1989 Mitsubishi Montero problems
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The Mitsubishi Pajero (三菱・パジェロ, Japanese: ; English: /pəˈhɛroʊ/; Spanish: ) is a full-size SUV (sport utility vehicle) manufactured and marketed globally by Mitsubishi over four generations — introduced in 1981 and discontinued in 2021.
The Pajero nameplate derives from Leopardus pajeros, the Pampas cat. Mitsubishi marketed the SUV as the Montero in North America, Spain, and Latin America (except for Brazil and Jamaica) due to the term "pajero" being derogatory (meaning "wanker") in Spanish. In the United Kingdom, it was known as the Shogun (将軍), named after the Japanese word for "General." The model was discontinued in North America in 2006.
The Pajero, Montero, and Shogun names were used on other, mechanically unrelated models, such as the Pajero Mini kei car, the Pajero Junior and Pajero iO/Pinin mini SUVs, and the Triton-based Pajero/Montero/Shogun Sport mid-size SUVs. The Pajero is one of four models by Mitsubishi (the others being the Triton, Pajero Sport and the Pajero iO) that share Mitsubishi's heavy-duty, off-road-oriented Super-Select four-wheel-drive system as opposed to their light-duty Mitsubishi S-AWC all-wheel-drive system.
The Pajero has generated more than 3.3 million sales in its 40-year run. The name lives with the smaller Pajero Sport, which is based on the Mitsubishi Triton/L200/Strada pickup. Despite the similarity in name, the Pajero Sport shares none of the original Pajero's underpinnings and is smaller in overall size.
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Common 1989 Mitsubishi Montero problems
Based on the information provided in the sources, here are the common problems with the Mitsubishi Montero 1989 based on complaints from owners:
- Check Engine Light: The check engine light staying constantly on without flashing can indicate a stored code. Understanding the likely cause of a constant light and its implications on a Mitsubishi Montero is crucial for diagnosing potential issues.
- Starter Issues: Some owners have experienced intermittent failure of the starter drive gear to engage the flywheel, resulting in a clicking sound when attempting to start the engine. Despite replacing solenoids and starters, the problem persists, raising questions about potential causes beyond the solenoid, such as battery health and cranking amps under load.
- Cold Start Problems: Cold start issues have been reported, where the engine sputters and struggles to start in the morning, requiring multiple attempts before running smoothly. Understanding the root cause of this issue, especially in colder temperatures, is essential for addressing the starting problems effectively.
These common problems with the Mitsubishi Montero 1989 highlight various challenges faced by owners, ranging from diagnostic difficulties to starting issues and cold start problems. Addressing these issues promptly and accurately is crucial to maintaining the performance and reliability of the vehicle.
Are old Mitsubishi Monteros reliable?
According to MotorTrend and various forums, the Montero is overall a reliable SUV. However, there are certain model years that run into problems in their transmissions, braking, and engines, which are always certainly expensive to fix. These are the 2001 to 2002 Montero models.
How many miles can a Mitsubishi Montero last?
I have a few customers well into the 300k mile range, and a lot of customers in the 200s. Really it all depends on how well the vehicle is maintained, but it is unusual to see any major failures even at this mileage provided the basic maintenance is done on time.
Why did they stop making Mitsubishi Montero?
Unfortunately for Mitsubishi, Montero popularity waned in its later years as buyers started to focus more on crossovers than capable, truck-based SUVs like the Montero — so Mitsubishi cancelled the Montero in the U.S. market following the 2006 model year, and devoted itself instead to selling crossovers.
What is the mileage of Mitsubishi Montero?
11.5 kmpl
Mitsubishi Montero mileage is 11.5 kmpl.
1989 Mitsubishi Montero car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mitsubishi Montero problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Steering problems
- Seat belts problems
- Air bags problems
- Tires problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Mitsubishi Montero vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1989 Mitsubishi Montero complaints
The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Mitsubishi Montero.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-20
- VIN: JA4GJ5152KJ
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE HORN WAS INOPERATIVE. THE CONSUMER HAD TO DISCONNECT THE HORN CONNECTOR TO STOP THE HORN FROM OPERATING. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT PROBLEM WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL. *JB *TC
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-16
- VIN: JA4GJ51SXKJ
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: FIRST TIRE BLOWOUT JUST AFTER LEAVING PARING LOT AT WORK. SECOND TIRE BLOWOUT WHILE DRIVING TO WORK. THIRD TIRE REPLACED IN PARKING LOT AT WORK WHEN IT STARTED TO VIBRATE AND SHOWED DAMAGE INDICATING A PLY SEPARATION WAS IMMINENT. FOURTH TIRE BLEW OUT AT 65 MPH ON INTERSTATE 10 NEAR BENSON, AZ, WITHOUT ANY WARNING. *AK( DOT NUMBER: ELBNCJL495 TIRE SIZE: P235/75 R1 )
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-22
- VIN: JA4GJ51S0KJ
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WE HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS IN THE PAST YEAR. OUR MECHANIC BELIEVES THAT IT IS A FLAW IN THE DESIGN OF THE PARTS INVOLVED. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT HE WON'T EVEN ATTEMPT TO FIX THE VEHICLE IN THE FUTURE. HE HAS TOLD US TO SELL THE CAR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, BECAUSE HE CAN GIVE US A "WRITTEN GAURANTEE THAT THE SAME PROBLEM WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. WE HAVE SPENT AROUND $900.00 SO FAR ON THIS PROBLEM, AND THE ESTIMATE TO GET IT FIXED AGAIN IS $1400.00. OUR FAMILY HAS BEEN WITHOUT A VEHICLE FOR OVER A MONTH BECAUSE WE CAN'T AFFORD THE REPAIR COST.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-06
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE CRANKSHAFT:PULLEY BOLTS BROKE.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-13
- VIN: JA4GJ51S7KJ
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THE TIE ROD BROKE INSIDE THE ADJUSTMENT SLEEVE.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-01
- VIN: JA4GJ51S9KJ
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. TT
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-09-16
- Crash: 1
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: VEHICLE NOT DESIGNED TO TURN CORNERS AS OTHER 2 WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT. *SD
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-09-16
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JH7FJ53S8JK
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHEN MAKING LEFT HAND TURNS VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: PLASTIC PRESS RELEASE BUTTON BROKE OFF MAKING SEAT BELT BUCKLE INOPERABLE. OWNER HAS BROKEN PART. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-06-01
- VIN: JA4GJ51S4KJ
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE MODEL #524 DOES NOT LATCH MOST OF THE TIME. TT
1989 Mitsubishi Montero recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1989 Mitsubishi Montero.
- Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
- Consequence: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
- Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI MANUFACTURING AMER
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE ENGINES ARE SUBJECT TO THROTTLE VALVE ICING UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS.
- Consequence: THIS MAY CAUSE THE THROTTLE VALVE TO STICK AND NOT ALLOWTHE ENGINE RPM TO RETURN TO IDLE WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: INSTALL A HEATED ADAPTER PLATE.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1989 Mitsubishi Montero problems:
1989 Montero V3.0 Issues - Mitsubishi Forum - Mitsubishi Enthusiast ...
Aug 31, 2009 ... the car has a mitsu only diag. port located either above the glovebox or right by the ECM. and dont use aftermarket starters. Theyre all junk.
Q&A: 1989 Mitsubishi Montero ECM/PCM Issues - Dodge Raider ...
Mar 28, 2013 ... Was this answer helpful? up Yes. down No. Finish.
Mitsubishi Montero Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
Top Mitsubishi Montero Problems · Loose or Broken Crankshaft Pulley Bolt · Handling Issues Due to Worn or Damaged Front Suspension or Steering Components · Front ...
Q&A: 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport XLS - Common Problems ...
Dec 15, 2009 ... What causes emissions on the functional test in Mitsubishi Montero Sport - Answered by a verified Auto Mechanic.
Opinion of Mitsu Montero Sport | Bob Is The Oil Guy
Jan 26, 2022 ... ... problem that can cause loss of power steering. Other common problems with the Mitsubishi Montero Sport include transmission leaks onto the ...
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