2004 Mitsubishi Montero Problems

Severe Issues

Used MITSUBISHI MONTERO shoppers should review this model-year complaint and recall record before making an offer. Based on 5 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Fuel/Propulsion System the most reported area.

20036 years2006

Before you buy

This 2004 Mitsubishi Montero has 5 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Fuel/Propulsion 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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5
Complaints
1
Crashes
Fires
1
Injuries
Fatalities
3
Recalls

2004 Mitsubishi Montero Fuel Economy

✓ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2004 Mitsubishi Montero trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

14
MPG City
1315 range
17
MPG Hwy
1719 range
15
MPG Combined
1517 range
592
g CO₂/mile
Regular Gasoline
⚠️Costs $9,500 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.

2004 Mitsubishi Montero Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated
Stability Control: StandardForward Collision Warning: NoLane Departure Warning: No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2004 Mitsubishi Montero has 5 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Fuel/Propulsion System. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.

2004 Mitsubishi Montero — key reliability facts
Make
Mitsubishi
Model
Montero
Model year
2004
NHTSA owner complaints
5
Crash-related complaints
1
Safety recall campaigns
3
Top reported component
Fuel/Propulsion System
Reliability signal
Severe Issues
EPA MPG combined
15
EPA MPG city / highway
14 / 17
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
Electronic stability control
Standard

Common problems

Most common 2004 Mitsubishi Montero problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
2
complaints

Fuel/Propulsion System

#2
1
complaints

Engine Problems

#3
1
complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Complaint patterns center on Fuel/Propulsion System, Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain. 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 2004 Mitsubishi Montero?

This MITSUBISHI MONTERO year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.

Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.

May Suit

This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.

May Want to Avoid

Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.

Pre-purchase

What to check before buying a used 2004 Mitsubishi Montero

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
  • Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
  • Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN

Before You Close the Deal

  • Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
  • Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
  • Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase

Check the exact car

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2004 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

The MITSUBISHI MONTERO has 5 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. 1 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Recall context: 3 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.

Key Findings
  • 5 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 3 federal recall campaigns
  • 1 crash-related complaints on record
Top Concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume — popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Full breakdown

All 2004 Mitsubishi Montero complaints by category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Mitsubishi Montero. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Fuel/Propulsion System2
Engine Problems1
Transmission / Drivetrain1
Airbag Malfunctions11
Seat Belt Issues11

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 2004 Mitsubishi Montero. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Showing 5 most recent complaints

Fuel/Propulsion SystemNov 19, 2015

FILL SUV WITH GAS AND IT ALL LEAKED OUT UNDER THE SUV.

Fuel/Propulsion SystemOct 21, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. THE CONTACT DETECTED THE ODOR OF FUEL IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER TIME. AFTER FULLY REFUELING THE VEHICLE, IT BEGAN TO LEAK FUEL AT APPROXIMATELTY FOUR DROPS PER SECOND. …

Engine ProblemsOct 1, 2014

HEAT GAUGE IS FAULTY AND IT WILL BLOW HOT HEAT ONLY OUT OF DRIVER SIDE VENTS AND BLOWS COLD OUT OF THE REST OF THE VENTS. HEAT GAUGE SAYS ITS RUNNING FINE BUT IT IS REALLY OVERHEATING TO THE BOILING POINT. I AM NOT SURE HOW LONG IT HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM AS I JUST BOUGHT IT 2 WEEKS…

Transmission / DrivetrainJul 7, 2009

2004 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM DRIVETIME AND THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON IMMEDIATELY. IT WENT OFF AFTER I TURNED IT OFF. 2 DAYS LATER THE A/T TEMP LIGHT CAME ON. THE 4H LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. I CALLED THE WA…

Airbag Malfunctions CrashJan 5, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING ON SLIPPERY ROADS THE CONSUMER HIT A PUDDLE AND ROLLED OVER A FENCE INTO A WATER RESERVE. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT FAILED. THE SEAT BELT CAME UNLATCHED WHILE THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER THE …

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2004 Mitsubishi Montero.

Safety recalls

2004 Mitsubishi Montero recalls

3 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2004 Mitsubishi Montero. 3 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

Safety recall

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

#04V428000EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELSJan 9, 2004
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE

#04V319000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGEJun 7, 2004
Safety recall

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

#04V095000EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS20/02/2004

Across model years

Compare Mitsubishi Montero model years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2004 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

Questions

2004 Mitsubishi Montero buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2004 Mitsubishi Montero reliable?

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 5 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. This MITSUBISHI MONTERO year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. 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 2004 Mitsubishi Montero?

#1: Fuel/Propulsion System (2 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (1 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (1 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Mitsubishi Montero?

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2004 Mitsubishi Montero?

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2004 Mitsubishi Montero, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 5 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2004 Mitsubishi Montero have any recalls?

Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2004 Mitsubishi Montero. A major recall area is EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS. 3 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.

Should I buy a 2004 Mitsubishi Montero?

This MITSUBISHI MONTERO year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Fuel/Propulsion 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

Rate the 2004 Mitsubishi Montero based on your ownership experience.

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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.