VehicleVerdict

1997 Mitsubishi Nativa problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1997 Mitsubishi Nativa — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Nativa years?

Nativa NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted2 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 0 complaints1999: 1 complaints2002: 2 complaints
Nativa NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Nativa years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Mitsubishi Nativa problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension1100%

Does the 1997 Mitsubishi Nativa have recalls?

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

00V311002EngineDecember 6, 2000 · 61,068 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE BOLT SECURING THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY CAN BECOME LOOSE AND THE PULLEY COULD FALL OFF THE VEHICLE.

Consequence

THE CONDITION CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

ON THE MIRAGE VEHICLES, THE DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW, IMPROVED CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT ON THE OLDER ENGINES. ON NEW ENGINES WHICH ALREADY HAVE THE IMPROVED BOLT, THE DEALER WILL TIGHTEN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT TO THE CORRECT TORQUE SPECIFICATION. ON THE MONTERO MODELS, DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT TO THE CORRECT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. IF THE BOLT IS DAMAGED, IT WILL BE REPLACED.

98V220001BrakesSeptember 21, 1998 · 6,609 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.

1997 Mitsubishi Nativa — common questions

Is the 1997 Mitsubishi Nativa reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1997 Mitsubishi Nativa have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Mitsubishi Nativa. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.