1998 Mitsubishi Montero
This year had 30% to 100% more 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 |
|---|---|
| 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
24% of complaints: suspension — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front and rear.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT SIX WEEKS AFTER I PURCHASED MY MONTERO. STUART LINCOLN-MERCURY, WHO IS AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, REPAIRED MY MONTERO. MY FRONT END WAS SUPPOSED TO BE ALIGNED.
NHTSA ODI report, 19990403
DUE TO NON -TIGHTENING/MISSING OF THE LOWER BALL JOINT NUT BY THE MANUFACTURER. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE RIGHT WHEEL ALMOST CAME OFF, CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, RESULTING IN THE CONSUMER HITTING A GUARDRAIL.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980129
CONSUMER STATES HAD VEHICLE CHECKED BY A DEALER SEVERAL TIMES BECAUSE OF "CLICKING" NOISE. DEALER FINALLY DETERMINED THAT VHEICLE HAD A BROKEN LEAF SPRING WHICH COULD CAUSE TRUCK TO LOSE CONTROL, WHILE TURNING AND FLIP OVER.*JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20020923
15% of complaints: service brakes — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
14% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
8% of complaints: air bags — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and inflator module.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A THREE VEHICLE PILE UP. UPON IMPACT, DUAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED MAJOR HEAD INJURIES, AND PASSENGER BROKE HIS SHOULDER. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20041110
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V035000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20201005
7% of complaints: structure — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing bumpers and frame and members.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
REAR FOLDING SEAT DISENGAGEMENT
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: 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
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 1998-2000 Montero vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 25, 2021. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-001.
Campaign 20V035000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO.
Remedy: MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN WILL MAIL A CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION LETTER CONTAINING A WRITTEN DESCRIPTION AND A GRAPHIC OF THE BI-LINGUAL DASHBOARD AIR BAG WARNING LABEL.
Campaign 04V428000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Mitsubishi Montero — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V428000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V205000 (unknown or other) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V220000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V035000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1998 Mitsubishi Montero reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Mitsubishi Montero is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Mitsubishi Montero?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Mitsubishi Montero have?
4 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.