2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport

Introduction The 2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport is a mid-size SUV that was offered with two engine and transmission options. The base engine was a 3.5L V6 that produced 203 horsepower and 228 lb-ft of torque, while the optional engine was a 3.8L V6 that produced 218 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a standard four-speed automatic transmission. The Montero Sport was a popular choice for those seeking a rugged and capable SUV, but it was not without its fair share of issues.

Engine

• 3.5L V6
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing a vacuum leak that can lead to poor engine performance, decreased fuel economy, and possible engine damage.
    • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Timing Belt Tensioner Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The timing belt tensioner can fail, causing the timing belt to slip or break, potentially leading to catastrophic engine damage.
    • Solution: Replace the timing belt and timing belt tensioner.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V157000
• 3.8L V6
  • No Issues Found

Transmission

• Four-Speed Automatic Transmission
  • TCC Solenoid Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid can fail, causing the transmission to slip or shudder when shifting gears.
    • Solution: Replace the TCC solenoid.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Suspension
  • Control Arm Bushing Wear
    • Description/Symptoms: The control arm bushings can wear out, causing a clunking noise when driving over bumps or when turning.
    • Solution: Replace the control arm bushings.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+ per side
    • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Suspension
  • Leaf Spring Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The leaf springs can fail, causing the rear end of the vehicle to sag.
    • Solution: Replace the leaf springs.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $800+ per side
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery can drain prematurely, leaving the vehicle unable to start.
  • Solution: Test the electrical system to identify the source of the drain and repair or replace the affected components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the source of the drain
    • Recalls: None Found
• Starter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The starter can fail, preventing the vehicle from starting.
  • Solution: Replace the starter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
    • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V212000

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: The body of the vehicle can be prone to rust, especially in areas where salt is used on the roads.
  • Solution: Rust prevention measures and repairs as needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the extent of the rust
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cruise Control Switch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The cruise control switch can fail, preventing the cruise control from working.
  • Solution: Replace the cruise control switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Switch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The power window switches can fail, preventing the windows from being raised or lowered.
  • Solution: Replace the power window switches.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250+ per switch
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary The 2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport is a capable off-roader, but it does have its fair share of issues. Some of these issues can be serious and expensive to fix, such as the timing belt tensioner failure and the TCC solenoid failure, being more severe and costly at $600 - $1,000+ and $200 - $400+, respectively. Other issues, such as the cruise control switch failure and the power window switch failure, are usually less severe and less expensive to fix, costing $100 - $200+ and $150 - $250+ per switch, respectively. Rust is also an issue, but the severity and cost of repairs will vary depending on the extent of the damage.