1999 Mitsubishi Montero Sport: common problems and reliability
40 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about equipment. 3 recalls.
Should I buy one?The 1999 Mitsubishi Montero Sport has 40 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are equipment and engine and engine cooling. Owners most often flag transmission concerns: 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.
Safety record for the 1999 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1999 Mitsubishi Montero Sport vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1999 a good year for the Montero Sport?
Across the 7 Montero Sport model years we track, complaint volume runs from 5 (2004) to 245 (2001). With 40 complaints, the 1999 Montero Sport sits below the model's median of 61.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1999 Montero Sport
service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Campaign 01V027000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.5L ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 106, "BRAKE HOSES." THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH NONCOMPLIANT BRAKE VACUUM HOSES.
engine and engine cooling:engine
Campaign 00V311001VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES: MIRAGE MODEL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 1.5L ENGINES; MONTERO SPORT MODELS EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L ENGINES; AND MONTERO MODELS EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L ENGINES. THE BOLT SECURING THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY CAN BECOME LOOSE AND THE PULLEY COULD FALL OFF THE VEHICLE.
power train:automatic transmission
Campaign 99V041000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL DRIVE AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID COULD BE VENTED ONTO THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM AS A RESULT OF UNANTICIPATED HEAT GENERATION IN THE TRANSMISSION.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is generally positive, with a strong reputation for reliability, value, and off-road capability, particularly for older generations (pre-2010).
- RecurrentTransmission concerns
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. See the full Montero Sport owner picture and every model year.
Other Montero Sport model years
Compare every Montero Sport year side by side to see how 1999 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Montero Sport against its rivals
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