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 PER YEAR
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.
4 of 29 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
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.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020912
4 of 29 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
3 of 29 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
2 of 29 total reports mention: steering.
2 of 29 total reports mention: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT CAME LOOSE CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING. HAD TO STEER VERY HARD MANUALLY TO PARK CAR. DANGEROUS SITUATION. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20141028
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 BOLT
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 CRANKSHA
Campaign 00V311001 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 00V311001 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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:engine, accounting for 14% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.