VehicleVerdict

1990 Mitsubishi Montero problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 25 complaints on file for the 1990 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.

25

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other Montero years?

Montero NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 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, 1990 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Montero years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 Mitsubishi Montero problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine832%
Seat Belts624%
Visibility & Wipers28%
Speed Control28%
Transmission28%
Brakes28%
Fuel System14%
Tires & Wheels14%
Steering14%

Does the 1990 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON DRIVEWAY FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES WHEN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE STARTED IN ENGINE. PRIOR TO INCIDENT, CONSUMER HAD A BROKEN THERMOSTAT REPLACED. *AK *SLC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 23, 2001 · fire

“THE CONSUMER IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE SEAT RESTRAINT BELT IN THE MIDDLE REAR SEAT. THE RESTRAINT BUCKLE IS TOO LOOSE AND THE BELT IS NOT LONG ENOUGH TO RESTRAIN CHILD SAFETY SEATS. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · August 22, 1998

“OUTER REARVIEW MIRRORS SCREWS STRIPPED, CANNOT BE TIGHTEND; MIRRORS SWAY BACK AND FORTH; DRIVER CANNOT ADJUST TO VIEW TRAFFIC; CAUSES HAZARDOUS DRIVING. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · November 15, 1993

“WHILE DRIVING THE THROTTLE STUCK, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO INCREASE SPEED, OWNER PUT VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL, HIT BRAKE AND VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL, RESULTING IN A VEHICLE ROLLOVER. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · December 31, 1997 · crash

“CONSUMER HAD FOUND A DESIGN FRAUD ON VEHICLE. HAD TAKEN IT TO A TECHNICIAN FOR CHECK UP. FOUND REAR BRAKE HOSE WILL PULL WHEN VEHICLE IS LIFTED. THEN WHEN IS PUT BACK ON GROUND COULD HAVE BRAKE FAILURE DUE TO EXTENSION ON BRAKE HOSE.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 2, 2001

1990 Mitsubishi Montero — common questions

Is the 1990 Mitsubishi Montero reliable?

The record is thin — 25 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1990 Montero problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (8 complaints), seat belts (6 complaints), brakes (2 complaints).

Does the 1990 Mitsubishi Montero have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1990 Mitsubishi Montero. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1990 Mitsubishi Montero under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations 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.