1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mitsubishi › Montero Sport › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
29 complaints2 involved a crash1 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train · Suspension · Tires
TL* the contact owns a 1997 mitsubishi montero sport. While driving between 55 and 65 mph, the front end of the vehicle shook violently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ball joints, wheel bearings, transmission mount, universal bolt, and tires needed to be…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 mitsubishi montero sport. While driving between 55 and 65 mph, the front end of the vehicle shook violently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ball joints, wheel bearings, transmission mount, universal bolt, and tires needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign number: 00v311001 (engine and engine cooling), but the vin was excluded. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.
- Engine
Vehicle lost power steering and stalled. Crankshaft pulley bolt fell out and harmonic balancer fell off.causing loss of control and life threatening situation. *tr
- Engine
Common problem with these, crank shaft pulley bolt defective should have recalled all of them. *tr
- Power train · Steering
Crankshaft pulley bolt came loose causing loss of steering. Had to steer very hard manually to park car. Dangerous situation. *tr
- Steering
Steering terminal came off making the vehicle go in danger. *Tr
- Electrical system
Tl*the contact owned a 1997 mitsubishi montero sport. the contact started the vehicle so it could warm up before driving and went back into the house. while in the house, she heard a loud boom similar to an explosion. she found the vehicle completely engulfed in flames. the police and fire…
Tl*the contact owned a 1997 mitsubishi montero sport. the contact started the vehicle so it could warm up before driving and went back into the house. while in the house, she heard a loud boom similar to an explosion. she found the vehicle completely engulfed in flames. the police and fire departments were called to extinguish the fire and a report was filed. the vehicle was destroyed and the insurance company towed the vehicle to the salvage yard. the side of the contact's residence sustained property damage. in july of 2008, the contact smelled something burning when she activated the headlights. the headlights caught fire and melted. the dealer stated that due to a short on the connector wire, the air bag connector wire was replaced. the failure and current mileages were 116,000. updated 02/24/09. *lj updated 02/24/09. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 mitsubishi montero sport. the contact stated that the nut and bolt pulled out from the crankshaft pulley. while attempting to make a left turn at a stop sign, the vehicle failed to pull to the left. the dealer stated that nothing could be done to repair the vehicle…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 mitsubishi montero sport. the contact stated that the nut and bolt pulled out from the crankshaft pulley. while attempting to make a left turn at a stop sign, the vehicle failed to pull to the left. the dealer stated that nothing could be done to repair the vehicle unless the manufacturer approved the repairs. the contact referenced nhtsa campaign ID number 00v311001 (engine and engine cooling:engine). the vin was unknown. the failure and current mileages were 126,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
I own a 1997 mitsubishi montero sport LS. There was a recall for a crankshaft pulley bolt, nhtsa recall ID: 00v311001. I took my vehicle to the mitsubishi dealer and they replaced the bolt. This was back in 2000. In february of 2008 I was driving, getting ready to get on the highway when I heard a…
I own a 1997 mitsubishi montero sport LS. There was a recall for a crankshaft pulley bolt, nhtsa recall ID: 00v311001. I took my vehicle to the mitsubishi dealer and they replaced the bolt. This was back in 2000. In february of 2008 I was driving, getting ready to get on the highway when I heard a grinding and then a loud noise from the engine, I lost power steering and quickly pulled over. Popped the hood of my vehicle and noticed that the crankshaft pulley had broken off. I towed it to my mechanic who stated that the crankshaft pulley bolt had broken. He gave me an estimate of $2400 to have the crankshaft replaced, or $3100 to put in a rebuilt engine. I called mitsubihsi and talked to s lady who was very rude, she would hardly let me say anything. She stated that there was nothing that they could do and to contact the dealership that had replaced the bolt. That dealership IS no longer there, went out of business. Looking online I have found numerous complaints about this happening to people who own both the 97 and 98 models of montero sports, even after bringing their vehicles in for the recall. If this had occurred while I was traveling on the highway I could have been seriously injured as I lost all power steering. I feel that this IS a serious safety issue, I know that mitsubishi issued a recall to fix this but their fix did not resolve the problem. I also feel that mitsubishi should pay for fixing my vehicle as it IS related to the bolt breaking. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 mitsubishi montero sport. Her vehicle was repaired according to recall #00v311001 affecting the engine and engine cooling:engine the mechanic tightened the crankshaft pulley bolt. After six months driving approximately 10 mph the engine, oil, and brake light illuminated…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 mitsubishi montero sport. Her vehicle was repaired according to recall #00v311001 affecting the engine and engine cooling:engine the mechanic tightened the crankshaft pulley bolt. After six months driving approximately 10 mph the engine, oil, and brake light illuminated on the instrument panel. The steering column also began to tighten up. After inspecting the vehicle she noticed that the crankshaft pulley fell out of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer since her vehicle was previously repaired per the recall. The dealer stated that the contact IS responsible for the cost of repairs. The crankshaft pulley was replaced. Two months later the engine made a loud shutter then the pulley fell out of the vehicle again. The manufacturer did not provide her with any assistance. She has pictures of the failed component. The failure and current mileages were 149,000. updated 02-11-08 *bf the consumer stated she had to pay out of pocket for repairs $1,300.00 and received a discount of $200 from the dealer. The consumer further stated the dealer also found another defect in the vehicle in which the consumer also had to pay out of pocket. The consumer also stated there was a 2ND incident with the brake recall. Updated 02/11/08 *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 mitsubishi montero sport. the contact stated that the bolt in the vehicle's crankshaft pulley backed out. the failure caused the pulley to become loose and sheer the pin on the end of the crankshaft. while driving 35 mph, the power steering, brakes, and engine failed. the vehicle had to be towed. the engine size was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 109,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
Dt: the contact stated the crank shaft pulley bolt broke on 10-24-05. She had recall 00v311000 repair work done in october -2002. the contact wanted to file a complaint because she was still having problems with the crank shaft. She felt this should have been fixed properly the first time.…
Dt: the contact stated the crank shaft pulley bolt broke on 10-24-05. She had recall 00v311000 repair work done in october -2002. the contact wanted to file a complaint because she was still having problems with the crank shaft. She felt this should have been fixed properly the first time. She spoke to the dealer and to mitsubishi. Mitsubishi told her to contact the dealer and it may or may not be covered. She contacted the dealer, and he told her that at the time of the recall they tightened the bolt, as stated in the recall. She though the recall notice should have stated the dealer should have actually changed the bolt.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
Dt: the contact owns a 1997 mitsubishi montero sport. In 6-03 he brought the car I to dealer because the timing belt came off. The repair work cost $463.06. On 7-26-03 the contact brought it back because the timing belt came off again. He found there was recall 00v311001 and the dealer fixed…
Dt: the contact owns a 1997 mitsubishi montero sport. In 6-03 he brought the car I to dealer because the timing belt came off. The repair work cost $463.06. On 7-26-03 the contact brought it back because the timing belt came off again. He found there was recall 00v311001 and the dealer fixed it at no cost last week on 9-29--0) the timing belt came off again. He had the vehicle towed, and the mechanic could see the bolt sticking out. talked to the dealer, and the dealer originally said they would repair it because it had a lifetime warranty. later the contact found out from the dealer that the warranty expired. The estimate repair expense would be $500.00. He called the manufacturer and neither wanted to accept responsibility. The manufacturer would not pay for the repairs because the dealer did not repair it correctly. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
Recall campaign 00v311001 concerning crankshaft pulley bolt. While driving 65 mph the vehicle lost power and control. Consumer was able to pull the vehicle off the main road. Then, tow truck was called, and the vehicle was towed to consumer's home. The tow truck driver informed the consumer that…
Recall campaign 00v311001 concerning crankshaft pulley bolt. While driving 65 mph the vehicle lost power and control. Consumer was able to pull the vehicle off the main road. Then, tow truck was called, and the vehicle was towed to consumer's home. The tow truck driver informed the consumer that the crankshaft pulley bolt broke. Consumer stated this was the second time that crankshaft pulley bolt needed to be replaced within a year after recall repairs were done.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys · Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
Vehicle lost power steering assist, and the engine overheated while driving at any speed. This was caused by the crankshaft pulley bolt shearing off. dealer was notified.*ak
- Seat belts › Front
Shoulder belt guide allows for belt to be trapped. this presents a safety concern in the the restraint system will not function properly in a crash.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
1997 mitsubishi montero sport was taken to dealership for crankshaft pulley bolt recall service. 18 months later, the bolt backed out, causing approx. $1000 in damages, repaired at private mechanic's garage. happened again 1 month later; same garage repaired under their warranty. happened again…
1997 mitsubishi montero sport was taken to dealership for crankshaft pulley bolt recall service. 18 months later, the bolt backed out, causing approx. $1000 in damages, repaired at private mechanic's garage. happened again 1 month later; same garage repaired under their warranty. happened again 1 month later; private garage refused to repair again. took it to manufacturer dealership; paid another approx. $1100 for repairs. happened again 2 months later; dealership refuses to warranty repair; estimates another $2800 to replace entire crankshaft. mitsubishi refuses to cover any of the repairs.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper
The rear calipers became very hot, locked up while driving and as a result the driver almost lost control of the vehicle. *ak *cb *nlm
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
While driving at highway speeds, consumer states that the vehicle has had 5 alternaters in the last 13 months. please provide any further information. Ts
- Seats
While waiting for the light to change at zero speed, I was struck in the rear by a conversion van going approximately 40 mph. primary impact caused the back of the driver's seat to collapse. the car was totaled and I as the driver experienced severe lower and upper spine injuries. dt
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
No summary. dt
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
Crankshaft/pulley recall was done in january 2002. Recently vehicle lost powers teering at 45 mph. dealer stated crankshaft/ pulley needed to be replaced. Please provide additional information.*ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
Fuel fitting and pump assy. Rubbed against body to cause a rupture resulting in a serious fuel leak. *Ak
- Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Support device/strut
When opening the hatch door, the shock arm broke causing the door to slam down, bend the frame of the back door and break the rear window of the vehicle.this looks like a defect to me. major safety issue. if I had been under the door, it would have knocked me out.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
Everytime consumer starts up vehicle there IS a loud noise due to back pressure in engine. Consumer has taken vehicle to dealer several time, but cannot determine cause.*ak consumer has also had ac repaired on three occassions.*jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While traveling at approximately 65 mph vehicle starting "thumping and squealing". consumer stopped vehicle, and had vehicle towed to dealership, who determined that crankshaft/ pulley bolt broke, causing extensive damage to engine. there IS a recall 00v311000 dealing with this issue.…
While traveling at approximately 65 mph vehicle starting "thumping and squealing". consumer stopped vehicle, and had vehicle towed to dealership, who determined that crankshaft/ pulley bolt broke, causing extensive damage to engine. there IS a recall 00v311000 dealing with this issue. However, this vehicle has a 4.0 cylinder engine and would not be included in that campaign. please provide any additional information/attachments.*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.
- 10002357Obd-ii drive cycle.
- 10002271Air conditioner refrigerant quantity - service manual revision.
- 10001040A pulsating or rattle noise heard when the air conditioner IS on.
- 10000696New and revised information relating to readiness test status descriptions and procedures.
- 6092414Mitsubishi motor sales of america, inc. IS voluntarily recalling certain vehicles for inspection and, if necessary, repair of a condition related to the front brake tubes.
- 6088731This bulletin contains recommended automatic transmission / transaxle maintenance information.
- 6088726This bulletin contains recommended manual transmission / transaxle maintenance information.
- 637074Information on a diagnostic trouble code p0174 set
- 635109Information on crankshaft identification marks - service manual revision.
- 631890Subject regarding ball joint dust cover grease application, service manual revision. *Slc
- 631467Subject regarding diagnostic trouble codes p0171 and p0174 for V6 models.
- 629937Customers may report that after pushing the horn button when the accessory socket IS in use,the horn continues to blow when the button IS released.
- 627138Some vehicles may experience vehicle body vibration.*jb
- 627082Subject regarding incorrect propeller shaft installation.*jb
- 625956Technical information regarding crankshaft pulley bolt replacement.
- 625546This bulletin contains instructions for eliminating a popping noise from the rear hatch area of the vehicle.
- 622483Brief information concerning torque converter vibration / shudder.
- 622442Brief information regarding vibration / shudder condition at rear of vehicle on leaf-spring models.
- 622427This bulletin provides corrected instructions for troubleshooting cruise control system trouble code dtc 12, vehicle speed sensor system which was incorrect in the service manuals.
- 618246Information on diagnosing transfer lever stuck in 4H and torque converter vibration / shudder / surge condition.
- 618238Subject regarding crankshaft pulley bolt replacement.
- 618235Some 4-wheel drive models may exhibit a transfer lever stuck in 4H.
- 618232Subject regarding fuel pump operation check - service manual revision.
- 618215Information on corrections to circuit diagrams relating to the central door locking system.
- 618208Subject regarding corrections to rear door glass holder installation instructions.
- 617812This advance technical information notice states that mitsubishi motor sales of america, inc. (Mmsa) IS voluntarily recalling affected vehicles for a possible loose crankshaft pulley bolt.
Every Mitsubishi Montero Sport model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.