VehicleVerdict

Mitsubishi Montero years to avoid

The Mitsubishi Montero years to avoid are 2001, 2002, 1995, 1998, 1997, 2000, 2003, 1999, 1996 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 1984 is the cleanest year on record.

989

Total complaints

17

Recall campaigns

1984–2006

Years covered

9

Years to avoid

Complaints by model year

Montero years to avoid

YearWhyComplaints
2001High complaint rate213
2002High complaint rate132
1995High complaint rate106
1998High complaint rate91
1997High complaint rate85
2000High complaint rate68
2003High complaint rate53
1999High complaint rate47
1996High complaint rate40

Every Montero year

YearComplaintsRecalls
200660
200510
200473
2003avoid532
2002avoid1323
2001avoid2134
2000avoid682
1999avoid472
1998avoid914
1997avoid852
1996avoid402
1995avoid1062
1994355
1993173
1992184
1991222
1990251
1989102
198811
198741
198681
198401

Common questions

What are the worst Mitsubishi Montero years?

Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Montero years to avoid are 2001, 2002, 1995, 1998, 1997, 2000, 2003, 1999, 1996. The cleanest year on record is 1984.

What is the best year for the Mitsubishi Montero?

By complaint volume, 1984 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Montero years with enough data to compare.

How many recalls does the Mitsubishi Montero have?

Across all model years, the Montero has 17 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 989 consumer complaints on file.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.