1997 Mitsubishi Montero
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mitsubishi › Montero › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Mitsubishi Montero. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Owner complaints
63 complaints6 involved a crash4 involved a fire9 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Seats
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…
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
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…
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
- Engine and engine cooling
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.…
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
- Fuel system, gasoline · Unknown or other
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
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
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 mitsubishi montero. when the vehicle was started, the crankshaft pulley detached from the vehicle. the dealer stated that the contact would be responsible for the repair. the vehicle has not been driven since. the failure mileage was 190,000.
- Engine and engine cooling · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
Started car, noticed 3 random lights illuminated on instrument cluster. Then power steering was intermittent. Then a/c went out and would not cool down. then power steering failed completely. car was driven to repair shop nearby, since no local mitsubishi dealer. mechanic found crankshaft bolt…
Started car, noticed 3 random lights illuminated on instrument cluster. Then power steering was intermittent. Then a/c went out and would not cool down. then power steering failed completely. car was driven to repair shop nearby, since no local mitsubishi dealer. mechanic found crankshaft bolt broken that led to power steering and a/c pulley not working. Incident led to near loss of control during turning , as power steering would "kick" in at times during cornering and lead to oversteer. Had to change crankshaft bolt, harmonic balancer, timing belt gear, and something else. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Dt*: the contact stated the crankshaft pulley and bolt became disconnected. this occurred twice.
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
1. brake light came on and has stayed on for a couple of days. car was checked out and estimated charges for repairs to front brake, including new rotor, would be $1000. I was not aware of the recall for 1997 monteros in regard to brake lines. *ak 2. service engine soon comes on at random and only goes off when the battery IS unhooked and rehooked or replaced.
- Electrical system · Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch · Unknown or other
1 - this just started happening, no accident or misuse. 2 - vehicle will not start at times and must keep turning ignition, eventually it stats. (changed battery, terminals, wires, etc, with no affect) alarm goes off sporadically or sets on it's own. door locks unlock, then immediately lock…
1 - this just started happening, no accident or misuse. 2 - vehicle will not start at times and must keep turning ignition, eventually it stats. (changed battery, terminals, wires, etc, with no affect) alarm goes off sporadically or sets on it's own. door locks unlock, then immediately lock back. windows are not going up correctly and are tilting slightly causing a small air leak on both front windows. All problems are annoying but I can still get from point a to point b. this happens every day.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
While driving a loud clanking noise was heard from the front. all electrical lights flashed on the dashboard. steering column failed to move. consumer was able to maintain the control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. mechanic determined that the main bolt to the pulley belt sheared off. *ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers
In early 2003 I purchased a 1997 mitsubishi montero full SUV. in april 2003 my girl friend was driving the car one day , when it just broke down on her .hen she turned the key to start the car you could hear the engine, but the car would not start.i got it towed,and my mechanic looked at it…
In early 2003 I purchased a 1997 mitsubishi montero full SUV. in april 2003 my girl friend was driving the car one day , when it just broke down on her .hen she turned the key to start the car you could hear the engine, but the car would not start.i got it towed,and my mechanic looked at it and said one of the main fuse (mfi-multi fuel injection) had blown.*ak he replaced the fuse and the car was fine, two weeks later it happened again , so he replaced the fuse and I took it to the dealer. The dealer checked for any recall there was none.on 7/8/04 it happened again, but this time when the fuse was replaced I turned over the engine and the whole car was smoking through the hood and inside the vehicle I was so scared I ran away from it until the smoke went away.the car was towed to my home and my mechanic showed me all the burned wire in the harness, please let me now if there IS a recall on this problem
- Steering
Crankshaft bolt IS loosening on vehicle causing loss of power steering.*mr consumer's vehicle wasn't recognized to be within the recall. Consumer experienced the defect and had to pay $1355.56 for repairs and $130.00 for towing. Consumer feels mitsubishi should cover costs of repairs and towing due to the recall that was created to take care of this exact problem. *ph
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
While sitting in traffic, passenger (wife) moved her window visor, a flame shot out towards her face coming from upper right corner of window visor, where wire for vanity mirror had chaffed over time, due to a plastic covering edge to hide wire.*ak flame was 4-5 inches long, 1 inch thick and…
While sitting in traffic, passenger (wife) moved her window visor, a flame shot out towards her face coming from upper right corner of window visor, where wire for vanity mirror had chaffed over time, due to a plastic covering edge to hide wire.*ak flame was 4-5 inches long, 1 inch thick and flamed for 6-8 seconds, then large amounts of thick grey smoke came from area. wire for vanity mirror had chaffed away the wiring cover and was touching the metal rod used to hold up visor. fuse did not blow. this could have easily caught fire inside my headliner, behind dash, etc.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Consumer's vehicle had the same problem as stated in recall 00v311002 . The dealer would not repair the vehicle because the vehicle identification number was not included. *Ak the crankshaft bolt loosened which resulted in a lost of power steering. *ts *ph *nlm
- Engine and engine cooling
While driving at low speed and without warning the vehicle shut off. *tt
- Power train › Driveline › Differential unit
Problem with front and rear differential reported to dealership. They did nothing to fix, just reset check engine light. 3 weeks later car was in a rollover accident. Driver steered slightly to avoid collision with another vehicle that was making an illegal lane change and montero went out of control. Neither steering nor braking could stop or affect what was happening.
- Electrical system
While driving vehicle was loosing power. consumer states' now vehicle will not start. took to dealer and they replaced the computer, problem has reoccured. please provide any further information. Ts
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
After vehicle crank shaft pulley was impacted and dealership indicated that it was okay. while driving the crank shaft pulley broke. the dealership IS refusing to fix the vehicle. Please provide more details ts
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
After driving the car for 49 days the oil plug came out, all the oil fellout of the car and engine locked, dealer says it IS not covered my warranty*ak
- Back over prevention › Warnings › External/pedestrian alert · Structure › Body › Door
Failure caused erratic operation of power door locks, alarm and all other electronic components. Of special concern was the rapid failure of door locking components.
- Air bags › Frontal
While driving about 35 mph hit an elk, and air bags did not deploy. *Ak
- Structure › Body
Vehicle was in 40 mph car collision, crashed into a tree, and roof collapsed. Onto consumer's husband. has not contacted dealer yet. *ak
- Suspension › Rear › Springs › Leaf spring assembly
Rear axle leaf spring broke. dealer has been contacted.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
Brake pedal goes to floor. regular brakes would fail to work whenever pedal IS depressed. Took to mechanic, and had master cylinder replaced, and brakes bled. Problem still exists. *ak
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10211530This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to explain the difference between normal dew condensation, which is a natural phenomenon, and water penetration caused by improper sealing or a defective/broken part.
- 10170852This Technical Service Bulletin updates the door adjustment procedure in the Body Section of the applicable service manuals.
- 10170100This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170099This is an index of Tech Talk newsletter articles released in 2012.
- 10170097This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170096This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170087This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170086This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170074This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170071This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170070This TSB contains troubleshooting steps for diagnosis of various customer complaints relating to the audio system speakers in Mitsubishi vehicles equipped with original equipment audio components.
- 10169006This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10163703This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin supersedes TSB-18-00-003, issued April, 2018, to add updated information for Carrying Capacity Reduced Label.
- 10130469This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10014382Alarm sounds when unlocking.
- 10002357Obd-ii drive cycle.
- 10000696New and revised information relating to readiness test status descriptions and procedures.
- 6092416Mitsubishi motor sales of america, inc. IS voluntarily recalling certain vehicles to modify the rear cargo area carpet (mat).
- 6088731This bulletin contains recommended automatic transmission / transaxle maintenance information.
- 6088726This bulletin contains recommended manual transmission / transaxle maintenance information.
- 614011This bulletin contains obd-ii drive cycle procedures and warranty claim information for obd-ii drive cycle on affected vehicles.
- 612508Information containing recommended fuels for certain vehicles.
- 609778A/t dtcs 29-32 set conditions service manual revision. Yd
- 609777Park/neutral position switch adjustment service manual revision. Yd
- 609774The malfunction indicator lamp may illuminate and diagnostic trouble code p1715 may set in the engine control module. In addition, sluggish acceleration with the transmission returing to normal shifting after the ignition key IS turned off, then back on.
- 606595Customer may complain of a whine coming from the differential.
- 601994Information about a change to the rear rotor for the anti-lock brake system ( ABS ). 1. 1997 montero built after june 2,1997. 2. 1997 montero sport built after june 2,1997.
- 601992Procedures for eliminating or reducing an apparent differential whining noise.
- 601990Vehicles may experience long cold start times, sag during warm-up, and stalling.
- 601838This bulletin contains corrections to the forward clutch piston stroke specification.
- 601498Some vehicles experience paint peeling from the roof rack surface.
- 601488Diganosis and repair procedures to eliminate conditions regarding the mil illuminated and/or dtc p1715. 96-98 montero automatic transmissions models produced before 10-97 up to vin wj003864; 97-98 montero sport automatic transmissions models produced before 10-97 two whee drive models up to vin wp024415 and four-wheel drive models up to vin wp024406.
- 600314Complaints of vibration throughout the vehicle noticeably in the driver's seat.
- 54307Procedures concerning the deletion of the oil guide from the manual transmission for 1997 models.
- 54301Information containing a new and revised procedures for adjusting headlights aim on affected vehicles.
- 54299Service manual revision on supplemental restraint system (srs) cautions and warnings.
- 54035A/c evaporator removal and installation procedures are incorrectly shown in the affected service manual pages.
- 54032Information containing additional glass antenna cautions and inspection procedures.
- 54031Accessory installation for the front fender flare and mudguard.
- 53053Containing scan tool (mut-ii) sas adjustment procedures for early production vehicles.
Every Mitsubishi Montero model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.