NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 50 owner complaints for the 2000 Mitsubishi Montero. Most complaints involve structure (7) and service brakes, hydraulic (7). 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.
“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. *TR”
“KNOCKING IN THE FRONT END BETWEEN THE TWO TIRES, STEERING, BRAKES, KNOCKING AND OTHER NOISE, PULLING TO THE LEFT, TIRES WEARING BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF FRONT TIRES. NOTICED TIRE WERE CUFFED AND ROUND. BOTH REAR WINDOWS STICK WHEN OPERATING IN DOWN MOTION.”
“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 2000”
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 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.
Owners filed 50 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (7), service brakes, hydraulic (7), electrical system (6). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2000 Mitsubishi Montero at 15–16 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).