VehicleVerdict

1988 Mitsubishi Montero problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1988 Mitsubishi Montero — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1988 compare to other Montero years?

Montero NHTSA complaints by model year, 1988 highlighted213 complaints1984: 0 complaints1986: 8 complaints1987: 4 complaints1988: 1 complaints1989: 10 complaints1990: 25 complaints1991: 22 complaints1992: 18 complaints1993: 17 complaints1994: 35 complaints1995: 106 complaints1996: 40 complaints1997: 85 complaints1998: 91 complaints1999: 47 complaints2000: 68 complaints2001: 213 complaints2002: 132 complaints2003: 53 complaints2004: 7 complaints2005: 1 complaints2006: 6 complaints
Montero NHTSA complaints by model year, 1988 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Montero years to avoid →

What are the most common 1988 Mitsubishi Montero problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1100%

Does the 1988 Mitsubishi Montero have recalls?

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

95V103004Seat BeltsMay 24, 1995 · 658,000 units

Defect

THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.

Consequence

THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.

1988 Mitsubishi Montero — common questions

Is the 1988 Mitsubishi Montero reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1988 Mitsubishi Montero have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1988 Mitsubishi Montero. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1988 Mitsubishi Montero under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mitsubishi Montero years should you avoid?

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

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.