2001-2002 Mitsubishi Montero Fender: Damage, Faded Trim, and Replacement Guide

Symptoms of a Damaged Fender

Since a fender is a non-mechanical body panel, failure is always visual. Damage typically comes from collisions, road debris, or corrosion. Here’s what to look for:

• Visible Dents and Creases: The most obvious sign of failure is physical damage from an impact. This can range from minor door dings to severe creases that disrupt the body line.
• Rust and Corrosion: Check along the wheel arch lip, the bottom edge where it meets the rocker panel, and around any mounting holes. Surface rust can often be repaired, but perforated rust (rust that has eaten completely through the metal) requires panel replacement.
• Cracked or Faded Paint: Spiderweb cracks in the paint can indicate a past impact where the metal was flexed. Faded or peeling clear coat is a cosmetic issue but can be a sign of age and sun exposure.
• Poor Panel Gaps: Uneven gaps between the fender, hood, door, and bumper suggest the fender has been pushed out of alignment from an impact or was installed incorrectly.
• Faded or Discolored Flare Trim: A very common issue on these Monteros is the body-colored trim piece between the plastic fender flare and the metal body turning dark or brown from sun damage. While not a structural failure, it is a very common cosmetic problem.

Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs

Common Issue: Faded Fender Flare Trim

Owners of third-generation (2001-2006) Monteros frequently report that the thin, body-colored rubber or plastic trim strips located between the large plastic fender flares and the painted metal fender become discolored and brittle over time due to sun exposure. These pieces, which Mitsubishi sometimes referred to as fender "pads," can turn a dark brown color, detracting from the vehicle's appearance. Replacement involves carefully removing the old trim, cleaning off the original double-sided tape, and applying a new piece.

Vehicle-Wide Recalls & Service Campaigns

While there are no recalls specifically for the fenders, anyone buying parts for or working on a 2001-2002 Montero should be aware of a significant safety recall.

• NHTSA Recall #01V254001 (Hydraulic Brake Booster Accumulator): This is the most significant recall for these model years. A potentially defective hydraulic brake booster accumulator could leak pressurized nitrogen gas over time. Symptoms include a chirping or buzzing noise from the driver's side dash area when applying the brakes and a firm brake pedal on the first application after the vehicle has been parked. This could lead to a delay in brake assist, increasing the risk of a crash. Mitsubishi extended the warranty on this part to 10 years/150,000 miles, but that period has since expired. It is critical to ensure this repair has been performed or to check for symptoms of failure.

Searches for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) did not reveal any bulletins directly related to the front fenders or their mounting hardware for this vehicle.

Buying a Used 2001-2002 Montero Fender

A used OEM fender is often the best choice for repair, as it guarantees the correct fitment and body lines that aftermarket parts often struggle to replicate. Here is what to inspect before buying.

Inspection Checklist

• Check for Hidden Repairs: Bring a small magnet. Run it along the entire surface of the fender, especially in curved areas and lower sections. If the magnet fails to stick in some spots, it indicates the presence of plastic body filler (Bondo) from a previous repair. Walk away from heavily repaired panels.
• Inspect for Rust: Flip the fender over and carefully inspect the inner lip of the wheel arch and the bottom mounting flanges. These areas trap moisture and are the first to rust. Surface rust is treatable, but avoid any fender with soft spots or holes.
• Verify Mounting Points: Check all the bolt holes along the top, at the rear (where it meets the A-pillar), and at the front (where it meets the bumper). Ensure none are cracked, broken, or excessively rusted.
• Assess the Flare and Trim: Many used fenders will come with the plastic flare and trim attached. Check the condition of the flare for deep scratches or cracks. Inspect the thin trim piece for the common fading issue. If it's in good condition, you can save time and money.
• Confirm Compatibility: The front fenders for the 2001-2002 Mitsubishi Montero are the same across all trim levels (e.g., XLS and Limited). You only need to distinguish between the driver (left) and passenger (right) sides.

Cost Comparison for a 2001-2002 Montero Fender

Prices can vary based on condition, location, and whether paint is included. The costs below are estimates for the fender panel itself.

Replacement Overview & Difficulty

Replacing the fender on a 2001-2002 Montero is a manageable DIY project for someone with basic tools and patience. The process does not require specialized equipment, but does involve removing several adjacent parts.

• Difficulty: 2 out of 5
• Estimated Time: 2-3 hours (not including painting)
• General Steps:
  1. Open the hood.
  2. Remove the front grille and potentially the headlight for better access.
  3. Peel back the plastic fender liner inside the wheel well to access bolts. This involves removing several plastic clips.
  4. Loosen the front bumper cover where it attaches to the fender.
  5. Remove the bolts securing the top of the fender in the engine bay.
  6. Remove the bolts inside the door jamb that attach the rear of the fender to the A-pillar.
  7. Remove any remaining bolts at the front and bottom.
  8. Carefully detach the fender from the vehicle. If the side turn signal is mounted in the fender, disconnect its wiring harness.
  9. Installation is the reverse of removal. Start all bolts by hand to ensure proper alignment before tightening.

Technical Specifications & Part Numbers

These part numbers are for the main steel fender panel. Flares, liners, and hardware are typically sold separately.

• Passenger Side (Right) OEM: MR496892
• Passenger Side (Right) Partslink: MI1241167
• Driver Side (Left) Partslink: MI1240167
• Front Right Fender Liner OEM: MR508126
• Front Left Fender Liner OEM: MR508125

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)