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1996 Mitsubishi MonteroProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 27 owner complaints about the 1996 Mitsubishi Montero, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

75
CarFlaw IndexOne of the best years66% below the Montero median · #11 of 15 years by complaints
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints271 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage146kEngine and engine cooling, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 23, 2007. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1996 Mitsubishi Montero has problems

27 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling100
Service brakes, hydraulic40
Steering41
Power train40
Equipment20
Structure20
Visibility10
Electrical system10
Seats10
2 other systems20

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

1996 Mitsubishi Montero recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Engine and engine cooling: engine

Recall 00V-311 · Oct 2, 2000 · 210,000 vehicles

Risk. THE CONDITION CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Unknown or other

Recall 98V-205 · Sep 2, 1998 · 60,243 vehicles

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, AN OCCUPANT OF THE THIRD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED AND COULD BE EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mitsubishi.

Best & worst years

1996 vs. every other Montero year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Montero median. How we score

'84'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Montero owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BOLTS OF THE CRANK SHAFT PULLEY HAVE FALLEN. SHE HEARD A STRANGE NOISE WHILE DRIVING AND ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. SHE ALSO STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED HER TO CALL…
Complaint 10200601 · Aug 23, 2007 · 146,000 miles
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; HOWEVER, IT IS EXPENSIVE AND THEY DO NOT HELP WITH…
Complaint 10052958 · Jan 12, 2004
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
Complaint 10034275 · Aug 20, 2003

Own a 1996 Montero?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.