CarRecallWatchThe 1997 Mitsubishi Montero has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 63 complaints with NHTSA, including 6 crashes, 4 fires, 9 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Service Brakes, Hydraulic (18 reports).
1997 Mitsubishi Montero recalls
Most common 1997 Mitsubishi Montero problems
Problem areas named in the 63 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 18 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 17 |
| Electrical System | 8 |
| Suspension | 6 |
| Air Bags | 5 |
| Equipment | 5 |
| Power Train | 5 |
| Structure | 4 |
| Steering | 3 |
| Visibility | 3 |
What owners report
ON 5/31/14, MY 1997 MITSUBISHI MONTERO WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. WHEN I WENT TO GET INTO THE VEHICLE, I NOTICED A LARGE BURN IN THE BACK OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT. AFTER CALLING MITSUBISHI, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME SINCE IT WAS STILL SMOLDERING AND DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY. THEY BELIEVED IT TO BE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. AFTER MANY FOLLOW-UP CALLS TO MITSUBISHI, THEY BELIEVE IT WAS CAUSED BY WEAR AND TEAR SINCE THE CAR WAS 17 YEARS OLD. ALL OF THE COST TO FIX THE ISSUE WAS ON ME AS THE OWNER. *TR
1997 MITSUBISH MONTERO 3.5 LITER AUTOMATIC- CRANK SHAFT BOLT HAS COME OUT ON 5 SEPARATE OCCASIONS AND HAS COST OVER $3000 TO HAVE IT REPLACED. THE INSIDE OF THE CRANKSHAFT WHERE THE BOLT GOES IS COMPLETELY STRIPPED TO THE POINT I NOW HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED ISSUE AS THIS APPEARS TO BE AN INHERENT PROBLEM WITH ALL YEARS OF MONTEROS. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS AND MITSUBISHI SHOULD COVER THE COST FOR THERE NEGLIGENCE. *TR
CRANKSHAFT PULLEY PIN/BOLT GETS SHEARED OFF. DASH LIGHTS COME ON AND VEHICLE POWER STEERING STOPS WORKING AS THE PUMP IS NOT TURNING BECAUSE THE PROBLEM AFFECT THE ENTIRE PULLEY SYSTEM. IT ALSO AFFECTS THE TIMING GEAR/BELT/HARMONIC BALANCER. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME IN AS MANY YEARS THIS HAS HAPPENED. THIS IS THE 2ND MECHANIC WHO HAS TOLD ME THAT IT'S AN ENGINE DEFECT BECAUSE THE PIN/BOLT IS TOO SHORT. THERE IS NO WARNING BEFORE IT HAPPENS. IT OCCURS UNDER NORMAL CITY DRIVING CONDITIONS AT LOW OR NO SPEED. *TR
THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND IDLING. I WAS IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT WHEN A FIRE BROKE OUT AND THE FLAMES CAUSED ME SEVERE BURNS TO MY BODY. I WAS NEARLY ASPHYXIATED. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *TR
1997 MITSUBISHI MONTERO CRANKSHAFT PULLEY CAME LOOSE THREE TIMES WHICH CREATED NO POWER STEERING AND NO CHARGING OF THE BATTERY PURCHASED NEW CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BUT DID NOT HELP THE THIRD TIME INSTALLED A LOCK WASHER ON THE BOLT AND RE TORQUED TO SPEC LAST WEEK. *TR
1997 Mitsubishi Montero questions
Does the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero: Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings; Unknown Or Other. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero?
Based on 63 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Service Brakes, Hydraulic (18), Engine And Engine Cooling (17), Electrical System (8).
How do I check if a recall on my 1997 Mitsubishi Montero has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.