Mitsubishi Montero Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Mitsubishi Montero model year (1997–2006) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Mitsubishi Montero Years to Avoid
3 recalls · 112 complaints
7 reported injuries
Top issue: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Problem score: 135
3 recalls · 46 complaints
18 reported injuries
Top issue: SUSPENSION
Problem score: 91
2 recalls · 66 complaints
4 reported injuries
Top issue: SERVICE BRAKES
Problem score: 80
Best Mitsubishi Montero Years to Buy
0 recalls · 1 complaint
Main area: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Problem score: 1
0 recalls · 1 complaint
Main area: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Problem score: 1
3 recalls · 5 complaints
Main area: SERVICE BRAKES
Problem score: 14
Found the right year? Verify that specific Montero with a free VIN report.
Mitsubishi Montero — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 0 | 1 | — | — | 1 | Excellent |
| 2005 | 0 | 1 | — | — | 1 | Excellent |
| 2004 | 3 | 5 | — | — | 14 | Good |
| 2003 | 2 | 32 | 4 | — | 46 | Good |
| 2002 | 2 | 66 | 4 | — | 80 | Caution |
| 2001 | 3 | 112 | 7 | — | 135 | Avoid |
| 2000 | 1 | 32 | 1 | — | 37 | Good |
| 1999 | 1 | 24 | 3 | — | 33 | Good |
| 1998 | 3 | 46 | 18 | — | 91 | Avoid |
| 1997 | 2 | 38 | 4 | — | 52 | Caution |
All 10 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Mitsubishi Montero Shopping Guide by Era
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder Montero models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Montero should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero if possible. It has 3 recalls, 112 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 135 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Montero to buy?+
The 2005 Mitsubishi Montero is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 1. It has only 0 recalls and 1 complaint on record with NHTSA.
Which Montero has the fewest problems?+
The 2005, 2006, 2004 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Mitsubishi Montero Research
Check a Specific Mitsubishi Montero VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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