NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 40 owner complaints for the 1999 Mitsubishi Montero. Most complaints involve suspension (11) and power train (8). 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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“HIGHW SPEED OF40MPH VEHICLE SHIFTED WITH HEAVY WHEEL VIBRATION VEHICLE WAS UNSTABLED AND REPORTED THIS COMPLAINT TO THE FACTORY. WHEN MAKIN A TURN IF THERE WAS A CRACK OR POT HOLE IN THE STREET THE VEHICLE HAD A TENDENCY TO SHIFT OFF THE WHEELS LEANING TO LEFT. IF IT RAINS THE VEHICLE WOULD SLIDE TO THE LEFT. *AK”
“WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED 5 TO 15MPH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION JERKED. DEALER INSPECTED VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES, AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. CONSUMER INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ANY LONGER UNDER WARRANTY.*AK”
“IN THE DEALER , I MAKES THE APPOINTMEMT TO 7AM, AND THE DEALER NIMAY MITSUBISHI, AVE. KENNEDY 1011 SAN JUAN, PR NO WORK WITH THE CAR AT THE 200PM. NO WORK WITH THE HOURS APPOINMENT. THE WORK IS HORRIBLE”
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 |
2 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 40 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are suspension (11), power train (8), air bags (5). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1999 Mitsubishi Montero at 15–16 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).