VehicleVerdict

1999 Mitsubishi Montero problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 47 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.0 times the median Montero year — the 1999 model ranks #8 of 22 Montero years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 5 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Suspension leads the complaint categories with 13 reports (28% of the total).

47

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

5

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Montero years?

Montero NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 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, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Montero years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Mitsubishi Montero problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension1328%
Transmission919%
Airbags511%
Engine49%
Brakes49%
Other36%
Electrical System24%
Steering24%
Speed Control12%
Fuel System12%
Body & Structure12%
Child Seat12%
Lighting12%

Does the 1999 Mitsubishi Montero have recalls?

2 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“HIGHW SPEED OF40MPH VEHICLE SHIFTED WITH HEAVY WHEEL VIBRATION VEHICLE WAS UNSTABLED AND REPORTED THIS COMPLAINT TO THE FACTORY. WHEN MAKIN A TURN IF THERE WAS A CRACK OR POT HOLE IN THE STREET THE VEHICLE HAD A TENDENCY TO SHIFT OFF THE WHEELS LEANING TO LEFT. IF IT RAINS THE VEHICLE WOULD SLIDE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · August 30, 2001 · crash

“RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE 99V041000. CONTACTED DEALERSHIP & SET APPOINTMENT. TOOK VEHICLE FOR TRANSMISSION REPAIRS & LATER PICKED IT UP. SMELLED BURNING OIL A WEEK LATER. TOOK VEHICLE TO MECHANIC & WAS INFORMED VENTILATION HOSE WAS RELOCATED AT BOTTOM OF TRANSMISSION. DEBRIS WAS ENTERING HOSE & GOING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 10, 1999

“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HER MOTHER, THE DRIVER OF A 1999 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO A MOUNTAIN AT A UNKNOWN SPEED AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER PASSED AWAY UPON IMPACT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 28, 2017 · crash

“1999 MITSUBISHI MONTERO BLEW UP ON ME FOR NO REASON MITSH REFUSES TO RELEASE ANY RECALL/SPEC/SAFETY RECORDS TO ME THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL RIGHT OFF DID CAUSE SECOND DEGREE BURNS TO MYSELF..FIRE DEPT SAID MAGNESIUM SOMEWHERE IN THE VEHICLE CONTRIBUTED TO THE HIGH RATE OF LOST AND BURN FACTOR. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 16, 2004 · fire

“RECEIVED MANUFACTURER'S RECALL NOTICE SR01004 IN THE MAIL.CONTACTED DEALER. TOOK VEHICLE ON DATE. AFTER ARRIVING WAS INFORMED NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRS. HAD CONTACTED MANUFACTURER, AND CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS NOT VERY INFORMATIVE REGARDING PARTS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 15, 2001

1999 Mitsubishi Montero — common questions

Is the 1999 Mitsubishi Montero reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 47 complaints put the 1999 model at #8 of 22 Montero years. It is one of the Montero years to avoid.

What are the most common 1999 Montero problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (13 complaints), transmission (9 complaints), airbags (5 complaints).

Does the 1999 Mitsubishi Montero have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Mitsubishi Montero. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.