I was driving my 2002 Mitsubishi Montero limited through town when out of the blue, the loudest noise started coming from the front of the engine. You could hear the noise from blocks down the road. Took it to a local mechanic who discovered a technical service bulletin that states, "some vehicles may experience a dieseling-type noise when the engine is idling. This may be due to the piston pins contacting the cylinders. Inspect the cylinders walls for evidence of scuffing." If this is the case, I'm looking at a new engine of upwards of $5,000 - plus the cost of towing it to the nearest dealer a five hour one-way drive from where I live. I bought the car at 59,500. It only has 72,000 miles now. I feel like I was sold a lemon! the car is inoperable right now. I still owe $13,000 on it. I'm so screwed!!!

- Gunnison, CO, USA

Our 2002 Mitsubishi Montero engine blew up while my wife was driving the vehicle on a local highway (rt. 680(N)). There was no indication that there was something wrong with the vehicle prior to that day (the "check engine" warning light had never lit up). At the time this instance occurred, my wife was driving the vehicle on the freeway as it went up in smoke, essentially endangering her life along with the surrounding motorists, should this really happen to a vehicle that is only 5 years old.

- Livermore, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2002 Mitsubishi Montero. While driving 65 mph, the vehicle began to lose power. The contact stated that the vehicle feels as if it is driving 40 mph. He has taken the vehicle to the dealer on several occasions. The dealer is unable to determine the cause of failure. The engine size, failure mileage, and a valid VIN were unknown. The current mileage is 85,000.

- Palm Bell, CA, USA

I'm experiencing 'again' engine vibrations while at idle. The speedometer needle starts to go down to 0, engine vibrates, appears that it will stall, and just in the nick of time before the needle hits 0, the needle returns to idle and all is ok. Ok"??" I don't understand this vehicle and neither does the dealer. Last time I took the vehicle for service (11/3/03) they changed spark plugs, gasket and inlet manifold both sides. I'm taking it to the dealer on tomorrow (the day after the incident) and if they can't fit it I'm getting a V8 Ford.

- Coral Springs, FL, USA

Engine vibrates when at idle, and acts as if it may stall, but does not. Took the car to the dealer and dealer said idle was too low. But a week later, engine vibrated again and appeared it was going to stall but did not. I called Mitsubishi reps in California, they came down to Florida to test my car. For three days they kept it and said they fixed the problem: They changed the spark plugs and cables and told me to use premium fuel from amoco. A week later the car vibrated again and appeared it would stall but it did not. Mitsubishi said they have no idea what is causing vibrations but they are looking in to it. They told me they can not find a solution if they do not know what is causing problem. I am very frustrated with my Montero. Will probably trade for big american gas guzzler.

- Naples, FL, USA