Service brakes
Free remedy
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.5L ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 106, "BRAKE HOSES." THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH NONCOMPLIANT BRAKE VACUUM HOSES.
Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
2000 Mitsubishi Montero SportRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 97 owner complaints for the 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport. Most complaints involve structure (15) and service brakes, hydraulic (15). The EPA rates it 15–17 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
15–17mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Feb 2001
Owner complaints
97
Top: structure
Fuel cost / yr
$3,550est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 13, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
97 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2000 – Dec 2019
- Structure15
- Service brakes, hydraulic15
- Suspension14
- Power train14
- Air bags10
- Steering10
- Engine and engine cooling8
- Vehicle speed control6
- Electrical system6
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 13, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Structure
15 reports
“I HEARD A NOISE WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS WHILE HITTING BUMPS, WHEN I STOPPED DRIVING AND LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE I NOTICED THE FRAME WAS RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH TO THE OTHER SIDE, AND ESPECIALLY BAD WHERE THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL BRACKET IS ATTACHED TO THE FRAME, ITS SO LOOSE IT DOESN'T LOOK SAFE TO DRIVE.”
Service brakes, hydraulic
15 reports3 crashes
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 55 MPH, THE ENGINE WOULD VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY. THE DEALER MADE UNKNOWN REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE BUT DID NOT ADDRESS THE CONTACTS CONCERNS WITH THE ENGINE VIBRATION. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE ADJUSTMENTS WERE MADE TO THE ROTORS. FOLLOWING REPAIRS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT OPERATE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,196 UPDATED 06/08/10.*LJ WITH ONLY A 157,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AFTER IT FINALLY BROKE DOWN ON THE HIGHWAY. UPDATED EVOQ 08/18/10......UPDATED 12/05/12 *BF THE CONSUMER REQUESTED THAT ALL CLAIMS AGAINST THIS VEHICLE BE CANCELED. UPDATED 12/7/2012 *JS”
Suspension
14 reports
“SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEH, IT NEVER OCCURRED TO ME AS TO HOW OFTEN I WAS HAVING TO HAVE THE BRAKES REPLACED AND COMPONENTS REPLACED. A FRIEND TOLD ME TO CHECK RECALLS FOR MITSUBISHI AND NOW I FIND THE BRAKE SYSTEM HAS A RECALL. WELL DUE TO ME BEING WAY PAST MY WARRANTY THE RECALL DOES NOT HELP ME, BUT FROM WHAT I HEAR THE DEALER REFUSES TO MAKE THESE FREE REPAIRS. REFUND FOR ALL CONSUMERS WHO BROUGHT THE THINGS. NO ACCIDENTS OR INJURY AT THIS POINT. *TR”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 13, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
4 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl · 3.5L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 4-spd
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 13, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montero Sport 2WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 19 | 17 | $3,550 | 523 |
| Montero Sport 4WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 17 | $3,550 | 523 |
| Montero Sport 2WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 16 | $3,750 | 555 |
| Montero Sport 4WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | $4,000 | 592 |
- 17mpg comb.
- 17mpg comb.
- 16mpg comb.
- 15mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 13, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport as of Nov 13, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 13, 2026
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2000 Montero Sport questions
How many recalls does the 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport have?
1 safety recall as of Nov 13, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport problems?
Owners filed 97 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (15), service brakes, hydraulic (15), suspension (14). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport get?
The EPA rates the 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport at 15–17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 13, 2026