
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Brake System
- Engine Problems
All 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 12 | 10 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 11 | 2 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 8 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I checked and there's several recalls on the vehicle and I purchase it last year from the dealership and I never received anything about the recalls and now my vehicle doesn't want to start it lock me out.
I have a 2002 Mitsibishi Montero Sport.I was driving home from work, and all the sudden i couldn't steer. I had no steering, Lost power to vehicle and battery light came on. Wasnt sure what happened, looked under the hood and noticed belts were off. Went and got new ones and noti…
DRIVE MODE SELECTOR WILL NOT MOVE FROM THE AWD POSITION.
THE HOOD FLEW UP WHEN SAFETY LATCH FAILED TO HOLD IT,, PLUS BRAKE LINE TROUBLES AS WELL AS GAS TANK FILL PIPE ALL RUSTED OUT,, HOOD WAS ON HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 30MPH AN WRAPPED ARROUND WINDSHIELD,,
MY MECHANIC SAID THAT THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER HAS BEEN MANUFACTURED IMPROPERLY WHICH RESULTED IN LEAKAGE OF THE PRESSURIZED NITRGEN GAS FROM INSIDE THE ACCUMULATOR. THE LOSS OF THIS GAS PRESSURE RESULTED IN AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DASH PANEL WHEN THE BRAKE…
MY MITSUBISHI MONTERO LIMITED STARTED MAKING A STRANGE NOISE FROM UNDER THE DASH WHILE DRIVING. ONE DAY WHILE DRIVING WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKE THE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND A RECALL FOR THE BRAKE HYDRAULIC BOOSTER FOR THIS VEHICLE BUT MY V…
BOTH HEAD LIGHT BEAMS SOMETIMES DISAPPEAR WHEN SWITCHING TO HIGH BEAM WHILE DRIVING LEAVING YOU DRIVING IN THE DARK WITHOUT ANY LIGHTS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT AT A CERTAIN ANGLE, THE HORN OF THE VEHICLE ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT AN UNKNOWN MODULE RELATED TO TH…
FRAME AND UNDERCARRIAGE ROT/RUST. WAS TOLD BY ONE SHOP ABOUT IN 2013 THAT I HAD ALOT OF RUST ON THE FRAME WHEN THEY REPLACED MY RUSTED BRAKE LINES.. THIS WEEK IN OCTOBER 2014 I HAD TO REPLACE A RUSTY FILL PIPE FOR MY GAS AND THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT I HAD MAJOR RUST ON THE FRAM…
BROUGHT 2002 MONTERO SPORT FOR INSPECTION INSPECTOR TOLD ME THE REAR FRAME AND UNDERCARRIAGE WAS ROTTEN VEHICLE WAS NOT TO BE DRIVEN. WHAT DO I DO WITH VEHICLE NOW THAT I JUST PAID IT OFF AND I CANT DRIVE? *TR
2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT; THE CAR HORN/ALARM GOES OFF USUALLY WHEN A DROP OF TEMPERATURE OCCURS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. TO FIX ... HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL OF THE AIR BAG AND THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN. VERY EXPENSIVE FOR A MECHANIC, OVER $1200.…
THE REAR VIEW MIRROR CHANGES AUTOMATICALLY TO NIGHT VISION YOU CAN NOT CHANGE IT BACK. IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE CARS BEHIND YOU WITH THE WAY IT CHANGES AND HOW CLOSE THEY ARE TO YOU. MY DAUGHTER BACKED INTO SOMEONE BECAUSE SHE COULD NOT TELL THEY WERE BEHIND HER. I HAVE HAD PROBL…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING A ROUTINE INSPECTION, THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FRAME WAS ROTTING AND THERE WERE TWENTY TWO INCH-LONG FRACTURES FOUND IN THE FRAME. A DEALER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEH…
2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. THE HORN SOUNDS FOR NO REASON, WHEN THE TEMPERATURE DROPS BELOW 55DEGREES. I MUST REMOVE THE FUSE TO SILENCE IT. IT IS STATE REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT. I CONTACTED THE LANCASTER, PA MITSUBISHI DEALER BUT THEY WON'T REPLY. THE PROBLEM STARTED IN…
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, ANOTHER VEHICLE REAR ENDED IT AND PUSHED IT INTO THREE OTHER VEHICLES. THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG PARTIALLY DEPLOYED BUT THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AT ALL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED…
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL LEAK WHILE SHE WAS ADDING FUEL TO THE VEHICLE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS THE FUEL STORAGE TANK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VI…
I WAS IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT AND HIT A CAR IN IT'S SIDE. I WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. THE VEHICLE ALSO ROLLED ON IT'S LEFT SIDE AFTER IMPACT. I WAS THE ONLY FRONT PASSENGER. MY AIRBAG NEVER DEPLOYED. MY HEAD ENDED UP HITTING THE STEERING WHEEL. *TR
I HAVE HAD SEVERAL TIMES TO TAKE MY CAR TO A SERVICE CENTER TO HAVE MY BRAKES CHECKED AND/OR REPLACED. I HAVE A 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT LX THAT HAVE GIVEN ME DISCOMFORT WHEN HAVING TO STOP WHEN TRAVELING AT SPEED ABOVE 45 MPH. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE NUMBER OF TIME I HA…
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. HE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH WHEN IT WAS RAINING AND THE WIPERS WERE ON, THE LEFT SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER EXTENDED OFF OF THE WINDSHIELD BUT IT WAS STILL ATTACHED TO THE WIPER MOTOR. HE NOTICED THAT THE WIPER WAS ALSO SLIG…
HORN BUTTON WHEN THE ACCESSORY SOCKET IS IN USE OR NOT IN USE,THE HORN CONTINUES TO BLOW WHEN THE BUTTON IS RELEASED. THEREFORE THE FUSE TO THE HORN MUST BE DISCONNECTED AT ALL TIMES. I HAD IT PUT ON A DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE AND IN ORDER TO HAVE THIS FIXED IT WILL COST $1300 BECAUSE …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport.
2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Recalls
0 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport. No recall campaigns are currently listed for this model year in the dataset, but VIN-level recall checks are still essential. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
No recall campaigns found for this model year in the current data. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls directly for the latest information.
2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 61 owner complaints, 15 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (12 complaints). #2: Brake System (11 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (10 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport, NHTSA complaints include 15 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 61 total complaints. 14 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport have any recalls?▾
No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.
Should I buy a 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport?▾
The 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Mitsubishi Montero Sport reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.