Avoid: 2002, 2000 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2005 (few owner reports)
5 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 7 model years, the Mitsubishi Montero has 482 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 18 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and hydraulic. 2002 drew the most complaints (174), 2004 the fewest (5).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Mitsubishi Montero vehicles (US, public record).
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
Highest: 2002 (174 complaints). Lowest: 2004 (5).
Sentiment is generally positive, with the Montero and Montero Sport widely regarded as reliable, durable, and offering strong value, particularly in the used market.
Sluggish acceleration, struggles on highways.
Described as "tagtag" or uncomfortable, especially compared to crossover competitors.
Gear hunting, getting stuck in lower gears on inclines.
Low-resolution screens, basic features, wired connectivity only.
Reports of 18-20 MPG (13-14 L/100km) or worse, particularly in V6 models.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Montero. Individual model years are broken down above.
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