VehicleVerdict

1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport sits mid-pack among Montero Sport years: 37 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 44, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 43% of all reports (16 of 37), far ahead of steering at 4.

37

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Montero Sport years?

Montero Sport NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted128 complaints1997: 37 complaints1998: 44 complaints1999: 48 complaints2000: 128 complaints2001: 80 complaints2002: 63 complaints2003: 43 complaints2004: 6 complaints2009: 3 complaints
Montero Sport NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Montero Sport years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1643%
Steering411%
Body & Structure25%
Electrical System25%
Transmission25%
Brakes25%
Suspension13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Airbags13%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)13%
Fuel System13%
Other13%
Seat Belts13%
Seats13%

Does the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

00V311001EngineOctober 2, 2000 · 210,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I AM INQUIRING ON WHETHER OR NOT OTHER OTHER MONTERO SPORT ES OWNERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE BOLT SNAPPING AND WHETHER MITSUBISHI IS DOING ANOTHER ONE OF ITS COVER UPS. MITSUBISHI HAS AGREED TO PAYING FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF PARTS AND I HAVE TO COVER LABOR. I WANT TO SEE IF I HAVE A CASE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 27, 2001

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 3, 2002

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 2, 2015

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 21, 2008 · fire

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes

1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport — common questions

Is the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport reliable?

It is close to typical for the Montero Sport: 37 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 1997 Montero Sport problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (16 complaints), steering (4 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints).

Does the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mitsubishi Montero Sport years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Montero Sport years to avoid are 2000, 2001. The cleanest record among Montero Sport years belongs to 2009.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.