MYRModel Year Report

1997 Mitsubishi Montero

● Typical for this model
1997 Mitsubishi Montero
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:44:02.364Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mitsubishi Montero Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1984: 0 complaints 1984 1986: 4 complaints 1987: 3 complaints 1988: 1 complaints 1988 1989: 10 complaints 1990: 23 complaints 1991: 18 complaints 1991 1992: 12 complaints 1993: 14 complaints 1994: 31 complaints 1994 1995: 86 complaints 1996: 27 complaints 1997: 63 complaints 1997 1998: 74 complaints 1999: 40 complaints 2000: 51 complaints 2000 2001: 166 complaints 2002: 111 complaints 2003: 39 complaints 2003 2004: 5 complaints 2005: 1 complaints 2006: 4 complaints 2006
1997: 63 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19840
19864
19873
19881
198910
199023
199118
199212
199314
199431
199586
199627
199763
199874
199940
200051
2001166
2002111
200339
20045
20051
20064

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 11%

11% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 7 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 8%

8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 8%

8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 6%

6% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 4 distinct reports on file.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 6%

6% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 4 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19981016 — unknown or other

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

R 19981023 — service brakes, hydraulic

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE FRONT BRAKE LINES CAN DEVELOP PIN HOLES DUE TO CHAFFING AGAINST THE EDGE OF THE PASS-THROUGH HOLE IN THE INNER FENDER.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT BRAKE LINES FOR SIGNS OF WEAR AND ROUTING. IF THE LINES ARE NOT CORRECTLY CENTERED IN THE PASS-THROUGH HOLE, THE LINES WILL BE REPOSITIONED BY BENDING SLIGHTLY TO CORRE

Campaign 98V220000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 Mitsubishi Montero — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 98V205000 (unknown or other) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 98V220000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1994 ▲ 2003 ▲ 1999

WORST YEARS

■ 2001 ◆ 2002 ◆ 1995

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero?

The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 11% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.