1990 Mitsubishi Montero: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 23 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling; the 1992 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 1995
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“1990 mitusbishi montero started to smoke. Consumer pulled over to shoulder and vehicle became engulfed in flames. *njohio traffic crash report # 10-0206-89. *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2008
“While driving 65 mph consumer heard a loud knocking noise coming from the front of the vehicle. Suddenly consumer lost power steering. However, consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and pulled over. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the pulley needed to be replaced. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2004
“Consumer called complaining about having problem with the engine bolt that broke while driving the vehicle at 25 mph. Ts there was a failure in the vibration damper bolt which caused the pulley to fall off. *jg”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2002
Show 7 more owner reports
“Consumer had found a design fraud on vehicle. Had taken it to a technician for check up. Found rear brake hose will pull when vehicle is lifted. Then when is put back on ground could have brake failure due to extension on brake hose.*ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2001
“Vehicle was parked on driveway for about 5 minutes when an underhood fire started in engine. Prior to incident, consumer had a broken thermostat replaced. *ak *slc”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2001
“The bolt on the front of the crankshaft broke off, causing the pulley and belt to fly off, resulting in loss of power steering and loss of vehicle control.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2001
“The transmission in this vehicle has been hard to shift for a couple of years, and I want to know if this is a common problem, and if there is a recall on the transmissions. I have done some research, and this may be a recall number that may help (m9122008000). *****dims 11 ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis******770805. *ak *jb”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2001
“Exhaust system & oil were full of gas. Mechanic had to contact someone in orgeon to get help. Neither had ever heard or seen anything like it. Consumer had to get a jump start, and just from sparks vehicle could have blown up. Mechanic said still no guarantee that it still won't blow up. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2000
“Sudden acceleration after engaging vehicle into gear, resulted in crash. There was property damage, and vehicle was totaled by insurance company. Dealer/manufacturer notified. *ak *ml”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jan 2000
“Firestone wilderness ii tires experienced tread separation, consumer replaced tires after having only 20000 miles on them, consumer is requesting reimbursement. *slc”Owner report · Tires · Sep 1998
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
How other years compare
Check your exact Montero by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Mitsubishi Montero reliable?
NHTSA has 23 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1990 Mitsubishi Montero. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 1990 Mitsubishi Montero have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:front:buckle assembly. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.