1996 Mitsubishi Montero
Only 27 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 27 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 27 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
10 of 27 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and belts and associated pulleys.
Show complaint excerpts
THE BUTTERFLY VALVE IN THE INTAKE PLENUM IN THE 3.5L DOHC COMES LOOSE AND DROPS INTO THE MOTOR WHICH CAN CAUSE IT TO STOP SUDDENLY, THIS PROBLEM IS KNOWN BY THE MANUFACTURER, WHICH IS APPARENT BECAUSE THEY HAVE MADE A REPLACEMENT PART TO FIX IT;...
NHTSA ODI report, 20040112
NHTSA RECALL 00-V-311-001:MONTERO MODELS EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L ENGINES. BOLT SECURING THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY CAN BECOME LOOSE AND THE PULLEY COULD FALL OFF THE VEHICLE. DEALER WON'T HONOR THIS RECALL IN PUERTO RICO. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030820
NHTSA RECALL 00-V-311-001 CONCERNING MIRAGE MODEL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 1.5L ENGINES; MONTERO SPORT MODELS EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L ENGINES; AND MONTERO MODELS EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L ENGINES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030606
6 of 27 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
4 of 27 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission and torque converter.
Show complaint excerpts
TRANSMISSION OVERDRIVE DEFECTIVE.
NHTSA ODI report, 19970325
Also filed under VISIBILITY
4 of 27 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing tie rod assembly and linkages.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE BEGAN TO DRIFT, NO RESPONSE FROM STEERING WHEEL. VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN EMBANKMENT, ROLLING OVER. DRIVER HEARD LOUD NOISE AT TIME OF STEERING FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980104
2 of 27 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing hinge and attachments.
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ACCESSORY CARGO MATS IN THE THIRD-SEAT AND CARGO AREA. THIS CARGO MAT INTERFERES WITH THE LATCHING INTEGRITY OF THE FOLDING THIRD SEATS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE THIRD-SEAT LATCH AND STRIKER. A RECTANGLE WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE CARGO MAT AROUND EACH STRIKER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE STRIKER CLEARANCE AND PROPER LATCHING.
Campaign 98V205000 — check if this car was fixed
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
1996 Mitsubishi Montero — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 98V205000 (unknown or other) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V311001 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
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WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1996 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 1996 Mitsubishi Montero?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Mitsubishi Montero have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.