1998 Mitsubishi Montero: common problems and reliability
80 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about suspension. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 1998 Montero?The 1998 Mitsubishi Montero has 80 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are suspension and engine and engine cooling.
Safety record for the 1998 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 Mitsubishi Montero vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1998 a good year for the Montero?
Across the 9 Montero model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2005) to 174 (2002). With 80 complaints, the 1998 Montero sits above the model's median of 40.
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 1998 Montero
equipment:other:labels
Campaign 04V428000CERTAIN 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.
unknown or other
Campaign 98V205000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ACCESSORY CARGO MATS IN THE THIRD-SEAT AND CARGO AREA. THIS CARGO MAT INTERFERES WITH THE LATCHING INTEGRITY OF THE FOLDING THIRD SEATS.
service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Campaign 98V220000VEHICLE 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.
air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Campaign 20V035000Mitsubishi 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is generally positive, with the Montero and Montero Sport widely regarded as reliable, durable, and offering strong value, particularly in the used market.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Montero. See the full Montero owner picture and every model year.
Other Montero model years
Compare every Montero year side by side to see how 1998 ranks against the rest.
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