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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1995–2006

Mitsubishi Montero recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns and 667 owner complaints for the Mitsubishi Montero, covering model years 1995 to 2006. The 2001 model year drew the most complaints (166), and Service Brakes, Hydraulic is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Mitsubishi Montero VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 10 recall campaigns on file
  • 667 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 12 model years with data (1995–2006)
  • most complaints: 2001 (166 for that model year)
  • top component: Service Brakes, Hydraulic (156 complaints)
  • latest recall 20V035000 (reported Jan 23, 2020)
  • 62 complaints reporting a crash (9.3%)
  • 11 complaints reporting a fire (1.6%)
  • 43 complaints reporting an injury (6.4%)
  • 4 complaints reporting a death (0.6%)

Mitsubishi Montero complaints by model year

12 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2001 model year has the most complaints: 166 of 667, or 24.9%. Next come 2002 (111) and 1995 (86). The fewest are for 2005, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Mitsubishi Montero owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 1995–2006Column chart of 667 complaints across 12 model years. The highest is 2001 with 166. The full figures are in the table below the chart.1995: 86 complaints8619951996: 27 complaints2719961997: 63 complaints6319971998: 74 complaints7419981999: 40 complaints4019992000: 51 complaints5120002001: 166 complaints16620012002: 111 complaints11120022003: 39 complaints3920032004: 5 complaints520042005: 1 complaint120052006: 4 complaints42006
Mitsubishi Montero complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Mitsubishi Montero complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
1995867092
1996270010
1997636440
1998749040
1999404241
2000518150
200116615290
20021119151
2003394120
200450000
200510000
200640000
All model years6676211434

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Mitsubishi Montero components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Service Brakes, Hydraulic is the component named most often, in 156 complaints (23.4% of all 667), followed by Engine and Engine Cooling (111) and Suspension (63).

Components named most often in Mitsubishi Montero complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Mitsubishi Montero complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic15623.4%
Engine and Engine Cooling11116.6%
Suspension639.4%
Electrical System568.4%
Power Train548.1%
Air Bags487.2%
Service Brakes477.0%
Steering416.1%
Structure324.8%
Unknown or Other274.0%
Visibility233.4%
Fuel System, Gasoline172.5%
Equipment162.4%
Vehicle Speed Control162.4%
Tires152.2%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Mitsubishi Montero recalls

10 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Montero, newest first. The 10 campaigns cover model years 1995 to 2004. The 1998 and 2001 model years appear in the most campaigns (4 each).

  • 10 recall campaigns
Mitsubishi Montero recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
1995: 2 campaigns1996: 2 campaigns1997: 2 campaigns1998: 4 campaigns1999: 2 campaigns
2000: 2 campaigns2001: 4 campaigns2002: 3 campaigns2003: 2 campaigns2004: 3 campaigns
Highlighted: the model years with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 20V035000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 1998–2000

    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. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
    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.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

  2. NHTSA campaign 04V428000

    Reported

    Equipment › Other › Labels

    Model years 1998–2004

    Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, 'occupant crash protection.' The bilingual english/spanish removable air bag warning labels affixed to the dash and to the sunvisor do not meet the size requirements of the standard.

    Consequence:
    This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
    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. In addition, all current 2000-2004 nativa owners will also receive replacement air bag alert labels for the sun visors. This recall is expected to begin during March or April 2005. The notification to the nativa owners is expected to begin during April or May 2005. Owners should contact Mitsubishi caribbean at 1-787-251-8715.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

  3. NHTSA campaign 04V319000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage

    Model years 2002–2004

    On certain sport utility vehicles, when the fuel tank is full and the vehicle is parked facing forward on an upward slope, the fuel tank leveling valve may not maintain proper sealing in the event the fuel expands from a rise in the ambient temperature.

    Consequence:
    If the fuel leveling valve does not seal properly, fuel may leak onto the ground. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the leveling valve. The recall began on August 30, 2004. Owners should contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037 or Mitsubishi caribbean at 1-787-251-8715.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

  4. NHTSA campaign 04V095000

    Reported

    Equipment › Other › Labels

    Model year 2004

    On certain sport utility vehicles, the vehicle capacity weights as stated on the tire and loading information label are in error.

    Consequence:
    This information could potentially result in consumers loading their vehicles beyond the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
    Remedy:
    Owners will be sent replacement labels with instructions on how to install them. The recall began on April 14, 2004. Owners should contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

  5. NHTSA campaign 04V067000

    Reported

    Equipment › Other › Owners/Service/Other Manual

    Model year 2001

    Certain sport utility and passenger vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." The owner's manual does not contain a step-by-step description for headrest adjustment when installing a child restraint system (CRS) tether strap.

    Consequence:
    If the tether strap is improperly installed to the tether anchor, the child safety seat may not be sufficient restrained. In the event of a crash, the child could be injured.
    Remedy:
    A letter outlining the problem will be sent to owners along with a sticker containing the correct instructions as well as instructions on where to affix the sticker in the owner's manual. The recall began on March 29, 2004. Owners should contact Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

  6. NHTSA campaign 01V254001

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum

    Model years 2001–2002

    Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The accumulator that is installed on the hydraulic brake booster may have been improperly manufactured. Over a period of time, this could result in leakage of the pressurized nitrogen gas from inside the accumulator.

    Consequence:
    The loss of this gas pressure could result in an abnormal noise from the left side of the dash panel when the brakes are applied, and possibly a delayed first time brake boost assist after the vehicle has been parked for a period of time, which could result in a vehicle crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install an improved accumulator. Owner notification mailing began October 1, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

  7. NHTSA campaign 00V311001

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine

    Model years 1995–1996

    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 securing the crankshaft pulley can become loose and the pulley could fall off the vehicle.

    Consequence:
    The condition can result in a loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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 crankshaft pulley bolt to the correct torque specification. On the Montero models, dealers will tighten the crankshaft pulley bolt to the correct torque specifications. If the bolt is damaged, it will be replaced.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

  8. NHTSA campaign 00V123002

    Reported

    Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior

    Model year 2001

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some of these vehicles are equipped with outside rearview mirrors on the passenger side which do not comply with the requirements of FMVSS 111, "rearview mirrors."

    Consequence:
    This limits the driver's field of vision on that side of the vehicle.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the rearview mirror.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

  9. NHTSA campaign 98V220000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings

    Model years 1997–1998

    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.

    Consequence:
    Brake fluid can leak resulting in deteriorated braking performance and illumination of the brake indicator lamp.
    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 correct. If there is evidence of brake line wear, the brake line will be replaced.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

  10. NHTSA campaign 98V205000

    Reported

    Unknown or Other

    Model years 1995–1998

    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.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash, an occupant of the third seat may not be properly restrained and could be ejected from the vehicle.
    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.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Mitsubishi Montero questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Mitsubishi Montero have?

NHTSA lists 10 vehicle recall campaigns for the Mitsubishi Montero, covering model years 1995 to 2006. The most recent, 20V035000, was reported on January 23, 2020 and is filed under “Air bags”. The 1998 and 2001 model years are covered by the most campaigns (4 each).

Which Mitsubishi Montero model year has the most complaints?

The 2001 model year, with 166 of the 667 complaints in NHTSA’s file (24.9%). The next are 2002 (111) and 1995 (86). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Mitsubishi Montero complaint?

Service Brakes, Hydraulic is the component named most often: 156 complaints, or 23.4% of all 667. Engine and Engine Cooling (111) and Suspension (63) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Mitsubishi Montero?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Mitsubishi dealer.

How many Mitsubishi Montero complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 667 complaints, 62 report a crash, 11 a fire, 43 at least one injury and 4 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Mitsubishi models

8 models · most complaints first

The Mitsubishi models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Mitsubishi VIN decoder with every Mitsubishi model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Mitsubishi models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.