1996 MITSUBISHI MONTERO

2 recalls — 40 complaints

00V311001 Oct 2, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Defect Description
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.
Consequence
THE CONDITION CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
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... Read more
210,000 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA
98V205000 Sep 2, 1998
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Defect Description
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.
Consequence
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, AN OCCUPANT OF THE THIRD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED AND COULD BE EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE.
Remedy
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.
60,243 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA

Complaint Statistics

40 total complaints 1 injuries

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
UNKNOWN OR OTHER6
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE4
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR2
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM2
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS2
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Aug 23, 2007
Incident date: Aug 21, 2007
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 C... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS Sep 29, 2004
Incident date: Sep 1, 2004
WHILE DRIVING STEERING FAILED. THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT THAT HELD IT DISENGAGED. RECALL 00V311001 WAS ISSUED. *AK
STEERING Sep 29, 2004
Incident date: Sep 1, 2004
WHILE DRIVING STEERING FAILED. THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT THAT HELD IT DISENGAGED. RECALL 00V311001 WAS ISSUED. *AK
EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:LPG SYSTEMS:WATER HEATER Aug 9, 2004
Incident date: Mar 29, 2001
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.
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY Aug 9, 2004
Incident date: Mar 29, 2001
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.
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS Aug 9, 2004
Incident date: Mar 29, 2001
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.
SEATS Feb 11, 2004
Incident date: Feb 7, 2004
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 REPLAC... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Jan 12, 2004
Incident date: Jan 2, 2004
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... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Aug 20, 2003
Incident date: Aug 20, 2003
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. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS Jun 6, 2003
Incident date: Jun 6, 2003
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 REPAIR... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Jul 30, 2002
Incident date: Jul 8, 2002
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... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Jul 30, 2002
Incident date: Jul 8, 2002
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... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Jul 16, 2002
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.*AK
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM Apr 24, 2002
I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.I COULD HAVE BEEN BADLY INJURED,OR KILLED.IWAS VERY LUCKY.*AK
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM Apr 24, 2002
I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.I COULD HAVE BEEN BADLY INJURED,OR KILLED.IWAS VERY LUCKY.*AK (TIRESIZE: 235-75R15)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE Mar 30, 2001
Incident date: Mar 22, 2001
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
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS Dec 21, 2000
BACK DOOR HINGES HAVE RUSTED. DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE, AND WILL REPLACE HINGES. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR Aug 24, 2000
Incident date: Aug 1, 2000
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.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP Aug 24, 2000
Incident date: Aug 1, 2000
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.*AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Mar 22, 2000
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. *AK
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Mar 22, 2000
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. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Feb 15, 2000
Incident date: Jul 2, 1999
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 -V... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH Feb 15, 2000
Incident date: Jul 2, 1999
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 -V... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL Jul 2, 1999
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. *AK
CHILD SEAT Mar 10, 1999
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 "... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS Dec 14, 1998
Incident date: Nov 1, 1998
1996 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SEEMS PRONE TO PREMATURE BRAKE WEAR, IN NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. I'VE HAD TO REPLACE PADS AT 17,000 MILES, 30,000, AND IT APPEARS REPLACEMENT WILL AGAIN BE NECESSARY AT 40,000 MILES.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM Dec 8, 1998
Incident date: Aug 23, 1998
TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT WHEN VEHICLE IS COLD. MANUFACTURER SAID IT'S AN EMISSION PROBLEM. INFORMED IT'S NORMAL. TAKES TOO LONG TO WARM UP BEFORE SHIFTING. *AK
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL) Dec 8, 1998
Incident date: Aug 23, 1998
TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT WHEN VEHICLE IS COLD. MANUFACTURER SAID IT'S AN EMISSION PROBLEM. INFORMED IT'S NORMAL. TAKES TOO LONG TO WARM UP BEFORE SHIFTING. *AK
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC. Nov 27, 1998
CD PLAYER/STEREO SPEAKER FAILED.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER Nov 18, 1998
Incident date: Aug 1, 1996
TORQUE CONVERTER FAILED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR Nov 10, 1998
WHEN STOPPING THE VEHICLE MAKES A VERY ROUGH STOP. OWNER BELIEVES THAT HE CAN SEE BRAKE FLUID ON THE FRONT WHEELS. THE ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE WITHIN A TWO YEAR PERIOD. THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR HAS TO BE REPLENISHED EVERY FEW THOUSAND MILES. DEALER NOT ABLE TO CORRECT PROBLEM. OWNER CONTIN... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS Nov 10, 1998
WHEN STOPPING THE VEHICLE MAKES A VERY ROUGH STOP. OWNER BELIEVES THAT HE CAN SEE BRAKE FLUID ON THE FRONT WHEELS. THE ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE WITHIN A TWO YEAR PERIOD. THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR HAS TO BE REPLENISHED EVERY FEW THOUSAND MILES. DEALER NOT ABLE TO CORRECT PROBLEM. OWNER CONTIN... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS May 4, 1998
Incident date: Apr 1, 1998
PREMATURE BRAKE PAD WEAR.
STEERING:LINKAGES Jan 4, 1998
Incident date: Dec 4, 1997
VEHICLE BEGAN TO DRIFT, NO RESPONSE FROM STEERING WHEEL. VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN EMBANKMENT, ROLLING OVER. DRIVER HEARD LOUD NOISE AT TIME OF STEERING FAILURE.
1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Oct 28, 1997
Incident date: Jul 9, 1997
VEHICLE ABRUPTLY LOSES SIGNIFICANT POWER. ALSO, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Oct 28, 1997
Incident date: Jul 9, 1997
VEHICLE ABRUPTLY LOSES SIGNIFICANT POWER. ALSO, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER May 30, 1997
Incident date: Feb 1, 1997
WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED TRAVELING ABOUT 55 MPH, AND UPON DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON THE DASHBOARD. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL May 30, 1997
Incident date: Feb 1, 1997
WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED TRAVELING ABOUT 55 MPH, AND UPON DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON THE DASHBOARD. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED. *AK
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR Mar 25, 1997
Incident date: Jun 1, 1996
REAR VIEW MIRRORS DEFECTIVE, CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Mar 25, 1997
Incident date: Sep 1, 1996
TRANSMISSION OVERDRIVE DEFECTIVE.

EPA Fuel Economy — 1996 MITSUBISHI MONTERO

Trim / Engine City MPG Highway MPG Combined MPG Fuel Type Annual Fuel Cost
3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive) 14.0 17.0 15.0 Regular $4,000
3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive) 14.0 17.0 15.0 Regular $4,000
3.0L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd (4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive) 14.0 17.0 15.0 Regular $4,000
3.0L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd (4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive) 14.0 17.0 15.0 Regular $4,000
3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive) 13.0 17.0 14.0 Premium $4,950

CO2 Emissions: 592.5 g/mile (Special Purpose Vehicles)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

NHTSA Safety Investigations — MITSUBISHI MONTERO

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE98042 Opened: Jul 31, 1998 — Closed: Sep 3, 1998
PE — Closed — Model Year: 1998
REAR FOLDING SEAT DISENGAGEMENT
A POLICE REPORT RECEIVED BY ODI ALLEGED THAT DISENGAGEMENT OF THE RIGHT REAR FOLDING SEAT DURING A SINGLE VEHICLE ROLLOVER INCIDENT PERMITTED ITS OCCUPANT TO BE EJECTED
PE90034 Opened: Jan 22, 1990 — Closed: Mar 15, 1990
PE — Closed — Model Year: 1990
STEERING COUPLING BOLT
There is no summary currently available
PE89131 Opened: Jun 19, 1989 — Closed: Sep 6, 1989
PE — Closed — Model Year: 1989
FUEL HOSE
===
PE88083 Opened: Jul 18, 1988 — Closed: Oct 21, 1988
PE — Closed — Model Year: 1986
SEAT FAILURE
There is no summary currently available

MITSUBISHI MONTERO — All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the MITSUBISHI MONTERO across all model years (1984–2004).

47 Total Recalls
994 Total Complaints
4 Investigations
84 Reported Crashes
18 Reported Fires
8 Reported Deaths

MITSUBISHI MONTERO — Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2006 0 6 View
2005 0 1 View
2004 3 7 View
2003 2 53 View
2002 3 132 View
2001 4 213 View
2000 2 68 View
1999 2 47 View
1998 4 91 View
1997 2 85 View
1996 (current) 2 40
1995 2 106 View
1994 5 35 View
1993 3 17 View
1992 4 18 View
1991 2 22 View
1990 1 25 View
1989 2 10 View
1988 1 1 View
1987 1 4 View
1986 1 8 View
1984 1 0 View

Other MITSUBISHI Models

Model Recalls Complaints
OUTLANDER 352 1,784 View
OUTLANDER PHEV 157 36 View
ECLIPSE 131 2,788 View
OUTLANDER SPORT 91 719 View
LANCER 69 1,136 View
GALANT 65 2,435 View
MIRAGE 53 941 View
ECLIPSE SPYDER 34 285 View