Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
2006 Mitsubishi MonteroRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 4 owner complaints for the 2006 Mitsubishi Montero. Most complaints involve service brakes (2) and fuel/propulsion system (1). The EPA rates it 15 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
15mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
4
Top: service brakes
Fuel cost / yr
$5,000est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2006 Mitsubishi Montero as of Nov 13, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 13, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
4 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2008 – Feb 2018
- Service brakes2
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Power train1
- Electronic stability control (esc)1
- Electrical system1
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, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Service brakes
2 reports
“OUR SON WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON A MAIN ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY COULD NOT BRAKE WHATSOEVER USING THE PEDAL. HE WAS ABLE TO SLOW DOWN AND PARK THE VEHICLE SAFELY USING SOLELY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A SHOP, UPON CLOSER INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE ENTIRE ABS MASTER CYLINDER SYSTEM HAD FAILED AND THAT MY BRAKES AWD SYSTEM AND ANTI LOCK BRAKES SYSTEM WERE ALSO RENDERED UNUSABLE DUE TO THE ABS HYDRAULIC ASSEMBLY BEING FAULTY. THIS MATTER COST US $2,200.00 IN REPAIR COST AND MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA SIMPLY DON'T CARE ABOUT THIS ISSUE! *TR”
Fuel/propulsion system
1 report
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ON AN INCLINE, THE CONTACT HEARD A BUBBLING NOISE AND SMELLED FUEL ODORS THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STEPPED OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED FUEL LEAKING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT NO DIAGNOSTIC FAILURE CODES WERE FOUND AND THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED OAKLAND MITSUBISHI AT (510) 267-0688 (LOCATED AT 2500 WEBSTER ST, OAKLAND, CA 94612) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT NO RECALLS WERE ASSOCIATED WITH THE VIN. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V319000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,800.”
Power train
1 report
“I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON A MAIN ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY I FOUND I COULD NOT BRAKE WHATSOEVER USING MY PEDAL I WAS ABLE TO SLOW DOWN AND PARK THE VEHICLE USING SOLELY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. UPON CLOSER INSPECTION BY MY MECHANIC I LEARNED THE ABS PUMP HAD GONE BAD AND THAT MY BRAKES AWD SYSTEM AND ANTI LOCK BRAKES SYSTEM WERE ALSO RENDERED UNUSABLE DUE TO THE ABS HYDRAULIC ASSEMBLY BEING FAULTY. *TR”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 13, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Engines
- 3.8L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S5)
- Drive
- Rear-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 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 Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.8 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 15 | $5,000 | 592 |
- 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
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2006 Mitsubishi Montero as of Nov 13, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 13, 2026Vehicle 1943
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.
2006 Montero questions
How many recalls does the 2006 Mitsubishi Montero have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 13, 2026.
What are the most common 2006 Mitsubishi Montero problems?
Owners filed 4 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes (2), fuel/propulsion system (1), power train (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2006 Mitsubishi Montero get?
The EPA rates the 2006 Mitsubishi Montero at 15 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 13, 2026