2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport

The 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport is a mid-size SUV known for its off-road capabilities and rugged design. Engine options for this year include a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine producing around 132 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0L V6 engine outputting approximately 177 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were typically paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the Montero Sport’s reliability, off-road performance, and spacious interior, but some dislike its fuel economy, dated interior, and potential for certain mechanical issues.

Engine

2.4L 4-Cylinder

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various seals and gaskets around the engine, leading to oil loss and potential engine damage if not addressed. Visible oil drips or oil consumption are common symptoms.
  • Solution: Replacing worn seals and gaskets, such as the valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+
• Rough Idle/Misfires
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, hesitation during acceleration, and potential engine misfires. Could be caused by faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or vacuum leaks.
  • Solution: Replacing spark plugs, ignition coils, or addressing vacuum leaks by replacing hoses.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+

3.0L V6

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Similar to the 4-cylinder, oil leaks are common from valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and rear main seal.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $400+
• Timing Belt Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The timing belt should be replaced at regular intervals. Failure to do so can result in a broken timing belt, leading to severe engine damage. Noises coming from the engine or a sudden loss of power may be symptoms.
  • Solution: Replacing the timing belt and water pump is essential preventive maintenance.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
• Valve Train Noise
  • Description/Symptoms: Ticking or tapping noises, especially noticeable at idle, could indicate worn valve lifters or insufficient oil pressure reaching the top of the engine.
  • Solution: Could involve replacing valve lifters or addressing oil pressure issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Shifting Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, slipping between gears, or failure to shift properly.
  • Solution: Replacing worn solenoids, valve body repair, or a transmission rebuild/replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+
• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations at certain speeds, particularly during torque converter lockup.
  • Solution: Replacing the torque converter or flushing the transmission fluid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1200+

Suspension

• Ball Joint Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive play in the front suspension, clunking noises when driving over bumps, and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacing the upper and/or lower ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+ per ball joint
• Idler Arm Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Loose steering, wandering on the road, and difficulty maintaining a straight line.
  • Solution: Replacing the idler arm.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
• Strut Mounts
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises coming from the front of the vehicle, especially when driving over bumps, may be caused by worn strut mounts.
  • Solution: Replacing the strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, battery not charging, and potential stalling.
  • Solution: Replacing the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows failing to operate, either not moving at all or moving very slowly.
  • Solution: Replacing the window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per window
• Fuse Box Corrosion
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems, such as lights not working, accessories malfunctioning, or starting issues, are commonly caused by corroded terminals in the fuse box, particularly in areas exposed to moisture.
  • Solution: Cleaning the terminals or replacing the entire fuse box.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust is a common issue, especially in areas with road salt. Rust can appear on the undercarriage, wheel wells, and body panels.
  • Solution: Rust repair, involving cutting out rusted sections and welding in new metal, or using rust converters and applying protective coatings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+, depending on severity

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracking of the dashboard, particularly in sun-exposed areas.
  • Solution: Replacing the dashboard or using a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
• Power Seat Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power seats failing to adjust.
  • Solution: Replacing the seat motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+

Recalls

• Recall Number: 00V402000 - Affects 2001-2002 Montero Sport models. The steering gear box may leak power steering fluid internally.
• Recall Number: 00V250000 - Affects 2001-2002 Montero Sport models. Improperly manufactured brake light switch may cause the brake lights not to function.
• Recall Number: 02V272000 - Affects 2001-2002 Montero Sport models. The fuel tank strap may corrode and separate from the fuel tank.

Summary

The 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport faces a range of common issues, spanning engine oil leaks, transmission shifting problems, suspension wear, and electrical malfunctions. The severity of these issues varies. Some issues, like replacing gaskets or sensors, are relatively inexpensive. Others, like transmission rebuilds or rust repair, can be quite costly. Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial to addressing these potential problems early and ensuring the vehicle’s longevity.