1992 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 1992 Mitsubishi Montero problems
The Mitsubishi Montero, also known as the Pajero or Shogun in different markets, is a full-size SUV known for its reliability. However, like any vehicle, it has some common problems that owners have reported over the years. Here are some of the most common issues with the Mitsubishi Montero, specifically focusing on the 1992 model year:
- Broken crankshaft pulley bolt: This issue affects Montero models from 1990 to 2006, including the 1992 model. The crankshaft pulley bolt, which secures the crankshaft pulley, has a tendency to break or come loose. This prevents the crankshaft pulley from doing its job, causing systems like air-conditioning and power steering to fail. While Mitsubishi issued a recall for the 1996 Montero, the issue has been reported in models made from 1990 to 2006.
- Faulty hydraulic brake booster: Owners of the 2001 Montero have reported a loud noise in the front of their vehicle, which can lead to brake failure. The root cause of the problem is a motor that wears out inside the hydraulic brake booster. Mitsubishi issued a voluntary recall for the issue, but it's worth noting that this problem is not specific to the 1992 model year.
- Oxygen sensor heater circuit malfunction: The 1992 Montero, like other Montero models from the early 2000s, may experience issues with the oxygen sensor heater circuits in its V6 engines. This malfunction can reduce fuel efficiency and raise emissions.
- Valve stem leaks: Some 1992 Monteros with the 3.0-liter V6 engine may suffer from valve stem leaks, which can cause the engine to burn oil and produce bluish smoke. This issue only applies to 12-valve 3.0-liter engines, not the 24-valve versions.
- Transmission issues: Some Montero owners have reported transmission problems, including issues with shifting and leaks due to excessive heat. While these issues are not specific to the 1992 model year, they are worth noting as potential concerns for Montero owners.
- Electrical issues: The Montero has been known to experience various electrical issues, which can affect components like the antilock brake system and the 4WD light. These issues are not specific to the 1992 model year, but they are worth mentioning as potential concerns for Montero owners.
While these common problems can be expensive to address, the Mitsubishi Montero is generally considered a reliable SUV, with Montero owners spending an average of $440 annually on repairs, which is low compared to other vehicles in its class.
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 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 |
1992 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
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1992 Mitsubishi Montero vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1992 Mitsubishi Montero complaints
The NHTSA has received 12 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1992 Mitsubishi Montero.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-01-28
- VIN: JA4GK41S0NJ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MITSUBISHI MONTERO 1992. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID:00V311001 AND 96V143002. DEALERSHIP CLAIMS THAT THE RECALL IS VOID BECAUSE THE BOLT BROKE AND THEY ASSUME THAT IT BROKE NOT BECAUSE OF RECALLED PART BUT IMPROPER REPAIR. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-07-21
- VIN: JA4GK31S2NJ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I OWN A 1992 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THIS VEHICLE IS UNDER RECALL, DETAILED BELOW: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 00V311001 EXACTLY WHAT IS STATED IN THE RECALL, HAPPENED TO MY VEHICLE. EXCEPT WHEN IT HAPPENED, INSTEAD OF COMPLETELY FALLING OUT, WHEN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT BECAME LOOSE IT CAME PARTLY OUT AND BROKE OFF LEAVING HALF OF THE BOLT SEIZED INSIDE THE CRANKSHAFT. I WAS UNAWARE OF THE RECALL ON THE PART AT THAT TIME. BUT AFTER CONTACTING MITSUBISHI FOR A DIFFERENT REASON (TO ORDER A SPARE KEY FOR THE VEHICLE) I WAS INFORMED OF THE RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. SURPRISED, I INFORMED THE MITSUBISHI REPRESENTATIVE OF WHAT HAPPENED. SHE INSTRUCTED ME TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE NEAREST MITSUBISHI DEALERSHIP AND TOLD ME THAT ALL THE REPAIRS NECESSARY WOULD BE DONE AT NO COST TO ME. SO I TOWED THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED. THE NEXT DAY THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALERSHIP CALLED ME AND TOLD ME THAT MITSUBISHI INSTRUCTED HER NOT TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY FOUND THAT THE TIMING BELT HAD BEEN REPLACED, AND THIS NEGATED MITSUBISHI'S REPAIR RESPONSIBILITIES. THE VEHICLE HAD ABOUT 155,000 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME OF BREAKDOWN. REPLACING THE TIMING BELT ON A CAR WITH THAT MANY MILES ON IT IS CONSIDERED ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. I INFORMED THE MITSUBISHI REPRESENTATIVE OF THE MILEAGE, SO THEY WERE WELL AWARE OF THE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE. APPARENTLY THE REASON FOR THE DENIAL OF REPAIR WAS THAT THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT HAS TO BE REMOVED AND PUT BACK IN TO REPLACE THE TIMING BELT. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIND ANY INFORMATION ON THE NHTSA WEB SITE STATING THAT OTHER NON-RELATED REPAIRS CAN NEGATE THE LIABILITY ON A SAFETY RECALL. SO I BELIEVE THAT MITSUBISHI IS WRONG IN THEIR DENIAL OF REPAIR. MY CAR FALLS UNDER THE RECALL AND MEETS ALL THE REQUIREMENTS STATED BY THE NHTSA. SO PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT I CAN DO TO REMEDY THIS SITUATION, AND IF I AM ENTITLED TO ANY LEGAL RECOURSE. *TR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-27
- VIN: PROVIDE
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE FRONT WHEEL LOCKED UP. *NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-28
- VIN: JA4GK51S6NJ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CRANKCASE BOLT WAS UNDER RECALL AND WAS INSPECTED AT DEALER LAST APRIL OF 2001. DEC . 28TH NOISE FROM ENGINE FORCED ME TO GO TO INDEPENT SHOP I HAVE USED PREVIOUSLY THE CRANKCASE BOLT THAT WAS UNDER RECALL AND WAS INSPECTED 10,000 MILES EARLIER AND FOUND TO BE AT PROPER TORQUE HAD LOOSENED .I SPOKE TO CALIFONIA CUSTOMER NO SERVICE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REINSPECTED AND TO BE REIMBURSED 67.00 TO TIGHTEN BOLT WITH NO SUCCESS. IF YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS I WOULD APPRECIATE IT. .BUT THE RECALL AT LEAST IN MY CASE DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM IT.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-02-10
- VIN: JA4GK51S5NJ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO DEFECTIVE ENGINE MODULE, REPLACING SECOND MODULE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK SPARK PLUGS WERE NOT OPERATIVE DUE TO ECM FAILURE. THE DEALER INSTALLED THE REPAIRED ECM. *YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-14
- VIN: JA4GK41S3NJ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THIS CAR HAS BEEN A LEMON MITSUBUSHI HAS THE COMPLETE REPAIR RECORD THEY SAY ITS THE ONLY ONE I FIND THAT HARD TO BELIVE AS THERE OWN DEALER SAID VALVE TRAIN PROBLEMS WERE FREQUENT.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-23
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JA4GK515INJ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AND PUTTING ON BRAKES PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER SAW A SCHOOL BUS AND SWERVED AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. CAR WAS STILL GOING AND IT WOULD NOT STOP. CONSUMER RAN UP AN EMBANKMENT AND USED EMERGENCY BRAKE THAT DIDN'T REALLY HELP, TOOK TO MECHANIC, AND THERE WAS A BIG SPLIT IN THE BRAKE LINE, LEADING TO THE CALIPER. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-23
- VIN: JA4GK51S1NJ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: DRIVING ON THE ROAD APPROX 20-25MPH AND APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT HIT THE BRAKES, WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR, SWERVED TO AVOID HITTING A SCHOOL BUS PUMP. BRAKE DIDN'T SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. VEHICLE CONTINUED DOWN THE ROAD, TURNED OFF INTO ALLEY. AND THREW IT IN PARK IN ORDER TO STOP. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE,INTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JA4GK41S3NJ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE,INTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: ABS WARNING LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED, INDICATING MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE SYSTEM. CAUSE UNKNOWN. ALSO REPLACED DOME LIGHTS, AND DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR SWITCH JAMS. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-01
- VIN: JA4GK51S3NJ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THERMOSTAT FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-21
- VIN: JA4GX31S8NJ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: THE CAR HAS EXPERIENCED LEAKING OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM.PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-30
- VIN: JA4GK41S0NJ
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: WHEEL RUSTING AROUND THE OUTER RIM ON ALL FOUR WHEELS. WHEELS COATED WITH WHITE PAINT. TT
1992 Mitsubishi Montero recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1992 Mitsubishi Montero.
- Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
- Summary: VEHICLE 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.
- Consequence: THE CONDITION CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: ON THE MIRAGE VEHICLES, THE DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW, IMPROVED CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT ON THE OLDER ENGINES. ON NEW ENGINES WHICH ALREADY HAVE THE IMPROVED BOLT, THE DEALER WILL TIGHTEN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT TO THE CORRECT TORQUE SPECIFICATION. ON THE MONTERO MODELS, DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT TO THE CORRECT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. IF THE BOLT IS DAMAGED, IT WILL BE REPLACED.
- Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: UNDER CONDITIONS OF FULL LOCK STEERING AND FULL SUSPENSION TRAVEL, THE LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT WHEEL-SIDE BRAKE HOSE CAN CRACK, RESULTING IN BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE.
- Consequence: BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE WILL CAUSE ILLUMINATION OF THE BRAKE WARNING LAMP AND REDUCTION IN BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT WHEEL-SIDE BRAKE HOSES WITH REVISED HOSE ASSEMBLIES.
- Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: UNDER CONDITIONS OF FULL LOCK STEERING AND FULL SUSPENSION TRAVEL, THE LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT WHEEL-SIDE BRAKE HOSE CAN CRACK, RESULTING IN BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE.
- Consequence: BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE WILL CAUSE ILLUMINATION OF THE BRAKE WARNING LAMP AND REDUCTION IN BRAKING EFFICIENCY INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT WHEEL-SIDE BRAKE HOSES WITH REVISED HOSE ASSEMBLIES.
- 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1992 Mitsubishi Montero problems:
Mitsubishi Pajero 1992: Common Problems & Fuel Consumption Q&A
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Mitsubishi Montero Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
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