VehicleVerdict

2000 Mitsubishi Montero problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 68 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.9 times the median Montero year — the 2000 model ranks #6 of 22 Montero years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (8), body & structure (7), and electrical system (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

68

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2000 compare to other Montero years?

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

See all Montero years to avoid →

What are the most common 2000 Mitsubishi Montero problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes812%
Body & Structure710%
Suspension69%
Electrical System69%
Transmission57%
Tires & Wheels57%
Engine57%
Fuel System57%
Airbags57%
Visibility & Wipers34%
Other34%
Speed Control34%
Steering23%
Seat Belts23%
Latches & Locks23%
Seats11%

Does the 2000 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.

“ON 7/13/00, WHILE TRAVELLING ON CITY STREET @ 25-30 MPH & MAINTAINING ADEQUATE DISTANCE ( AT LEAST 2 CAR LENGTHS )FROM VEHICLE IN FRONT, DRIVER OF SAID VEHICLE STOPPED IN LANE ( AT A GREEN LIGHT )TO AVOID HITTING CARS IN FRONT OF HIM THAT HAD STOPPED, I PRESSED DOWN ON MY BRAKES & IT FAILED TO STOP…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 13, 2000 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS FRACTURED AND CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · March 15, 2013

“I GOT BRAKES CHANGED ON MY MONTERO TWICE IN 3 YEARS HAPPEN AGAIN WHILE DRIVING BRAKE FAIL PADS CAME OUT OF CALIPER BRAKES KEEPS GOING BAD AFTER 1.5 TO TWO YEARS DID CALIPERS CHANGE AS WELL SAME THING CALIPERS WILL GET STUCK AND PADS WILL COME OUT THEY HAVE A RECALL ON 1997 1998 MODELS FOR BRAKES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 12, 2017

“WHILE DRIVING FROM 35 MPH AND UP THERE IS VIBRATION COMING FROM THE FRONT END. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP SEVEN TIMES IN THE LAST TEN MONTHS FOR THIS PROBLEM. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO CORRECT OR FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension

“KNOCKING IN THE FRONT END BETWEEN THE TWO TIRES, STEERING, BRAKES, KNOCKING AND OTHER NOISE, PULLING TO THE LEFT, TIRES WEARING BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF FRONT TIRES. NOTICED TIRE WERE CUFFED AND ROUND. BOTH REAR WINDOWS STICK WHEN OPERATING IN DOWN MOTION. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · April 19, 2001

2000 Mitsubishi Montero — common questions

Is the 2000 Mitsubishi Montero reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 68 complaints put the 2000 model at #6 of 22 Montero years. It is one of the Montero years to avoid.

What are the most common 2000 Montero problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (8 complaints), body & structure (7 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints).

Does the 2000 Mitsubishi Montero have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2000 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.