Avoid: 2001 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2004
5 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 7 model years, the Mitsubishi Montero Sport has 567 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and hydraulic. 2001 drew the most complaints (245), 2004 the fewest (5).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Mitsubishi Montero Sport 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: 2001 (245 complaints). Lowest: 2004 (5).
Sentiment is generally positive, with a strong reputation for reliability, value, and off-road capability, particularly for older generations (pre-2010).
Very common on older V6 engines (3.0L, 3.5L), specifically from valve cover gaskets and the crankshaft pulley/balancer area.
Described as "slow af," with a delay in power delivery ("bubwelo") making overtaking difficult.
Soft suspension leads to significant lean in corners.
Low-resolution screen, system slow to boot after being in hot sun, wired connection only, sensitive USB ports causing disconnections.
8-speed automatic on newer models described as jerky (especially 1st to 2nd gear) and prone to gear hunting. Older automatic transmissions (e.g., 1999) can exhibit a "punch" or clunk when shifting from Neutral to Drive/Reverse, potentially due to worn mounts. Transmission overheating on inclines reported on a 2013 model.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Montero Sport. Individual model years are broken down above.
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