Model year guide

2002 Mitsubishi Montero

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2002 Mitsubishi Montero is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 23 on record.

2002 Mitsubishi Montero — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2002 Mitsubishi Montero at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints174
Combined14–15 mpg
Typical price$2,660

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2002 Mitsubishi Montero recalls 3

Equipment:other:labels NHTSA Campaign #04V428000 · 01/09/2004

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 OF THE STANDARD.

Fix: MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN WILL MAIL A CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION LETTER CONTAINING A WRITTEN DESCRIPTION AND A GRAPHIC OF THE BI-LINGUAL DASHBOARD AIR BAG WARNING LABEL. IN ADDITION, ALL CURRENT 2000-2004 NATIVA OWNERS WILL ALSO RECEIVE REPLACEMENT AIR BAG ALERT LABELS FOR THE SUN VISORS. THIS RECALL IS EXPE…

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage NHTSA Campaign #04V319000 · manufacturer #SR-04-008 · 06/07/2004

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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEVELING VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037 OR MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN AT 1-787-251-8715.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum NHTSA Campaign #01V254001 · 03/08/2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE ACCUMULATOR THAT IS INSTALLED ON THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED. OVER A PERIOD OF TIME, THIS COULD RESULT IN LEAKAGE OF THE PRESSURIZED NITROGEN GAS FROM INSIDE THE ACCUMULATOR.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED ACCUMULATOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION MAILING BEGAN OCTOBER 1, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2002 Mitsubishi Montero common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 174 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.

2002 Mitsubishi Montero MPG & running costs

Combined14–15 mpg
City14 mpg
Highway17 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$5,675
EPA size classSport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
TransmissionAutomatic (S5) or Automatic 4-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$16,375 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 2002 Mitsubishi Montero worth?

Low
$1,300
Typical price
$2,660
High
$3,800

From 15 comparable 2002 Mitsubishi Montero listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2002 Mitsubishi Montero costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$28,375
Fuel only$28,375
Per mile$0.38

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
181.1–182.3 in
Width
66.5–74.0 in
Height
67.7–71.7 in
Wheelbase
106.7–109.1 in
Curb weight
3,843–4,610 lb
Front track
57.9–61.4 in
Rear track
58.3–61.0 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero — ranges cover the 3 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

BRAKE BOOSTER ACCUMULATOR FAILURE Closed

IN OCTOBER 2001, MITSUBISHI NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO. 01V-254) TO REMEDY A DEFECT CONDITION THAT COULD RESULT IN A LEAK OF PRESSURIZED NITROGEN GAS FROM THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER ACCUMULATOR IN APPROXIMATELY 39,000 MODEL YEARS (MY) 2001-2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM DECEMBER 12, 1999 THROUGH JUNE 20, 2001. ACCORDING TO MITSUBISHI, "THE ACCUMULATOR T…

NHTSA #RQ06007 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened May 2006 · closed Oct 2006

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 110

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 110.

This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.

Bulletin DEALER LETTER · Equipment · Jul 2023

This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.

Bulletin TSB-23-00-004 · Structure · Apr 2023

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 than 1.5 percent of the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (…

Bulletin TSB-23-00-001 · Equipment · Apr 2023

This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 2nd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.

Bulletin DEALER LETTER · Equipment · Apr 2023

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 defective/broken part.

Bulletin TSB-22-54-003 · Exterior Lighting · Apr 2022

This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to provide instructions and Material Safety Data Sheets for Biosol 100 use.

Bulletin TSB-21-00-010 · Equipment · Apr 2021

This Technical Information Notice was sent to dealers reminding them of the importance of customer satisfaction.

Bulletin TIN-21-00-003 · Equipment · Mar 2021

Tech Talk is a service newsletter that was sent out to dealers. It covers various topics and reviews the previous months publications.

Bulletin TT-20-00-002 · Electrical System, Equipment · Aug 2020

This Technical Information Notice was sent to dealers informing that MMNA has recently received information from Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) about the effects of the Waterborne (WB) paint process on Mitsubishi vehicles.

Bulletin TIN-20-42A-001 · Structure, Equipment · Aug 2020

This Technical Service Bulletin informs dealers they may find a stain or cloudy spot on the body panels after removing the transportation film.due to improper installation of the film.This TSB instructs the dealers of the repair procedure for removal of the st…

Bulletin TSB-20-42A-005 · Structure, Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · Aug 2020

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the MONTERO. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 1

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Fuel System

On certain vehicles, when the fuel tank is full and the vehicle is parked forward on an upward slope, the fuel tank leveling valve may not maintain proper sealing in the event the fuel expands from the rise in ambient temperature. If the fuel leveling valve does not seal properly, fuel may leak onto the ground. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a…

Transport Canada #2004255 · Jul 2004

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Mitsubishi Montero

The Mitsubishi Pajero is a full-size SUV manufactured and marketed globally by Mitsubishi Motors since 1981. It is also known as the Mitsubishi Montero in North America, Spain, and Latin America, and the Mitsubishi Shogun in the United Kingdom.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2002 Mitsubishi Montero trims & engines on record

Trims
Limited · XLS
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl

2002 Mitsubishi Montero vehicles on record

2002 Mitsubishi Montero 2002 Mitsubishi Montero LimitedJA4MW51R52J032749 2002 Mitsubishi Montero 2002 Mitsubishi Montero LimitedJA4MW51R12J054280 2002 Mitsubishi Montero 2002 Mitsubishi Montero LimitedJA4MW51R22J046642 2002 Mitsubishi Montero 2002 Mitsubishi Montero LimitedJA4MW51R52J046697 2002 Mitsubishi Montero 2002 Mitsubishi Montero LimitedJA4MW51R22J071122 2002 Mitsubishi Montero 2002 Mitsubishi Montero LimitedJA4MW51R82J052008 2002 Mitsubishi Montero 2002 Mitsubishi Montero LimitedJA4MW51R02J031931 2002 Mitsubishi Montero 2002 Mitsubishi Montero LimitedJA4MW51R32J011611 2002 Mitsubishi Montero 2002 Mitsubishi Montero LimitedJA4MW51R32J010961 2002 Mitsubishi Montero 2002 Mitsubishi Montero LimitedJA4MW51R02J033355 2002 Mitsubishi Montero 2002 Mitsubishi Montero LimitedJA4MW51RX2J040586 2002 Mitsubishi Montero 2002 Mitsubishi Montero XLSJA4MW31RX2J007107 2002 Mitsubishi Montero 2002 Mitsubishi Montero LimitedJA4MW51R32J002357 2002 Mitsubishi Montero 2002 Mitsubishi Montero LimitedJA4MW51R02J058627 2002 Mitsubishi Montero 2002 Mitsubishi Montero XLSJA4MW31R22J022491 2002 Mitsubishi Montero 2002 Mitsubishi MonteroJMBMNV68W2J005379 2002 Mitsubishi Montero 2002 Mitsubishi MonteroJA4MT31R72J055480 2002 Mitsubishi Montero 2002 Mitsubishi MonteroJA4MW31R32J001245 2002 Mitsubishi Montero 2002 Mitsubishi MonteroJA4MW51RX2J037140 2002 Mitsubishi Montero 2002 Mitsubishi MonteroJA4MW51R52J071678 2002 Mitsubishi Montero 2002 Mitsubishi MonteroJMBLYV78W2J005671 2002 Mitsubishi Montero 2002 Mitsubishi MonteroJA4MW31R02J005009 2002 Mitsubishi Montero 2002 Mitsubishi MonteroJMBLYV78W2J002000

Other Mitsubishi Montero model years

2016 2011 2009 2008 2006 2005 2004 2003 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991

2002 Mitsubishi Montero — frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero?

Across all 174 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are service brakes, hydraulic, air bags.

What gas mileage does the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero get?

The 2002 Mitsubishi Montero has U.S. EPA estimates of 14–15 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

How much is a 2002 Mitsubishi Montero worth?

Comparable 2002 Mitsubishi Montero listings run roughly $1,300–$3,800, typically around $2,660 (from 15 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.