Mitsubishi Montero Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Mitsubishi Montero options? We analyzed 7 model years (2000–2006) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Mitsubishi Montero has 568 owner complaints and 14 safety recalls across model years 2000–2006. The most reported issue area is SERVICE BRAKES. 2001 drew the most complaints; 2006 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Mitsubishi
- Model
- Montero
- Model years analyzed
- 2000–2006 (7 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 568
- Safety recall campaigns
- 14
- Crash-related complaints
- 69
- Fire-related complaints
- 11
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2001 (245 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2006 (4 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Mitsubishi Montero: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe MITSUBISHI MONTERO has 568 NHTSA complaints and 14 recalls on record. 69 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 568 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 14 federal recall campaigns
- 69 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Oct 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
14 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2000–2006. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 568 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
568 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
2004 Mitsubishi Montero Limited: Hydraulic Brake Booster is malfunctioning, making a ("gobble-gobble", squirrel-like chirping sound) almost every time the brake pedal is pressed. Hwy driving, without the use of brakes, the frequent "chirping" sounds still occur. Under medium to heavy braking, the vehicle shudders and shakes. This specific sound is made in all gear selections and even when the car's battery is on/engine off. Upon inspection of the hydraulic brake booster under the hood, the unit shakes when the chirp sound is made. Duration of the sound lasts around one second and it happens frequently (5-10 times per minute).
THERE ARE HOLES IN FRAME IN FRONT AREA THE REST OF FRAME FROM CONVER IS OK WANTED TO KNOW WHAT OR HOW GET FIXED THIS WAS LIKE THIS WHEN I PURCHASED IT IF I NEED TO SEND PHOTOS LET ME KNOW SOME HOW IT WAS MISSING THE CALLIC CONVER THAT I NOTICED THE HOLES ON BOTH SIDES IT WAS ALSO BLOWNEN BEAK LIGHTS OUT I PAY & 98 TO HAVE FIX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS HARD TO DEPRESS. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HAD TO BE ACTIVATED IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE HYDRAULIC BOOSTER SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REMEDIED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V254001 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS A COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKE POWER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO PUMP THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE DIAGNOSES PULLED APPROXIMATELY 20 DIFFERENT CODES. AS OF OCTOBER 9, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 125,000.
DT: THE CONTACT STATES THE BRAKES HAD LESS THAN 8,000 MILES ON THEM BEFORE THEY NEEDED TO BE CHANGED, AND WERE CHANGED IN MAY 2005. CURRENTLY, NEED NEW FRONT BRAKES . THE DEALER AND MITSUBISHI POINTED THE FINGER AT EACH OTHER. THE BRAKES WERE MAKING A SQUEAKING/GRINDING NOISE.*AK
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ON AN INCLINE, THE CONTACT HEARD A BUBBLING NOISE AND SMELLED FUEL ODORS THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STEPPED OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED FUEL LEAKING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT NO DIAGNOSTIC FAILURE CODES WERE FOUND AND THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED OAKLAND MITSUBISHI AT (510) 267-0688 (LOCATED AT 2500 WEBSTER ST, OAKLAND, CA 94612) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT NO RECALLS WERE ASSOCIATED WITH THE VIN. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V319000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,800.
Read 14 more owner reports
OUR SON WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON A MAIN ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY COULD NOT BRAKE WHATSOEVER USING THE PEDAL. HE WAS ABLE TO SLOW DOWN AND PARK THE VEHICLE SAFELY USING SOLELY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A SHOP, UPON CLOSER INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE ENTIRE ABS MASTER CYLINDER SYSTEM HAD FAILED AND THAT MY BRAKES AWD SYSTEM AND ANTI LOCK BRAKES SYSTEM WERE ALSO RENDERED UNUSABLE DUE TO THE ABS HYDRAULIC ASSEMBLY BEING FAULTY. THIS MATTER COST US $2,200.00 IN REPAIR COST AND MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA SIMPLY DON'T CARE ABOUT THIS ISSUE! *TR
I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON A MAIN ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY I FOUND I COULD NOT BRAKE WHATSOEVER USING MY PEDAL I WAS ABLE TO SLOW DOWN AND PARK THE VEHICLE USING SOLELY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. UPON CLOSER INSPECTION BY MY MECHANIC I LEARNED THE ABS PUMP HAD GONE BAD AND THAT MY BRAKES AWD SYSTEM AND ANTI LOCK BRAKES SYSTEM WERE ALSO RENDERED UNUSABLE DUE TO THE ABS HYDRAULIC ASSEMBLY BEING FAULTY. *TR
I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING STARTING PROBLEMS WITH MY 2006 MONTERO MITSUBSHI SINCE FEB 2007. THERE HAVE BEEN 6 PARTS REPLACED AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST TODAY. BELOW IS THE LAST TIME THE TRUCK WAS IN THE SHOP; YESTERDAY IT WOULD NOT START. THE PARTS REPLACED WERE FROM THE IGNITION SYSTEM. I NOW HAVE 34,800+ MILES. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY FAILED. THE GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL ILLUMINATED AND THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE AND A MECHANIC FOUND A BOLT THAT FAILED AND CAUSED THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY TO DETACH. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL AND COULD NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 132,641.
Awhile back my horn stopped working as if it was stuck down. I found out this was because of a problem with this cars airbag breaking down that causes this - and that there is a recall because these airbags are dangerous if they go off. I received a letter at one point from Mitsubishi about this. I filled out a form a long time ago when I got that, I also emailed them before, I also have tried calling them a few times. They never get back to me. There is no Mitsubishi dealership in my town so I cannot take the car there unannounced without driving 2 hours to another town. I do not want to do this if the airbags are unsafe, so the car has been sitting for a long time because of this issue. I want it resolved. I do not care if Mitsubishi or a mechanic or whoever does it, I just need it done so I do not get killed by my airbag, I don't want to pay for it since it is covered by recall. Please let me know how to resolve this. Thank you.
I GOT BRAKES CHANGED ON MY MONTERO TWICE IN 3 YEARS HAPPEN AGAIN WHILE DRIVING BRAKE FAIL PADS CAME OUT OF CALIPER BRAKES KEEPS GOING BAD AFTER 1.5 TO TWO YEARS DID CALIPERS CHANGE AS WELL SAME THING CALIPERS WILL GET STUCK AND PADS WILL COME OUT THEY HAVE A RECALL ON 1997 1998 MODELS FOR BRAKES ISSUE NOT 1999 AND 2000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER, THE VEHICLE SKID AND CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE DRIVER FRONTAL AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND RIP OPENED BURNING THE CONTACT'S RIGHT HAND. ALSO, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISING TO THE CHEST, ARMS, AND BACK. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT SUFFERED FROM HEADACHES DUE TO SMOKE INHALATION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS FRACTURED AND CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE INSPECTING HIS VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE WHEEL WELL WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 168,991.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, SHE SWERVED TO AVOID HITTING AN OBJECT ON THE ROADWAY AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER THREE TIMES AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES TO BOTH ARMS. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
2000 MITSUBISHI MONTERO REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW BUTTON CAUGHT FIRE. *TR
WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT GEARS. BUT WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. ALSO, DRIVER NOTICED FLUID LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. *AK
WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKES VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. HOWEVER, MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LATCH FELL OFF WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY.*AK
Showing 20 of 568 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Mitsubishi Montero
These pages show model-year patterns across 7 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Mitsubishi Montero, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Mitsubishi Montero has 568 complaints on record across 7 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Mitsubishi Montero has 14 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 69 of the Mitsubishi Montero's 568 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Mitsubishi Montero vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Mitsubishi Montero vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Mitsubishi Montero has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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By state
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Mitsubishi Montero reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Mitsubishi Montero reliable?
Poor. The Mitsubishi Montero has 568 NHTSA owner complaints and 14 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is SERVICE BRAKES. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Mitsubishi Montero years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2001 (245 complaints), 2002 (174 complaints), 2003 (83 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Mitsubishi Montero problems?
Top reported issues: SERVICE BRAKES (206 complaints); HYDRAULIC (148 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (63 complaints).
Does the Mitsubishi Montero have recalls?
Yes — 14 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Mitsubishi Montero. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.