1990 Mitsubishi Montero
Only 23 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 23 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 |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 0 |
| 1986 | 4 |
| 1987 | 3 |
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1989 | 10 |
| 1990 | 23 |
| 1991 | 18 |
| 1992 | 12 |
| 1993 | 14 |
| 1994 | 32 |
| 1995 | 86 |
| 1996 | 27 |
| 1997 | 63 |
| 1998 | 74 |
| 1999 | 40 |
| 2000 | 51 |
| 2001 | 166 |
| 2002 | 111 |
| 2003 | 39 |
| 2004 | 5 |
| 2005 | 1 |
| 2006 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 23 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
8 of 23 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and belts and associated pulleys.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
1990 MITUSBISHI MONTERO STARTED TO SMOKE. CONSUMER PULLED OVER TO SHOULDER AND VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. *NJOHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0206-89. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20080617
VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON DRIVEWAY FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES WHEN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE STARTED IN ENGINE. PRIOR TO INCIDENT, CONSUMER HAD A BROKEN THERMOSTAT REPLACED. *AK *SLC
NHTSA ODI report, 20010129
ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT BROKE, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND ALL OTHER BELT-DRIVEN COMPONENTS. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030324
6 of 23 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly.
2 of 23 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing linkages.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
SUDDEN ACCELERATION AFTER ENGAGING VEHICLE INTO GEAR, RESULTED IN CRASH. THERE WAS PROPERTY DAMAGE, AND VEHICLE WAS TOTALED BY INSURANCE COMPANY. DEALER/MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED. *AK *ML
NHTSA ODI report, 20000608
WHILE DRIVING THE THROTTLE STUCK, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO INCREASE SPEED, OWNER PUT VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL, HIT BRAKE AND VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL, RESULTING IN A VEHICLE ROLLOVER. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19980205
2 of 23 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
2 of 23 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing pedal/hand lever(motorcycle).
SAFETY TIMELINE
STEERING COUPLING BOLT
TAKATA SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE
Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES A
Campaign 95V103004 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1990 Mitsubishi Montero — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 95V103004 (seat belts) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1990 Mitsubishi Montero 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 1990 Mitsubishi Montero?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 Mitsubishi Montero 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.