1996 Mitsubishi Montero: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 27 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2000
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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. *lj”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2007
“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. *ak”Owner report · Seats · Feb 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 cost. *la”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2004
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 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 repairs failed in this vehicle.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2003
“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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2002
“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.”Owner report · Steering · Mar 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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2001
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2000
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 1999
When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
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 CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT TO THE CORRECT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. IF THE BOLT IS DAMAGED, IT WILL BE REPLACED.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1996 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
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 1996 Mitsubishi Montero reliable?
NHTSA has 27 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Mitsubishi Montero. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 1996 Mitsubishi Montero have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning unknown or other. 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.