1996 Mitsubishi Montero: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Mitsubishi Montero: 2 recalls, 27 owner complaints and up to 15 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Other / unknown Vehicle recall #98V205000 · 1998 · 60,243 vehicles
What's wrong: This cargo mat interferes with the latching integrity of the folding third seats.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash, an occupant of the third seat May not be properly restrained and could be ejected from the vehicle.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the third-seat latch and striker. A rectangle will be removed from the cargo mat around each striker to provide adequate striker clearance and proper latching.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #00V311001 · 2000 · 210,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 5l engines; montero sport models equipped with 3.0l engines; and montero models equipped with 3.0l engines. The bolt securing the crankshaft pulley can become loose and the pulley could fall off the vehicle.
Why it matters: The condition can result in a loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: On the mirage vehicles, the dealers will install a new, improved crankshaft pulley bolt on the older engines. On new engines which already have the improved bolt, the dealer will tighten the crankshaft pulley bolt to the correct torque specification. On the montero models, dealers will tighten the…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (10): the most common themes are warning light on (3), stalls / loses power (2).
- Other / unknown (6): the most common themes are warning light on (5).
- Transmission & drivetrain (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Steering (4): the most common themes are steering problems (2).
The 1996 Mitsubishi Montero has 27 owner complaints, ranking #10 of 17 Montero model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 45). Complaints peaked in 1998 (7 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 135,500 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (86 complaints, 2 recalls), 1997 (63 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | Premium |
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 1996 Mitsubishi Montero.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1996 Mitsubishi Montero have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1996 Mitsubishi Montero. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1996 Mitsubishi Montero problems?
Owners have filed 27 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (10), other / unknown (6), transmission & drivetrain (4).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Mitsubishi Montero get?
EPA ratings run up to 15 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 Mitsubishi Montero repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.