VehicleVerdict

1998 Mitsubishi Montero problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 91 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.9 times the median Montero year — the 1998 model ranks #4 of 22 Montero years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 22 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across suspension (18), engine (11), and brakes (11), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

91

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

13

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

22

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Montero years?

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

See all Montero years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Mitsubishi Montero problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension1820%
Brakes1112%
Engine1112%
Airbags78%
Body & Structure67%
Tires & Wheels55%
Other55%
Visibility & Wipers44%
Seat Belts44%
Speed Control44%
Steering44%
Lighting33%
Transmission33%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)22%
Fuel System22%
Electrical System11%
Seats11%

Does the 1998 Mitsubishi Montero have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V035000AirbagsJanuary 23, 2020 · 18,123 units

Defect

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 1998-2000 Montero vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.

Remedy

MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 25, 2021. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-001.

04V428000OtherSeptember 1, 2004 · 100,432 units

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.' THE BILINGUAL ENGLISH/SPANISH REMOVABLE AIR BAG WARNING LABELS AFFIXED TO THE DASH AND TO THE SUNVISOR DO NOT MEET THE SIZE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Consequence

THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Remedy

MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN WILL MAIL A CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION LETTER CONTAINING A WRITTEN DESCRIPTION AND A GRAPHIC OF THE BI-LINGUAL DASHBOARD AIR BAG WARNING LABEL. IN ADDITION, ALL CURRENT 2000-2004 NATIVA OWNERS WILL ALSO RECEIVE REPLACEMENT AIR BAG ALERT LABELS FOR THE SUN VISORS. THIS RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH OR APRIL 2005. THE NOTIFICATION TO THE NATIVA OWNERS IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL OR MAY 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN AT 1-787-251-8715.

98V220000BrakesSeptember 9, 1998 · 61,800 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE FRONT BRAKE LINES CAN DEVELOP PIN HOLES DUE TO CHAFFING AGAINST THE EDGE OF THE PASS-THROUGH HOLE IN THE INNER FENDER.

Consequence

BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAK RESULTING IN DETERIORATED BRAKING PERFORMANCE AND ILLUMINATION OF THE BRAKE INDICATOR LAMP.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT BRAKE LINES FOR SIGNS OF WEAR AND ROUTING. IF THE LINES ARE NOT CORRECTLY CENTERED IN THE PASS-THROUGH HOLE, THE LINES WILL BE REPOSITIONED BY BENDING SLIGHTLY TO CORRECT. IF THERE IS EVIDENCE OF BRAKE LINE WEAR, THE BRAKE LINE WILL BE REPLACED.

98V205000OtherSeptember 2, 1998 · 60,243 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ACCESSORY CARGO MATS IN THE THIRD-SEAT AND CARGO AREA. THIS CARGO MAT INTERFERES WITH THE LATCHING INTEGRITY OF THE FOLDING THIRD SEATS.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, AN OCCUPANT OF THE THIRD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED AND COULD BE EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE THIRD-SEAT LATCH AND STRIKER. A RECTANGLE WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE CARGO MAT AROUND EACH STRIKER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE STRIKER CLEARANCE AND PROPER LATCHING.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“DUE TO NON -TIGHTENING/MISSING OF THE LOWER BALL JOINT NUT BY THE MANUFACTURER. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE RIGHT WHEEL ALMOST CAME OFF, CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, RESULTING IN THE CONSUMER HITTING A GUARDRAIL. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · December 20, 1997 · crash

“CRANKSHAFT BOLT BROKE, CAUSING TIMING BELT PULLEY/SPROCKET TO FALL OFF. THIS IS AN INTERFERENCE ENGINE AND COULD HAD CAUSED SERIOUS DAMAGE. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL FOR THE MONTERO 3.0 ENGINE FOR SAME PROBLEM..WHY NOT THE 3.5? INTEND TO CONTACT THE CORPORATION COMMISSION. VERY POOR DESIGN.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 25, 1999

“WHENEVER BRAKES ARE APPLIED, VEHICLE WOULD SLIDE OR SKID. INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. TOOK TO DEALER & INFORMED BRAKES ARE STICKING. WOULD HAVE ODORS/FUMES COMING INSIDE VEHICLE. ALSO, SOME SQUEAKING COMING FROM FRONT END. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 20, 1999

“WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A THREE VEHICLE PILE UP. UPON IMPACT, DUAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED MAJOR HEAD INJURIES, AND PASSENGER BROKE HIS SHOULDER. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 6, 2003 · crash

“IN A FRONTAL HEAD ON COLLISION VEHICLE IMPACTEED ON A TREE, AND IT PUSHED RADIATOR INTO ENGINE, AND FRAME BENT BECAUSE VEHICLE HAD NO BUMPER. NOT SURE IF IT CAME FROM MAUFACTURER WITHOUT IT OR IT WAS REMOVED.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · August 25, 2001 · crash

1998 Mitsubishi Montero — common questions

Is the 1998 Mitsubishi Montero reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 91 complaints put the 1998 model at #4 of 22 Montero years. It is one of the Montero years to avoid.

What are the most common 1998 Montero problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (18 complaints), engine (11 complaints), brakes (11 complaints).

Does the 1998 Mitsubishi Montero have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 Mitsubishi Montero. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1998 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.