Owners have filed 40 complaints
about the 1996 Mitsubishi Montero with NHTSA between 1997 and 2007.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 10 of 11 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 25
Against the median year of the Mitsubishi Montero. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 13
2.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
How 1996 compares with every other Mitsubishi Montero
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 1997peak 4Aug 2007
Recalls on the 1996 Mitsubishi Montero
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
00V311001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES: MIRAGE MODEL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 1.5L 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.
Risk: THE CONDITION CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
98V205000
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ACCESSORY CARGO MATS IN THE THIRD-SEAT AND CARGO AREA. THIS CARGO MAT INTERFERES WITH THE LATCHING INTEGRITY OF THE FOLDING THIRD SEATS.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, AN OCCUPANT OF THE THIRD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED AND COULD BE EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
SAN Antoni, TX1 injured
STEERING:LINKAGES
VEHICLE BEGAN TO DRIFT, NO RESPONSE FROM STEERING WHEEL. VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN EMBANKMENT, ROLLING OVER. DRIVER HEARD LOUD NOISE AT TIME OF STEERING FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #527767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 146,000 milesPhiladelphia, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BOLTS OF THE CRANK SHAFT PULLEY HAVE FALLEN. SHE HEARD A STRANGE NOISE WHILE DRIVING AND ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. SHE ALSO STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED HER TO CALL AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT NO RECALLS FOR THESE FAILURES WERE AVAILABLE FOR HER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND FOUND A RECALL THAT RELATES TO THESE FAILURES. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 146,000. UPDATED 01/02/08. *LJ RECALL#00V311001. UPDATED 12/12/07 , REMAILED COMPLAINT EVOQ 2/07/08.
NHTSA complaint #10200601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wilmington, NC
STEERING
WHILE DRIVING STEERING FAILED. THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT THAT HELD IT DISENGAGED. RECALL 00V311001 WAS ISSUED.
NHTSA complaint #10094576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wilmington, NC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
WHILE DRIVING STEERING FAILED. THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT THAT HELD IT DISENGAGED. RECALL 00V311001 WAS ISSUED.
NHTSA complaint #10094576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond, VA
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
NAR 03/05/2003 THE CONSUMER REAR DOOR HINGES HAD TO BE REPLACED , THE TIE ROD BROKE ON THE TRUCK, AND THE WATER PUMP FROZE SEIZING POWER TO THE TIMING BELT.
NHTSA complaint #10011341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond, VA
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
NAR 03/05/2003 THE CONSUMER REAR DOOR HINGES HAD TO BE REPLACED , THE TIE ROD BROKE ON THE TRUCK, AND THE WATER PUMP FROZE SEIZING POWER TO THE TIMING BELT.
NHTSA complaint #10011341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NAR 03/05/2003 THE CONSUMER REAR DOOR HINGES HAD TO BE REPLACED , THE TIE ROD BROKE ON THE TRUCK, AND THE WATER PUMP FROZE SEIZING POWER TO THE TIMING BELT.
NHTSA complaint #10011341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesAnaheim, CA
SEATS
WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 40-45 MPH METAL THAT KEPT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BACK UP RIGHT BROKE ON THE RIGHT SIDE. WHEN THIS OCCURRED DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BACK DECLINED BACKWARDS ON THE RIGHT SIDE. THIS REDUCED THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY. DRIVER HAD TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. THE ENTIRE SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10057864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corvallis, OR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
THE BUTTERFLY VALVE IN THE INTAKE PLENUM IN THE 3.5L DOHC COMES LOOSE AND DROPS INTO THE MOTOR WHICH CAN CAUSE IT TO STOP SUDDENLY, THIS PROBLEM IS KNOWN BY THE MANUFACTURER, WHICH IS APPARENT BECAUSE THEY HAVE MADE A REPLACEMENT PART TO FIX IT; HOWEVER, IT IS EXPENSIVE AND THEY DO NOT HELP WITH THE COST.
NHTSA complaint #10052958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yauco, PR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
NHTSA RECALL 00-V-311-001:MONTERO MODELS EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L ENGINES. BOLT SECURING THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY CAN BECOME LOOSE AND THE PULLEY COULD FALL OFF THE VEHICLE. DEALER WON'T HONOR THIS RECALL IN PUERTO RICO.
NHTSA complaint #10034275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mckinney, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
NHTSA RECALL 00-V-311-001 CONCERNING MIRAGE MODEL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 1.5L 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. RECALL REPAIRS FAILED IN THIS VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10022587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milton, MA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE AND BATTERY LIGHTS HAD COME ON, THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE (LOSS OF POWER). THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING, BUT VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. CONTACTED DEALER. THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT HAD BROKEN. THERE IS A RECALL, 00V311001, BUT THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT SHE HAS ALWAYS HAD TROUBLE WITH THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATING. *SCC
NHTSA complaint #8015089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milton, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE AND BATTERY LIGHTS HAD COME ON, THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE (LOSS OF POWER). THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING, BUT VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. CONTACTED DEALER. THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT HAD BROKEN. THERE IS A RECALL, 00V311001, BUT THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT SHE HAS ALWAYS HAD TROUBLE WITH THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATING. *SCC
NHTSA complaint #8015089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pitsburg, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 98V205000 ON FLOOR MATS FOR 3RD ROW SEAT. HAD IT SERVICED. HOWEVER, 2ND ROW SEAT ALSO HAD SAME PROBLEM. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #8013970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Redding, CA
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.I COULD HAVE BEEN BADLY INJURED,OR KILLED.IWAS VERY LUCKY.*AK (TIRESIZE: 235-75R15)
NHTSA complaint #760876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Redding, CA
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.I COULD HAVE BEEN BADLY INJURED,OR KILLED.IWAS VERY LUCKY.
NHTSA complaint #760876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Laguna Beach, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
ENGINE STALLED AT STOP LIGHT. MECHANIC FOUND A BUTTERFLY SCREW ON THE PLENUM MANIFOLD CAME OFF AND FELL INTO ENGINE, PART NO MD 3359040, CAUSED $ 4000 DAMAGE. DEALER HAD TO TIGHTEN AND USE LOCK TIGHT SCREWS TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #884720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glen Ellyn, IL
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
BACK DOOR HINGES HAVE RUSTED. DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE, AND WILL REPLACE HINGES.
NHTSA complaint #876882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockford, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS BRAKING SYSTEM WAS NOT OPERABLE AND BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON DASHBOARD. BRAKES MADE GRINDING AND STREAKING NOISES. ALSO, VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #868614 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockford, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
ABS BRAKING SYSTEM WAS NOT OPERABLE AND BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON DASHBOARD. BRAKES MADE GRINDING AND STREAKING NOISES. ALSO, VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #868614 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lawrenceville, GA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WHILE DRIVING ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATED, INDICATING A MALFUNCTION. DEALER STATED THAT THIS OCCURRED BECAUSE OF INTERFERENCE IN THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE CAUSED BY CELL PHONE USE. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #859007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lawrenceville, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHILE DRIVING ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATED, INDICATING A MALFUNCTION. DEALER STATED THAT THIS OCCURRED BECAUSE OF INTERFERENCE IN THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE CAUSED BY CELL PHONE USE. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #859007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mansfield, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT APPEARS TO BE MALFUNCTIONING. AUTO HAS BEEN SERVICED FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT/SRS LIGHT REPEATEDLY. THE COMPUTER READING STATES TO REPLACE VARIOUS SENSORS. SENSORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON. PROBLEM IS PERPLEXING SERVICE MECHANICS -VEHICLE OWNER FEARFUL SRS MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. VEHICLE IN SERVICE OVER 7 WEEKS.
NHTSA complaint #718251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mansfield, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT APPEARS TO BE MALFUNCTIONING. AUTO HAS BEEN SERVICED FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT/SRS LIGHT REPEATEDLY. THE COMPUTER READING STATES TO REPLACE VARIOUS SENSORS. SENSORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON. PROBLEM IS PERPLEXING SERVICE MECHANICS -VEHICLE OWNER FEARFUL SRS MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. VEHICLE IN SERVICE OVER 7 WEEKS.
NHTSA complaint #718251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sunnyville, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
THERE WERE THREE MANUFACTURER'S RECALLS. IT HAS BEEN TWO YEARS SINCE THEY WERE ISSUED, AND MANUFACTURER HASN'T COMPLIED WITH THEM UP TO THIS DATE.
NHTSA complaint #841604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Flower Mound, TX
CHILD SEAT
OUR CENTURY "SMART MOVE" INFANT/TODDLER CARSEAT DID NOT INSTALL SECURELY. IT WOBBLED & DID NOT FIT IN THE MIDDLE BACK SEAT CORRECTLY - IT BLOCKED OUR VIEW OUT OF THE BACK WINDOW. WE ENDED UP EXCHANGING IT FOR THE FISHER PRICE CARSEAT, AND LIKE IT MUCH BETTER. A FRIEND OF MINE ALSO RETURNED HER "SMARTMOVE" FOR THE SAME REASON.
NHTSA complaint #704256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.