1991 Mitsubishi Montero problems
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 1991 Mitsubishi Montero problems
The 1991 Mitsubishi Montero is a reliable and capable off-road vehicle, but like any other car, it has its common problems. Here are some of the issues reported by owners of the 1991 Mitsubishi Montero:
- Transmission Problems: The transmission is another common problem in the 1991 Mitsubishi Montero. The transmission can develop shifting difficulties, especially into overdrive. It can take about 15 to 20 minutes of driving time before it will shift to overdrive. This problem can be caused by an engine sensor problem, a thermostat issue, or a transmission problem. The repair cost for this issue can vary depending on the cause and the repair needed.
- Engine Ignition Problems: Some owners of the 1991 Mitsubishi Montero have reported cylinder ignition problems. The engine turns over fine, but there is no ignition, and there is no pop, even with spark and fuel. This problem can be caused by a faulty ignition coil, a bad spark plug, or a wiring issue. The repair cost for this issue can vary depending on the cause and the repair needed.
- Computer Problems: The 1991 Mitsubishi Montero has a computer system that controls various functions of the car. Some owners have reported computer problems, such as the computer not recognizing the key, the check engine light coming on, or the car not starting. This problem can be caused by a faulty computer, a wiring issue, or a sensor problem. The repair cost for this issue can vary depending on the cause and the repair needed.
- Steering Problems: Some owners of the 1991 Mitsubishi Montero have reported steering problems, such as the steering being messed up, the front tires rubbing if the steering is turned too far to the right, or the steering being hard to turn. This problem can be caused by a faulty power steering pump, a leaking power steering hose, or a worn-out steering rack. The repair cost for this issue can vary depending on the cause and the repair needed .
In conclusion, the 1991 Mitsubishi Montero is a reliable and capable off-road vehicle, but it has its common problems. These issues can be expensive to repair, so it is essential to maintain the car regularly and address any problems as soon as they arise.
What is the problem of Mitsubishi Montero?
Some common problems of the Mitsubishi Montero include a broken crankshaft pulley bolt, brake failure due to a faulty hydraulic booster, transmission problems, and various electrical issues.
What engine is in a 1991 Mitsubishi Montero?
V6
Used 1991 Mitsubishi Montero - Specs & Features
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Base engine size | 3.0 L |
| Cylinders | V6 |
| Base engine type | Gas |
| Horsepower | 143 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
How much is a 1991 Montero worth?
The value of a used 1991 Mitsubishi Montero ranges from $1,073 to $6,000, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.
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.
1991 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:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Steering problems
- Tires problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Mitsubishi Montero vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1991 Mitsubishi Montero complaints
The NHTSA has received 18 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Mitsubishi Montero.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-11-21
- VIN: JA4GJ31S3MJ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I PURCHASED A MITSUBISHI MONTERO AS A MAIN CAR TO TRANSPORT BACK AND FORTH TO MY BUSINESS. THE CRANK SHAFT PULLEY BOLT CAME OUT AND I HAD THE CAR REPAIRED. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR FOR APPROXIMATELY 3 TO 4 WEEKS BEFORE THE PULLEY BOLT BROKE OFF IN THE CRANKSHAFT NOW I AM STUCK TRYING TO FIND A MECHANIC TO DRILL THE REMAINDER OF THE BOLT OUT. I BELIEVE THAT BASED ON THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM ALONG WITH THE COUNTLESS CONSUMERS THAT HAVE NOT LOGGED ONTO THIS SITE TO LAUNCH THIS COMPLAINT AND SINCE IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT MITSUBISHI DEALERS SHOULD RECALL THIS PRODUCT AND REMEDY THE PROBLEM ONCE AND FOR ALL. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-04-15
- VIN: JA4GJ5153MJ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DT: THE CONSUMER STATES THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL AT ONLY 1500 MILES. CONSUMER DID FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION ON THE DEALER. THE CONSUMER ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO OVERHEAT. THE DEALERSHIP IS FALSIFYING INFORMATION TO AN OFFICER BECAUSE THEY TOLD HIM CONSUMER WAS BEHIND ON HIS PAYMENTS AND HE IS NOT. *TT *JB
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-02-25
- VIN: JA4GJ31S6MJ
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING TO SCHOOL AND MY A/T LIGHTS CAME ON ASWELL AS MY BATTERY LIGHT. I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY AND OPENED MY HOOD AND SAW MY HARMONIC BALANCER/PULLEY LAYING ON MY SKID PLATE AS WELL AS A BROKEN BOLT. I RESEARCHED IT AND FOUND OUT IT HAPPENS ALOT ON THE VEHICLE AND THAT ITS VERY COMMON. I USE THE VEHICLE TO DRIVE TO SCHOOL AND TO WORK NEVER ABUSE IT AND NOW I AM STUCK PAYING MORE THEN I BOUGHT THE CAR FOR. ALL THAT IS ABLE TO HAPPEN IS ME PAY FOR A PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED AND SUFFER MISSING SCHOOL. THE VEHICLE IS A 1991 MONTERO.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-07
- VIN: PROVIDE
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE VEHICLE CONSUMED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL.*JB
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JA4GJ5155MJ
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THERE WAS LOSS OF POWER STEERING.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-27
- VIN: JA4GJ31S1MJ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,TIRES
- Summary: I HAD TWO TIRES BLOW OUT ON ME ON THE WAY HOME FROM NORTH HOLLYWOOD ON 9/19/01. MY CAR IS PRESENTLY AT A REPAIR SHOP, SO I DON'T KNOW THE NAME OF THE TIRES. ALSO MY THERMOSTAT WENT OUT ON ME AND MY RADIATOR HAD TO BE FLUSHED. MY ENGINE THROUGH A ROD OR IS ABOUT TO. I'V HAD PROBLEMS STARTIN UP MY VEHICLE, BECAUSE THE BATTERY KEEPS MOVING AND HAS NO BATTERY BOX OR POST TO KEEP IT STABLIZED. I'VE ONLY HAD THE CAR 6 MONTHS, WE JUST BOUGHT IT. WE GOT IT CHECKED OUT BY WINSTON TIRES IN BARSTOW BEFORE WE BOUGHT IT AND ONLY MINOR PROBLEMS SHOW UP. UPON WINSTON TIRES ASSESSMENT, WE BOUGHT THE SUV. ALSO WE WE NOT ALLOWED TO GET A WARRANTY THROUGH THE DEALER, BECAUSE HIS LOAN COMPANY WOULDN'T ALLOW IT. INSTEAD OF LETTING US KNOW BEFORE WE DROVE OFF WITH THE VEHICLES, MARINE CORP WEST WOULDN'T GIVE US A WARRANTY FOR THIS SUV. WE WERE ALREADY OBLIGATED TO GO THROUGH WITH BUYING THIS VEHICLE WITHOUT THE WARRANTY AFTER WE DROVE OFF THE LOT. BUT IT'S THEIR FAULT FOR NOT LETTING US KNOW AHEAD OF TIME. THANK YOU
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION ENGINE DIED. TECHNICIAN STATED THAT BOLTS CAME OUT FROM CRANKSHAFT/ PULLY. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT BECAME LOOSE OVER TIME. PULLEY BOLT CAME OUT WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. DEALR HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-02-12
- VIN: JA4GJ31S6MJ
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: I HAVE BEEN TO FIRESTONE AND THEY SAY THIS TIRE IS NOT COVERED UNDER THEIR RECALL.*AK (DOT NUMBER: VD60AW3238 TIRESIZE: 3110.50R15)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-01
- VIN: JA4GJ51S7MJ
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE BRAKING OR AT A FULL STOP, VEHICLE SEEMED TO ACCELERATE. CONSUMER PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL, AND IT REVVED. CONSUMER SAID IT WAS GETTING GAS FROM SOMEWHERE.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-29
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I UNDERSTAND MITSUBIHI IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH CRANKSHAFT BOLT PROBLEMS IN OTHER VEHICLES, AND THIS IS ANOTHER INCIDENT.*AK (DOT NUMBER: N/A TIRESIZE: N/A)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-21
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JA4GJ51SXMJ
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: CURT & HAL SERVICE DEPARTMENT CALLED THE MITSUBISHI DEALER IN OUR AREA AND WERE TOLD THAT THIS PART WAS A VERY COMMON REPAIR TO THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE. WHEN LOOKING FOR A USED PART, THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NONE TO BE HAD IN ENTIRE WESTERN U.S., AND REPAIR OF THIS PART, AFTER IT HAS BEEN BURNED IS NOT AN OPTION. THE HOUSING HAS BURNED TO WHERE THEY AREN'T ABLE TO ATTACH NEW COMPONENTS TO IT. THANK YOU FOR LOOKING INTO THIS. IT SEEMS TO ME, THAT IF MITSUBISHI HAS HAD THIS KIND OF PROBLEM IN MANY OTHER MONTEROS, THEN THEY SHOULD BE DOING A RECALL. THANKS AGAIN, LORI LANNIGAN NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-15
- VIN: JA4GJ31SXMJ
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE TREAD JUST CAME FLYING RIGHT OFF OF THE TIRE, AND ALMOST CAUSED MY WIFE WHO IS PREGNENT AND MY CHIL OF FOUR TO ROLL. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-09
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JA4GJ31S5MJ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE CONSUMER WAS IN THE STORE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AND CONSUMER CAN'T DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. *AK
STEERING,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-01
- VIN: JA4GJ41S7MJ
- Components: STEERING,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: STEERING COLUMN FAILURE; ALSO, FRONT/REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLES FAILED. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-04
- VIN: JA4GJ51S7MJ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION GEAR SHIFTER WILL NOT LOCK WHEN KEY IS REMOVED FROM IGNITION SWITCH, ALLOWING VEHICLE TO ROLL BACKWARDS.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-15
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: DURING VEHICLE OPERATION WHEN THE VEHICLE COMES TO A STOP, IT PERIODICALLY TENDS TO ACCELERATE AND SURGE FORWARD. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-10-17
- VIN: JA4GJ51S8MJ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: FRONT BRAKE ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED 5 TIMES WITHIN 4 YEARS; WEAR THIN; METAL TO METAL GRINDING SOUND; EXCESSIVE STOPPING EFFECT. TT
1991 Mitsubishi Montero recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1991 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: REESE PRODUCTS, INC
- Components: TRAILER HITCHES
- Summary: THE WELD ON THE RECEIVER UNIT OF THE TRAILER HITCH CAN BREAK.
- Consequence: IF THE FAILURE OCCURS, THE TRAILER CAN SEPARATE FROM THETOWING VEHICLE, AND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCH.
Positive 1991 Mitsubishi Montero car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1991 Mitsubishi Montero problems:
Known Mitsubishi Montero LS 1991 3.0 Issues | Expedition Portal
May 13, 2013 ... Check the radiator for scaling/calcium deposits and if there are a lot either have it rodded (they run a steel rod through the cooling channels) ...
Mitsubishi Pajero 1991: Common Problems & Solutions
Jul 4, 2013 ... This is indicative of a temperature related issue that you are nicking away at... if it were a gasket failure or head crack etc, the thermostat ...
how are the 1991 Mitsubishi Monteros? : r/Montero
Nov 15, 2023 ... Theyre great cars and so much more than a winter beater! as far as common problems, that is a jdm montero with a turbo diesel so unless someone ...
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 ...
1991 Mitsubishi Pajero Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Jun 7, 2019 ... Faults: Power steering motor. Front suspension bushes. Clutch slave cylinder failed (but luckily in a car park). These were all easily ...
Other years of Mitsubishi Montero
Are you having problems with your 1991 Mitsubishi Montero?
Jamal Hoppe 2025-01-02
I'm on my third and oldest Montero now, and I absolutely trust the brand. I bought a 20-year-old model with 160,000 miles on it, and everything works like new! The view through the tall windows is commanding, and with 143 horses under the hood, it feels like they must be Clydesdales. While some have mentioned that the driver's seat doesn't go back quite far enough and the radio controls are far below the dash, these are minor drawbacks. Gas mileage is fair, and it's helpful to know where to get parts. Luckily, there are plenty of options, including junk yards and several online forums, to keep this truck going for at least another five years. It's always great to meet other Montero owners, who often come up to the car and smile.
Cornelius Hodkiewicz 2024-10-29
It sounds like you have a great vehicle! I noticed that you've made a few modifications to it, including adding manual locking hubs, larger tires, a bushguard, and roof racks. It's great to hear that the engine and transmission are working perfectly and that you've had no issues with it getting stuck. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Wilfredo Smitham 2024-10-18
For the last two years, it has been our best vehicle. It has never broken down, and anything and everything fits in it. It's a great daily driver and very comfortable for long trips. The off-road capabilities are endless, with very good ground clearance, good suspension, and high/low 4x4 ranges. We have even crossed rivers headlight-deep and had no problems at all. Although the turning radius is not as good as other SUVs, the independent front suspension is absolutely fantastic.
Jordyn Hane 2024-08-20
Hi there! I'm so glad to hear that your SUV has been such a reliable companion for you over the years, even with the recent A/C and blinker issues. It sounds like you've had a lot of great memories with it and would love to keep it running forever. I completely understand how attached you can get to a vehicle that's been with you for so long! However, I can also understand the frustration of having to shell out money for repairs. Have you considered looking into a new vehicle that might be more cost-effective in the long run? Just a thought! Either way, it's clear that you have a lot of love for your SUV and I wish you all the best in whatever decision you make.
Murray Emmerich 2024-08-16
I bought this SUV brand new in June of 1990 and it's the only vehicle my two teenage daughters have ever known me to own. It has an original manual clutch and engine with over 250,000 miles on it and it still runs, although it does need an engine rebuild. I did have to replace the computer once due to the idle servo motor shorting out, which was a costly $1000 fix, but it's been the most expensive repair to date. Recently, I purchased the new Toyota FJ Cruiser after 17 years, but only time will tell if it can endure as well as my old faithful Montero. It's hard to say goodbye to such a reliable vehicle.