MotorDeets

Mitsubishi Montero problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Montero from 1990 to 2006: 765 owner complaints and 39 recalls across 17 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2001 (166), 2002 (111), 1995 (86). Best fuel economy: 16 mpg combined (2000).

Mitsubishi Montero
Photo: RL GNZLZ · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Brakes (hydraulic)171
Engine & cooling152
Suspension66
Electrical59
Transmission & drivetrain57
Steering52
Airbags49
Brakes47

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
199012316
199111815
199231215
199331415
199453115
199528615
199622715
199726316
199847416
199924016
200025116
2001416614
2002311115
200323915
20043515
20050115
20060415

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Mitsubishi Montero.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check Mitsubishi Montero manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check Mitsubishi Montero manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check Mitsubishi Montero manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check Mitsubishi Montero manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

What is the worst year for the Mitsubishi Montero?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2001 (166), 2002 (111), 1995 (86).

How many recalls has the Mitsubishi Montero had?

Across 1990–2006, NHTSA lists 39 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).