Carlexica

1991 Mitsubishi Montero: problems, recalls and reliability

2 recalls and 18 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling.

Data updated weekly · latest recall May 1995

2
recalls
18
owner complaints
2
fire reports
-
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

2 fire reports

Common problems

Computed from 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Limited data: only 18 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)5 complaints
Tires3 complaints
Steering (steering wheel, rack, power assist)3 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)2 complaints
Seat Belts1 complaint
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)1 complaint
I purchased a mitsubishi montero as a main car to transport back and forth to my business. The crank shaft pulley bolt came out and I had the car repaired. I was able to drive the car for approximately 3 to 4 weeks before the pulley bolt broke off in the crankshaft now I am stuck trying to find a mechanic to drill the remainder of the bolt out. I believe that based on the number of complaints concerning this problem along with the countless consumers that have not logged onto this site to launch this complaint and since it is a common problem that mitsubishi dealers should recall this product and remedy the problem once and for all. *jbOwner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2005
Dt: the consumer states that his vehicle was leaking oil at only 1500 miles. Consumer did file a complaint with the federal trade commission on the dealer. The consumer also had problems with the front brakes. The vehicle would also overheat. The dealership is falsifying information to an officer because they told him consumer was behind on his payments and he is not. *tt *jbOwner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2005
I was driving to school and my a/t lights came on aswell as my battery light. I pulled over to the side of the freeway and opened my hood and saw my harmonic balancer/pulley laying on my skid plate as well as a broken bolt. I researched it and found out it happens alot on the vehicle and that its very common. I use the vehicle to drive to school and to work never abuse it and now I am stuck paying more then I bought the car for. All that is able to happen is me pay for a problem that should be recalled and suffer missing school. The vehicle is a 1991 montero.Owner report · Steering · Feb 2005
Show 7 more owner reports
I have been to firestone and they say this tire is not covered under their recall.*ak (dot number: vd60aw3238 tiresize: 3110.50r15)Owner report · Tires · Feb 2001
While braking or at a full stop, vehicle seemed to accelerate. Consumer put car in neutral, and it revved. Consumer said it was getting gas from somewhere.*akOwner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Oct 2000
I understand mitsubihi is having problems with crankshaft bolt problems in other vehicles, and this is another incident.*ak (dot number: n/a tiresize: n/a)Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2000
Curt & hal service department called the mitsubishi dealer in our area and were told that this part was a very common repair to this particular vehicle. When looking for a used part, there was absolutely none to be had in entire western u.s., and repair of this part, after it has been burned is not an option. The housing has burned to where they aren't able to attach new components to it. Thank you for looking into this. It seems to me, that if mitsubishi has had this kind of problem in many other monteros, then they should be doing a recall. Thanks again, lori lannigan no safety defect listed. *akOwner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2000
The tread just came flying right off of the tire, and almost caused my wife who is pregnent and my chil of four to roll. *ak( dot number: tire size: p235/75r15 )Owner report · Tires · Jul 2000
While consumer was in the store vehicle caught on fire from the electrical system, and consumer can't determine the problem. *akOwner report · Electrical System · Mar 1999
During vehicle operation when the vehicle comes to a stop, it periodically tends to accelerate and surge forward. *akOwner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Oct 1996

Recalls - 2 campaigns

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY95V103004 · May 1995

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.

TRAILER HITCHES93E023000 · Jul 1993

THE WELD ON THE RECEIVER UNIT OF THE TRAILER HITCH CAN BREAK.

Remedy: REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCH.

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 decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1991 Mitsubishi Montero reliable?

NHTSA has 18 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1991 Mitsubishi Montero. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.

Does the 1991 Mitsubishi Montero have open recalls?

2 recall campaigns have 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.