1998 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
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.
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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
40% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and belts and associated pulleys.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
MAKE: MITSUBISHI MODEL: MONTERO SPORT XLS YEAR: 1998 SUV WAS TOTAL LOSS DUE TO OUT OF CONTROL AND ROLLED OVER. *N LM
NHTSA ODI report, 20030422
Also filed under AIR BAGS and STEERING
14% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
WHEN SLOWING DOWN AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION VEHICLE WOULD STALL. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20001113
BATTERY WAS REPLACED 5 TIMES, 2 TIMES ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED & THERE WERE OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. DEALER HAD BEEN SAYING THAT PROBLEM WITH THE BATTERY WAS WEATHER RELATED. THEY SEEMED NOT TO REALLY KNOW WHAT THE REMEDY WAS. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20000823
11% of complaints: air bags — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
On Tuesday August 31st I pulled up to Alexandra tire shop to get a tire. I got out of the truck to inquire if the tire that I needed was available. The mechanic informed me that they had the tire I needed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210831
11% of complaints: steering — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing linkages and hydraulic power assist system.
CRASH INJURY11% of complaints: service brakes — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
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
1998 Mitsubishi Montero Sport — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (4 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 1998 Mitsubishi Montero Sport reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Mitsubishi Montero Sport is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Mitsubishi Montero Sport?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Mitsubishi Montero Sport have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.