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Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD

2005 Mitsubishi MonteroRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 1 owner complaint for the 2005 Mitsubishi Montero. Most complaints involve steering (1). The EPA rates it 15 mpg combined.

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Combined MPG
15mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
1
Top: steering
Fuel cost / yr
$5,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2005 Mitsubishi Montero as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

1 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2008 – Mar 2008
  1. Steering1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Montero model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
199627
199797
199874
199940
200050
2002174
20045
20051
20064
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Steering

1 report
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY FAILED. THE GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL ILLUMINATED AND THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE AND A MECHANIC FOUND A BOLT THAT FAILED AND CAUSED THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY TO DETACH. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL AND COULD NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 132,641.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 27, 2008SteeringODI 10222523
Send a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Engines
3.8L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S5)
Drive
4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium 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 Oct 30, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Montero
Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.8 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
131715$5,300592
  • Montero
    Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.8 L
    13 city · 17 hwy · $5,300/yr
    15
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2005 Mitsubishi Montero as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 2026Vehicle 1423
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat 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.
09 —FAQ

2005 Montero questions

How many recalls does the 2005 Mitsubishi Montero have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 30, 2026.

What are the most common 2005 Mitsubishi Montero problems?

Owners filed 1 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2005 Mitsubishi Montero get?

The EPA rates the 2005 Mitsubishi Montero at 15 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026