VehicleVerdict

1998 Mitsubishi Montero Sport problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1998 Mitsubishi Montero Sport sits mid-pack among Montero Sport years: 44 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 44, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 14 reports (32% of the total).

44

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Montero Sport years?

Montero Sport NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 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, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Montero Sport years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Mitsubishi Montero Sport problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1432%
Electrical System716%
Brakes511%
Steering49%
Airbags49%
Visibility & Wipers25%
Transmission25%
Other12%
Body & Structure12%
Suspension12%
Tires & Wheels12%
Fuel System12%
Speed Control12%

Does the 1998 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.

“MAKE: MITSUBISHI MODEL: MONTERO SPORT XLS YEAR: 1998 SUV WAS TOTAL LOSS DUE TO OUT OF CONTROL AND ROLLED OVER. *N LM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 18, 2003 · crash

“I TURNED MY AC ON AND SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING AND MY CAR BATTERY LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT AS WELL AS MY AT LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN MY RADIO, AC,DOME LIGHT AND MOON ROOF WONT CLOSE I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY WANTED 400$ JUST TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND THAT DOESN'T INCLUDE FIXING IT I TOOK…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 6, 2012 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH LEFT FRONT WHEEL WOULD LOCK. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP. MECHANIC INDICATED THAT ROTORS/PADS P AND CALIPERS NEEDED REPLACING. HAD PADS/CALIPERS AND ROTOR REPLACED, BUT PROBLEM STILL OCCURRED.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 20, 2003

“MAKE: MITSUBISHI MODEL: MONTERO SPORT XLS YEAR: 1998 SUV WAS TOTAL LOSS DUE TO OUT OF CONTROL AND ROLLED OVER. *N LM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · April 18, 2003 · crash

“WHILE TRAVELING ON ROUTE 632, ANOTHER VEHICLE FAILED TO YIELD THE RIGHT OF WAY, ENTERED AND STOPPED IN THE INTERSECTION OF ROUTE 632 & ROUTE 645 IN NEW JERSEY; CAUSING MY SUV TO BROAD SIDED THEIR PICK-UP TRUCK. LUCKILY THERE WERE NO FATALITIES. HOWEVER, NEITHER THE MITSUBISHI DRIVER OR PASSENGER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 9, 2011 · crash

1998 Mitsubishi Montero Sport — common questions

Is the 1998 Mitsubishi Montero Sport reliable?

It is close to typical for the Montero Sport: 44 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 1998 Montero Sport problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (14 complaints), electrical system (7 complaints), brakes (5 complaints).

Does the 1998 Mitsubishi Montero Sport have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 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.