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2000 Mitsubishi Montero: problems, recalls and reliability

2 recalls and 51 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is structure (14% of complaints).

Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 2020

2
recalls
51
owner complaints
1
fire reports
109,000
typical failure mileage, mi

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

Problems tend to appear late (median 109,000 mi)1 fire report

Common problems

Computed from 51 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)14% · 7 complaints
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)12% · 6 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)12% · 6 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)10% · 5 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)8% · 4 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)8% · 4 complaints
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 2000Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Dec 2017
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.Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2014
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. *trOwner report · Structure · Mar 2013
Show 7 more owner reports
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.Owner report · Structure · Nov 2012
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.Owner report · Air Bags · May 2010
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. *akOwner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2004
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.Owner report · Wheels · Apr 2003
When depressing the brakes vehicle surged forward. Consumer took vehicle to the dealership for inspection. However, mechanic could not duplicate the problem. *akOwner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Apr 2003
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.*akOwner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2002
Upon starting car, the battery exploded spewing acid all over the engine and hood and causing several dents on both the inside and outside of the hood. This resulting in a total electrical system failure as well as loss of functionability of the vehicle. Upon reporting this to mitsubishi roadside assistance, we were informed that was the second call that day for an exploding battery in a 2000 mitsubishi montero sport. Our vehicle has approximately 26,700 miles and currently the estimated cost of the damage is unknown.Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2001

When filing, owners marked a crash in 8 of these complaints and injuries in 8 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 2 campaigns

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS04V428000 · Sep 2004

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.

Remedy: MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN WILL MAIL A CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION LETTER CONTAINING A WRITTEN DESCRIPTION AND A GRAPHIC OF THE BI-LINGUAL DASHBOARD AIR BAG WARNING LABEL. IN ADDITION, ALL CURRENT 2000-2004 NATIVA OWNERS WILL ALSO RECEIVE REPLACEMENT AIR BAG ALERT LABELS FOR THE SUN VISORS. THIS RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH OR APRIL 2005. THE NOTIFICATION TO THE NATIVA OWNERS IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL OR MAY 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN AT 1-787-251-8715.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE20V035000 · Jan 2020

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.

Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 25, 2021. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-001.

Specifications

Factory options offered for the 2000 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.

Drive type4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4

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 2000 Mitsubishi Montero reliable?

NHTSA has 51 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2000 Mitsubishi Montero. The most complained-about area is structure (14% of complaints).

At what mileage do 2000 Mitsubishi Montero problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 109,000 miles or less.

Does the 2000 Mitsubishi Montero have open recalls?

2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning equipment:other:labels. 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.