Owners have filed 68 complaints
about the 2000 Mitsubishi Montero with NHTSA between 2000 and 2023.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 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 — 42
Against the median year of the Mitsubishi Montero. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
20.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 0
0% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2000 compares with every other Mitsubishi Montero
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2000 Mitsubishi Montero
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Brakes
811.8%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Body & Structure
710.3%
Median failure at 133,500 miles
Suspension
68.8%
Electrical System
68.8%
0 crashes, 1 fires
Fuel & Propulsion
57.4%
Airbags
57.4%
4 crashes, 0 fires · median 140,000 mi
Transmission & Drivetrain
57.4%
Engine & Cooling
57.4%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Tires
45.9%
Other & Unspecified
34.4%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
34.4%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
34.4%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Doors, Latches & Locks
22.9%
Seat Belts
22.9%
Steering
22.9%
Seats
11.5%
Wheels
11.5%
Median failure at 85,000 miles
Exactly what failed
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
75,000 – 99,999 miles
120.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
240.0%
150,000+ miles
240.0%
When owners complained
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.
Jan 2000peak 10Dec 2023
Recalls on the 2000 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
20V035000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 1998-2000 Montero vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
04V428000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.' THE BILINGUAL ENGLISH/SPANISH REMOVABLE AIR BAG WARNING LABELS AFFIXED TO THE DASH AND TO THE SUNVISOR DO NOT MEET THE SIZE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Risk: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 180,000 milesMiddlesex, NJCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10649611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesHouston, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10389745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newburgh, NYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2000 MITSUBISHI MONTERO REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW BUTTON CAUGHT FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10282242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sunnyvale, CACrash3 injured
THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY ON A SUV CLASH TO THE CONCRETE WALL.
NHTSA complaint #10054312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Martinsburg, WVCrash
AIR BAGS
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #749181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Martinsburg, WVCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
HIT A DEER AT 60 MPH. FULL FRONTAL COLLISION AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #747531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Eugene, OR
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11561352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Floral Park, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
NHTSA complaint #11075657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Floral Park, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11075657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesMiddlesex, NJCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10649611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 109,000 milesCrown Point, IN
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #10523736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 158,000 milesCleveland, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #10496481 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesHouston, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10389745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newburgh, NYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2000 MITSUBISHI MONTERO REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW BUTTON CAUGHT FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10282242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10114959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10114959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cleveland, OH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKES VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. HOWEVER, MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10083651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sunnyvale, CACrash3 injured
THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY ON A SUV CLASH TO THE CONCRETE WALL.
NHTSA complaint #10054312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
HOT Springs, VA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LATCH FELL OFF WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY.
NHTSA complaint #10024275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
HOT Springs, VA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
THE REAR DOOR WILL NOT CLOSE AND THE LATCHES WILL GO UP AND DOWN INTERMITTENTLY. *AK.
NHTSA complaint #10022716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesJefferson, ME
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL NUT AND SCREW BROKE WHILE DRIVING. *JB TIE ROD ADJUSTMENT NUT AND TIE ROD WERE NO GOOD, HAD TO REPLACE BOTH BALL JOINTS AND TIE ROD.
NHTSA complaint #10017343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charleston, WV
VISIBILITY
CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD STOP WORKING. TS
NHTSA complaint #10002356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charleston, WV
VISIBILITY
CONSUMER STATES WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT WORK WHEN IT SNOWS. TS
NHTSA complaint #10001832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shrevetort, LA
SEAT BELTS
CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR MIDDLE SEAT BELT. ALSO STATED THAT THEY WERE TRYING TO INSTALL A CAR SEAT AND THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE BROKE. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND REPLACED THE BUCKLE. TS
NHTSA complaint #8023509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond, VA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
VEHICLE HAS STALLED 3 TIMES. DEALER STATED IT WAS DUE TO A BLOWN FUSE. FUSE WAS REPLACED, BUT DID NOT SOLVE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8015086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
VEHICLE HAS STALLED 3 TIMES. DEALER STATED IT WAS DUE TO A BLOWN FUSE. FUSE WAS REPLACED, BUT DID NOT SOLVE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8015086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Menlo Park, CA
SEATS
THERE IS A PIECE OF METAL STICKING OUT OF PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR SEAT. THESE 2 PIECES OF METAL ARE USED TO HOLD FRAME TOGETHER. WHEN GOING OVER A BUMP METAL HITS CONSUMER IN THE BUTTOCKS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8010249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
STRUCTURE
THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE CLEARANCE FROM THE GROUND TO THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE IS TOO HIGH, THE CONSUMER DOES NOT FEEL SECURE IN THE VEHICLE WHEN ENCOUNTERING SHARP CURVES AND UNEXPECTEDLY NEEDS TO SWERVE WHILE DRIVING 10-15 MPH CLEARANCE FROM THE GROUND TO THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE IS TOO HIGH. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT WHEN HE ENCOUNTER SHARP CURVES AND UNEXPECTEDLY NEEDS TO SWERVE AT SPEEDS OVER 10-15 MPH, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE ROADS ARE WET, THE CONSUMER ALSO WANTS TO DOWNSIZE THE 16 INCH TIRES TO 15 INCH TIRES HOPING THIS WILL LOWER THE VEHICLE GIVING THE CONSUMER A SAFER FEEL AND MORE CONTROL (255/70R16 BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE). NLM
NHTSA complaint #562473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, MD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
KNOCKING IN THE FRONT END BETWEEN THE TWO TIRES, STEERING, BRAKES, KNOCKING AND OTHER NOISE, PULLING TO THE LEFT, TIRES WEARING BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF FRONT TIRES. NOTICED TIRE WERE CUFFED AND ROUND. BOTH REAR WINDOWS STICK WHEN OPERATING IN DOWN MOTION.
NHTSA complaint #9005438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, MD
STEERING
KNOCKING IN THE FRONT END BETWEEN THE TWO TIRES, STEERING, BRAKES, KNOCKING AND OTHER NOISE, PULLING TO THE LEFT, TIRES WEARING BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF FRONT TIRES. NOTICED TIRE WERE CUFFED AND ROUND. BOTH REAR WINDOWS STICK WHEN OPERATING IN DOWN MOTION.
NHTSA complaint #9005438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, MD
TIRES
KNOCKING IN THE FRONT END BETWEEN THE TWO TIRES, STEERING, BRAKES, KNOCKING AND OTHER NOISE, PULLING TO THE LEFT, TIRES WEARING BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF FRONT TIRES. NOTICED TIRE WERE CUFFED AND ROUND. BOTH REAR WINDOWS STICK WHEN OPERATING IN DOWN MOTION.
NHTSA complaint #9005438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.