NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 74 owner complaints for the 1998 Mitsubishi Montero. Most complaints involve suspension (18) and engine and engine cooling (9). The EPA rates it 15–16 mpg combined.
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.
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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE FRONT BRAKE LINES CAN DEVELOP PIN HOLES DUE TO CHAFFING AGAINST THE EDGE OF THE PASS-THROUGH HOLE IN THE INNER FENDER.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“CONSUMER STATES HAD VEHICLE CHECKED BY A DEALER SEVERAL TIMES BECAUSE OF "CLICKING" NOISE. DEALER FINALLY DETERMINED THAT VHEICLE HAD A BROKEN LEAF SPRING WHICH COULD CAUSE TRUCK TO LOSE CONTROL, WHILE TURNING AND FLIP OVER.*JB”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH,THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRONT CRANK SHAFT PULLEY BOLT DETACHED AND CAUSED THE PULLEY TO WOBBLE. THIS FAILURE WAS ENCOMPASSED IN RECALL # 00V311000. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. HOWEVER, THE CONTACT STRONGLY BELIEVED OTHERWISE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 94,000.*AK”
“WHILE DRIVING COULD STEP ON BRAKE PEDAL AND BRAKES WILL NOT OPERATE. PEDAL WILL GO ALWAY TO GROUND. *AK”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montero Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 18 | 16 | $3,750 | 555 |
| Montero Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 16 | $3,750 | 555 |
| Montero Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | $4,000 | 592 |
| 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 |
4 safety recalls as of Nov 11, 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.
Owners filed 74 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are suspension (18), engine and engine cooling (9), service brakes, hydraulic (8). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1998 Mitsubishi Montero at 15–16 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).