VehicleVerdict

2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 128 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.9 times the median Montero Sport year — the 2000 model ranks #1 of 9 Montero Sport years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 20 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (19), transmission (17), and body & structure (15), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

128

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

26

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

20

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2000 compare to other Montero Sport years?

Montero Sport NHTSA complaints by model year, 2000 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, 2000 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Montero Sport years to avoid →

What are the most common 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1915%
Transmission1713%
Body & Structure1512%
Suspension1411%
Airbags119%
Engine108%
Steering108%
Seat Belts86%
Speed Control65%
Electrical System65%
Other22%
Lighting22%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)22%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Tires & Wheels22%
Fuel System11%
Seats11%

Does the 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport have recalls?

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

01V027000BrakesFebruary 5, 2001 · 19,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.5L ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 106, "BRAKE HOSES." THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH NONCOMPLIANT BRAKE VACUUM HOSES.

Consequence

THESE HOSES COULD BURST CAUSING FLUID LEAKAGE, INCREASING THE BRAKING CAPABILITY OF THE VEHICLE AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VACUUM HOSE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 15, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE STOPPING AT A RED LIGHT LIGHT TURN GREEN AND VEHICLE ACCELERATED, BUT VEHICLE IN FRONT DID NOT. CONSUMER STEPPED ON BRAKE PEDAL, BUT BRAKES DID NOT STOP VEHICLE THAT JUMPED INTO OTHER VEHICLE.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 28, 2000 · crash

“WHILE DRIVEN AT 85 MPH VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. PRIOR THE INCIDENT DEALERSHIP PROVIDE A GENERAL TUNE UP. THE INSURANCE COMPANY INDICATED TO CONSUMER THIS VEHICLE HAD RECALL ON TRANSMISSION, AND THAT WAS THE PROBLEM. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 27, 2004 · fire

“I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO A GARAGE FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, UPON INSPECTION ATTENDANT INFORMED ME THAT THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY CORRODED AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I AM STUNNED TO LEARN THIS, AS I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE AND IT HAS BEEN GARAGED SINCE OWNERSHIP. I AM ANGRY,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · June 4, 2012

“I HEARD A NOISE WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS WHILE HITTING BUMPS, WHEN I STOPPED DRIVING AND LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE I NOTICED THE FRAME WAS RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH TO THE OTHER SIDE, AND ESPECIALLY BAD WHERE THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL BRACKET IS ATTACHED TO THE FRAME, ITS SO LOOSE IT DOESN'T LOOK…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · October 5, 2018

“AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY WHEN DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND DROVE INTO A SMALL GROVE OF TREES. CAR WAS TOTALED. WINDSHIELD COLLAPSED, ENTERING CAR CABIN AND HIT DRIVER. DRIVER WAS WEARING HIS SEAT BELT AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. DRIVER INCURRED BUMP TO HEAD AND BRUISED HIP. DRIVER DID NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 25, 2010 · crash

2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport — common questions

Is the 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 128 complaints put the 2000 model at #1 of 9 Montero Sport years. It is one of the Montero Sport years to avoid.

What are the most common 2000 Montero Sport problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (19 complaints), transmission (17 complaints), body & structure (15 complaints).

Does the 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2000 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.