Before you buy
This 2001 Mitsubishi Montero has 245 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Brake System.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2001 Mitsubishi Montero Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2001 Mitsubishi Montero trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
MITSUBISHI MONTERO 2001 has 245 NHTSA complaints, with 95 related to the brake system and 74 to hydraulic issues. Engine problems (34) and electrical faults (33) are also common. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Mitsubishi
- Model
- Montero
- Model year
- 2001
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 245
- Crash-related complaints
- 26
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Brake System
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 17
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 15 / 20
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
Common problems
Most common 2001 Mitsubishi Montero problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Brake System
Hydraulic
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Brake System, Hydraulic, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2001 Mitsubishi Montero?
The 2001 Montero has significant brake and hydraulic complaints, making it a risky purchase without documented repairs. Only consider if a mechanic confirms the brake system is fully functional and all recalls are addressed.
Brake failures can lead to accidents, and the high number of hydraulic complaints suggests a systemic issue. Engine and electrical problems add to ownership costs.
May Suit
This year may suit a budget-conscious buyer willing to invest in repairs and who can verify that critical components have been replaced.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a reliable daily driver or those unable to perform or pay for major brake and engine work should avoid this year.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
Inspection Focus
- Inspect brake lines, master cylinder, and calipers for leaks or damage.
- Check engine for unusual noises, leaks, and check engine light codes.
- Test all electrical systems, including lights, windows, and dashboard indicators.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the entire brake system, including hydraulic components.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake, engine, and electrical repairs.
- Test drive to check for brake pedal feel, engine performance, and electrical function.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2001 Mitsubishi Montero, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
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
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero shows a high number of brake system complaints (95), particularly hydraulic issues (74). Engine problems (34) and electrical faults (33) are also notable. With 4 recalls and 26 crash-related complaints, buyers should prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, 2001 has the highest complaint count, with brake issues far exceeding other components.
Recall context: With 4 recalls, it is essential to verify that all recall repairs have been completed before purchase.
- Brake system accounts for 95 of 245 total complaints.
- Hydraulic issues represent 74 complaints, the largest subcategory.
- Engine problems total 34 complaints, the third most reported component.
- Brake System (95 complaints)
- Hydraulic (74 complaints)
- Engine Problems (34 complaints)
Full breakdown
All 2001 Mitsubishi Montero complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brake System | 95 | 6 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 74 | 5 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 34 | — | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 33 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 23 | 1 | 3 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 23 | 17 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 15 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 14 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Visibility | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 8 | — | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electric | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
On multiple occasions, the horn itself will start blowing without command. After pressing the horn to alert another driver, the horn will then stick again. There are repairs where 3m tape is applied to the horn switch behind the airbag, however it is not a professional repair a…
4 wh drive light flashes no apparent reason no issues makes the anti lock light come on and also the abs light worried cause a prob wit the brakes or something
The contact owns a 2001 Mitsubishi Montero. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal felt sticky. Additionally, the contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal twice, the brake pedal vibrated and shuddered. The che…
Reporting - safety recall as stated on NY state fail inspection. Emissions issues Émission results- MIL commanded “fail” Code P0136-O2 Sensor Code PO455 -Evaporative emission system leak
After googling and doing a little reaching I found out it is a very common problem amongst these vehicles that the horn starts blaring in the early morning hours non stop until unplugging the fuse or battery. I have to remove the fuse therefore I’m unsafe knowing that I’m driving…
Brake lines completely rusted through and I lost all brakes while heading to work, thankfully I was able to pull the emergency brake to slow down and I coasted through a red light blowing my horn so I was not hit. I bought this vehicle brand new with only 3 miles on it and ever s…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND ALSO WHILE AT A STAND STILL, THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMALLY LOUD SOUND FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST…
THE BRAKE BOOSTER ACCUMULATOR IS LEAKING SO IT MAKES A 'CHIRPING' SOUND FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A RECOGNIZED FAULT WITH THIS VEHICLE AND A RECALL WAS ISSUED I DID NOT GET NOTIFICATION OF THE RECALL SO DID NOT GET IT FIXED. IT HAS NOW BECOME A PROBLEM WHICH I A…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT'S WIFE HEARD AN ABNORMAL CHIRPING SOUND AND THE BRAKES FAILED. THE SOUND ORIGINATED FROM THE UNDER THE DASHBOARD. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. IN …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BATTERY AND BRAKE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWO TIMES ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT …
I DROVE MY FAMILY TO THEIR DOCTOR APP. AND WHEN I WAS PARKED GASOLINE WAS DRIPPING DOWN IN FRONT OF THE DRIVERS REAR TIRE ONTO THE PAVEMENT UPON INSPECTION I SAW GASOLINE RUNNING OFF OF THE TOP OF THE GAS TANK I THEN WENT AND TOLD THE PARKING LOT ATTENDANT WHAT WAS HAPPENING HE T…
ON 9/4/2017 AT APPROXIMATELY 615AM THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE. 10 MINUTES LATER OUR PUPPY WAS BARKING AT THE DOOR LEADING TO GARAGE. HUSBAND WENT TO SEE WHY AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE DOOR. HE OPENED THE DOOR AND THE GARAGE WAS FILLED WITH BLACK SMOKE AND THERE WA…
STABILITY FAILURE AND LIGHTS DEFECT
THIS WEEK I HAVE HAD TWO OCCURRENCES WHERE THE HORN JUST STARTS BLARING AND WON'T STOP. ONCE WAS IN THE AFTERNOON, AND THE OTHER WAS AT 5:00 AM. MY ONLY DIY ALTERNATIVES ARE TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY (OBVIOUSLY CAN'T USE THE VEHICLE), OR REMOVE THE FUSE (VERY UNSAFE). THE VEHI…
HORN ON CAR STARTS BLOWING FOR UNKNOWN REASON, CAR WAS NOT RUNNING AND WAS VERY COLD. I WAS TOLD THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE OF HORN TRIGGER WAS SENSITIVE TO COLD WEATHER.
ABS ACCUMULATOR FAILURE AND NOISE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN SOUNDED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY HAD TO BE DISABLED TO STOP THE HORN FROM SOUNDING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAI…
FRAME IS RUSTING TO A POINT WHERE IT'S BECOMING UNSAFE TO DRIVE. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR TENDS TO SHIFT BACK AND FORTH IN THE REAR. A SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE POINTED OUT THE ALMOST RUSTED THROUGH FRAME NEAR THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR WHEEL.
THE CAR/SUV STILL RUNS LIKE NEW, IT PASSES INSPECTION ,EVERY TIME ! IT NEVER FAILED INSPECTION. THE BODY ROT AND RUSTED FRAME LEAD TO MY SPARE TIRE FALL OFF THE CAR WHILE I WAS DRIVING HOME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. I BOUGHT IT NEW IN 2001 AND TAUGHT MY KIDS TO DRIVE WITH IT.…
GAS LEAK FROM THE FRONT MOUNT AREA OF THE SENDING UNIT ON TOP OF THE GAS TANK. SIGNIFICANT LEAK, ODOR OF GAS OVERWHELMING. QUOTED $1200 TO REPAIR. ALL SALVAGED TANKS/KITS IN SIMILAR CONDITION. FIRE HAZARD, AND IT WAS RECOMMENDED BY AUTO MASTERS TO HAVE IT FIXED FOR SAFETY REAS…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero.
Safety recalls
2001 Mitsubishi Montero recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero. With 4 recalls, it is essential to verify that all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2001 Mitsubishi Montero buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 245 owner complaints, 26 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2001 Montero has significant brake and hydraulic complaints, making it a risky purchase without documented repairs. Only consider if a mechanic confirms the brake system is fully functional and all recalls are addressed. 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 2001 Mitsubishi Montero?▾
#1: Brake System (95 complaints). #2: Hydraulic (74 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (34 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero, NHTSA complaints include 26 crash-related reports and 6 fire reports out of 245 total complaints. 26 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero. A major recall area is EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. With 4 recalls, it is essential to verify that all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2001 Mitsubishi Montero?▾
The 2001 Montero has significant brake and hydraulic complaints, making it a risky purchase without documented repairs. Only consider if a mechanic confirms the brake system is fully functional and all recalls are addressed. Brake failures can lead to accidents, and the high number of hydraulic complaints suggests a systemic issue. Engine and electrical problems add to ownership costs. Pay extra attention to Brake System 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 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
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.