1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
Only 29 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 29 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 29
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1997
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1997: 29 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 29 |
| 1998 | 35 |
| 1999 | 33 |
| 2000 | 97 |
| 2001 | 63 |
| 2002 | 54 |
| 2003 | 31 |
| 2004 | 5 |
| 2009 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 29 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
14 of 29 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and belts and associated pulleys.
Show complaint excerpts
Crankshaft/pulley recall was done in January 2002. Recently vehicle lost powers teering at 45 MPH. Dealer stated crankshaft/ pulley needed to be replaced. Please provide additional information.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-12
Steering
4 of 29 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system.
Show complaint excerpts
Crankshaft pulley bolt came loose causing loss of steering. Had to steer very hard manually to park car. Dangerous situation.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-10-28
Also filed under Power train
Power train
2 of 29 total reports mention: power train.
Engine
2 of 29 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Common problem with these, crank shaft pulley bolt defective should have recalled all of them.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-03-13
Service brakes
2 of 29 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2000-10-31Engine and engine cooling00V311001 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles: mirage model vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines; Montero Sport models equipped with 3.0L engines; and montero models equipped with 3.0L engines. The…
Remedy: On the mirage vehicles, the dealers will install a new, improved crankshaft pulley bolt on the older engines. On new engines which already have the improved bolt, the dealer will tighten the…
Buy-smart checklist
1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 14 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 00V311001 · Engine and engine cooling
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 48% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.