2007 Mitsubishi Montero Sport

The 2007 Mitsubishi Montero Sport is a mid-size SUV that offers a blend of off-road capability and everyday practicality. The 2007 Montero Sport was only offered with a 3.5L V6 engine producing 200 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the Montero Sport’s ruggedness and off-road prowess, but common complaints revolve around fuel economy, dated interior, and occasional reliability concerns.

Engine

3.5L V6

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various locations, including valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, oil spots under the vehicle, and a burning oil smell.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the location of the leak.
• Timing Belt Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The timing belt needs to be replaced at recommended intervals (typically every 60,000 miles). If the timing belt breaks, it can cause significant engine damage. Symptoms may include a ticking or rattling noise, rough running, or complete engine failure.
  • Solution: Replacing the timing belt and water pump (recommended as a preventative measure).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ depending on the shop and location.

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report harsh or delayed shifting, particularly between gears. This can be caused by worn transmission fluid, faulty solenoids, or internal damage.
  • Solution: Flushing the transmission fluid, replacing solenoids, or rebuilding the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ for fluid flush, $200 - $600+ for solenoid replacement, $1500 - $3500+ for rebuild or replacement.
• Transmission Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission slips out of gear while driving and often is worse when the transmission is cold.
  • Solution: Rebuilding or replacing the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3500+

Suspension

• Worn Suspension Components
  • Description/Symptoms: The Montero Sport, being an older vehicle, can experience worn suspension components such as ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings. Symptoms include clunking noises, poor handling, and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacing worn suspension components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ per component.

Electrical

• Power Window Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows may stop working due to faulty window motors or switches.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty window motor or switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per window.
• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The alternator may fail, leading to a dead battery and the vehicle not starting.
  • Solution: Replacing the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust on the body panels, undercarriage, or frame of the vehicle. Rust can be a larger issue for vehicles in northern states that salt their roads during the winter.
  • Solution: Sanding down the rust and re-painting, or replacing the rusted body panels or other parts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ depending on the rust.

Interior

• Air Conditioning Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The air conditioning system may experience issues such as weak cooling or complete failure. This can be due to refrigerant leaks, a faulty compressor, or a clogged condenser.
  • Solution: Repairing leaks, replacing the compressor or condenser, and recharging the refrigerant.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+ depending on the issue.
• Sunroof Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof can leak, especially after heavy rain, and stain the headliner.
  • Solution: Replacing the sunroof seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+

Recalls:

• Recall Number: 17V037000
  • Description: The front wiper motor may malfunction.
  • Solution: Replace the front wiper motor.

Summary

The 2007 Mitsubishi Montero Sport can be a capable SUV, but potential buyers should be aware of common issues, particularly related to engine oil leaks, transmission shifting, suspension wear, and electrical faults. Rust may also be an issue depending on geographical location. The severity and cost of these repairs can vary, with some issues being relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, while others, such as transmission rebuilds or significant engine work, can be more costly. Pre-purchase inspections and maintenance records are essential when considering a Montero Sport of this vintage.