1997 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 1997 Mitsubishi Montero problems
The Mitsubishi Montero, also known as the Pajero or Shogun in other markets, is a full-size SUV with a reputation for reliability. However, like any vehicle, it can experience certain common problems. Here are some of the issues reported by owners of the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero, based on the search results:
- Electrical issues: The 1997 Montero has experienced various electrical problems, including a malfunctioning horn that honks even when the vehicle is parked and an alarm that activates in the middle of the night. These issues could be due to a worn-out metal ring inside the airbag housing or other electrical components failing.
- 4WD and ABS indicators: Some owners have reported that the 4WD and ABS light indicators blink in the dashboard, even when the 4WD is not activated and the vehicle is braking. This issue could be due to a failing 4x4 valve.
- Gearing issues: Some owners have reported that the vehicle has difficulty shifting gears when accelerating sharply, which could be due to low transmission oil levels or electronic issues.
- Fuel filter problems: Some owners have reported that changing the fuel filter solved issues with the vehicle not starting or having difficulty accelerating.
- Starting problems: Some owners have reported issues with the vehicle not starting, which could be due to a variety of factors, including faulty ignition components or electrical issues.
- Heating problems: Some owners have reported issues with the vehicle's heating system, which could be due to a malfunctioning heater core or other heating system components.
- Rear hatch issues: Some owners have reported issues with the rear hatch handle not working, making it difficult to open the hatch from the inside.
These common problems with the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero are based on complaints from owners and should be taken as a general overview of potential issues that may arise. It's crucial to consult with a professional mechanic for accurate diagnosis and repair recommendations.
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 was Montero discontinued?
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.
How much horsepower does a 1997 Mitsubishi Montero have?
All 1997 Montero trim variations have 200 horsepower.
1997 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
- Hydraulic problems
- Service brakes problems
- Electrical system problems
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Mitsubishi Montero vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1997 Mitsubishi Montero
The NHTSA has received 98 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1997 Mitsubishi Montero vehicles.
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-07-02
- VIN: JA4LS31P2VP
- Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,TIRES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 55 AND 65 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BALL JOINTS, WHEEL BEARINGS, TRANSMISSION MOUNT, UNIVERSAL BOLT, AND TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 00V311001 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), BUT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 114,000.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-04-12
- VIN: JA4MR41R3VJ
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING AND STALLED. CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT FELL OUT AND HARMONIC BALANCER FELL OFF.CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND LIFE THREATENING SITUATION. *TR
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-03-12
- VIN: JA4MT31P7VP
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE, CRANK SHAFT PULLEY BOLT DEFECTIVE SHOULD HAVE RECALLED ALL OF THEM. *TR
STEERING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-10-28
- VIN: JA4LS31P3VP
- Components: STEERING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT CAME LOOSE CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING. HAD TO STEER VERY HARD MANUALLY TO PARK CAR. DANGEROUS SITUATION. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-05-31
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JA4MR51R5VJ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS
- Summary: ON 5/31/14, MY 1997 MITSUBISHI MONTERO WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. WHEN I WENT TO GET INTO THE VEHICLE, I NOTICED A LARGE BURN IN THE BACK OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT. AFTER CALLING MITSUBISHI, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME SINCE IT WAS STILL SMOLDERING AND DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY. THEY BELIEVED IT TO BE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. AFTER MANY FOLLOW-UP CALLS TO MITSUBISHI, THEY BELIEVE IT WAS CAUSED BY WEAR AND TEAR SINCE THE CAR WAS 17 YEARS OLD. ALL OF THE COST TO FIX THE ISSUE WAS ON ME AS THE OWNER. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-04-16
- VIN: JA4MR41R5VJ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 1997 MITSUBISH MONTERO 3.5 LITER AUTOMATIC- CRANK SHAFT BOLT HAS COME OUT ON 5 SEPARATE OCCASIONS AND HAS COST OVER $3000 TO HAVE IT REPLACED. THE INSIDE OF THE CRANKSHAFT WHERE THE BOLT GOES IS COMPLETELY STRIPPED TO THE POINT I NOW HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED ISSUE AS THIS APPEARS TO BE AN INHERENT PROBLEM WITH ALL YEARS OF MONTEROS. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS AND MITSUBISHI SHOULD COVER THE COST FOR THERE NEGLIGENCE. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-05-12
- VIN: JA4MR41RXVJ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CRANKSHAFT PULLEY PIN/BOLT GETS SHEARED OFF. DASH LIGHTS COME ON AND VEHICLE POWER STEERING STOPS WORKING AS THE PUMP IS NOT TURNING BECAUSE THE PROBLEM AFFECT THE ENTIRE PULLEY SYSTEM. IT ALSO AFFECTS THE TIMING GEAR/BELT/HARMONIC BALANCER. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME IN AS MANY YEARS THIS HAS HAPPENED. THIS IS THE 2ND MECHANIC WHO HAS TOLD ME THAT IT'S AN ENGINE DEFECT BECAUSE THE PIN/BOLT IS TOO SHORT. THERE IS NO WARNING BEFORE IT HAPPENS. IT OCCURS UNDER NORMAL CITY DRIVING CONDITIONS AT LOW OR NO SPEED. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-07-15
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JA4MT31P7VP
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND IDLING. I WAS IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT WHEN A FIRE BROKE OUT AND THE FLAMES CAUSED ME SEVERE BURNS TO MY BODY. I WAS NEARLY ASPHYXIATED. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-03-05
- VIN: JA4MR51R7VJ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 1997 MITSUBISHI MONTERO CRANKSHAFT PULLEY CAME LOOSE THREE TIMES WHICH CREATED NO POWER STEERING AND NO CHARGING OF THE BATTERY PURCHASED NEW CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BUT DID NOT HELP THE THIRD TIME INSTALLED A LOCK WASHER ON THE BOLT AND RE TORQUED TO SPEC LAST WEEK. *TR
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-09-08
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING TERMINAL CAME OFF MAKING THE VEHICLE GO IN DANGER. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-10-21
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JA4MT41P6VP
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE SO IT COULD WARM UP BEFORE DRIVING AND WENT BACK INTO THE HOUSE. WHILE IN THE HOUSE, SHE HEARD A LOUD BOOM SIMILAR TO AN EXPLOSION. SHE FOUND THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WERE CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOWED THE VEHICLE TO THE SALVAGE YARD. THE SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE SUSTAINED PROPERTY DAMAGE. IN JULY OF 2008, THE CONTACT SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING WHEN SHE ACTIVATED THE HEADLIGHTS. THE HEADLIGHTS CAUGHT FIRE AND MELTED. THE DEALER STATED THAT DUE TO A SHORT ON THE CONNECTOR WIRE, THE AIR BAG CONNECTOR WIRE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 116,000. UPDATED 02/24/09. *LJ UPDATED 02/24/09. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-06-15
- VIN: JA4MR41H7RJ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN SINCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-08-08
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE NUT AND BOLT PULLED OUT FROM THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AT A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO PULL TO THE LEFT. THE DEALER STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNLESS THE MANUFACTURER APPROVED THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V311001 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE). THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 126,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-02-10
- VIN: JA4MT31P0VP
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I OWN A 1997 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT LS. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR A CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT, NHTSA RECALL ID: 00V311001. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE MITSUBISHI DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE BOLT. THIS WAS BACK IN 2000. IN FEBRUARY OF 2008 I WAS DRIVING, GETTING READY TO GET ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN I HEARD A GRINDING AND THEN A LOUD NOISE FROM THE ENGINE, I LOST POWER STEERING AND QUICKLY PULLED OVER. POPPED THE HOOD OF MY VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY HAD BROKEN OFF. I TOWED IT TO MY MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT HAD BROKEN. HE GAVE ME AN ESTIMATE OF $2400 TO HAVE THE CRANKSHAFT REPLACED, OR $3100 TO PUT IN A REBUILT ENGINE. I CALLED MITSUBIHSI AND TALKED TO S LADY WHO WAS VERY RUDE, SHE WOULD HARDLY LET ME SAY ANYTHING. SHE STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO AND TO CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP THAT HAD REPLACED THE BOLT. THAT DEALERSHIP IS NO LONGER THERE, WENT OUT OF BUSINESS. LOOKING ONLINE I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS HAPPENING TO PEOPLE WHO OWN BOTH THE 97 AND 98 MODELS OF MONTERO SPORTS, EVEN AFTER BRINGING THEIR VEHICLES IN FOR THE RECALL. IF THIS HAD OCCURRED WHILE I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED AS I LOST ALL POWER STEERING. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, I KNOW THAT MITSUBISHI ISSUED A RECALL TO FIX THIS BUT THEIR FIX DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. I ALSO FEEL THAT MITSUBISHI SHOULD PAY FOR FIXING MY VEHICLE AS IT IS RELATED TO THE BOLT BREAKING. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-11-17
- VIN: JA4MT31P4VP
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. HER VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO RECALL #00V311001 AFFECTING THE ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE THE MECHANIC TIGHTENED THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT. AFTER SIX MONTHS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH THE ENGINE, OIL, AND BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE STEERING COLUMN ALSO BEGAN TO TIGHTEN UP. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE SHE NOTICED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER SINCE HER VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER THE RECALL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTACT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS. THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY WAS REPLACED. TWO MONTHS LATER THE ENGINE MADE A LOUD SHUTTER THEN THE PULLEY FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE AGAIN. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT PROVIDE HER WITH ANY ASSISTANCE. SHE HAS PICTURES OF THE FAILED COMPONENT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 149,000. UPDATED 02-11-08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED SHE HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR REPAIRS $1,300.00 AND RECEIVED A DISCOUNT OF $200 FROM THE DEALER. THE CONSUMER FURTHER STATED THE DEALER ALSO FOUND ANOTHER DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE IN WHICH THE CONSUMER ALSO HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THERE WAS A 2ND INCIDENT WITH THE BRAKE RECALL. UPDATED 02/11/08 *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-06-25
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: STARTED CAR, NOTICED 3 RANDOM LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. THEN POWER STEERING WAS INTERMITTENT. THEN A/C WENT OUT AND WOULD NOT COOL DOWN. THEN POWER STEERING FAILED COMPLETELY. CAR WAS DRIVEN TO REPAIR SHOP NEARBY, SINCE NO LOCAL MITSUBISHI DEALER. MECHANIC FOUND CRANKSHAFT BOLT BROKEN THAT LED TO POWER STEERING AND A/C PULLEY NOT WORKING. INCIDENT LED TO NEAR LOSS OF CONTROL DURING TURNING , AS POWER STEERING WOULD "KICK" IN AT TIMES DURING CORNERING AND LEAD TO OVERSTEER. HAD TO CHANGE CRANKSHAFT BOLT, HARMONIC BALANCER, TIMING BELT GEAR, AND SOMETHING ELSE. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-05-02
- VIN: JA4LS31PXVP
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BOLT IN THE VEHICLE'S CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BACKED OUT. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE PULLEY TO BECOME LOOSE AND SHEER THE PIN ON THE END OF THE CRANKSHAFT. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE POWER STEERING, BRAKES, AND ENGINE FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 109,000.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-05-22
- VIN: 4A3AJ56G5VE
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: MY 1997 MITSUBISHI HAS AN OPEN RECALL TO REMEDY SUSPENSION FRONT:CONTROL ARM: LOWER BALL JOINT DEFECT. I PURCHASED THE CAR USED IN 2006. ON 5/21/07, I WAS TOLD BY SEARS AUTO, A PROBLEM EXISTED WITH THE SUSPENSION:LOWER BALLJOINT. I FOUND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL, FOR THE EXACT PROBLEM THIS CAR HAS. I CONTACTED MITSUBISHI CUSTOER SERVICE ON 5/22/07. THEY WILL NOT TELL ME IF THE DEFECT WAS CORRECTED, THEY WILL ONLY SAY THE CAR WAS SERVICED, WHICH COULD MEAN ANYTHING. THEY WILL NOT OFFER ME ANY REMEDY. I WANT THE DEFECT CORRECT BY MITSUBISHI. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-09-26
- VIN: JA4MR51R0VJ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY AND BOLT BECAME DISCONNECTED. THIS OCCURRED TWICE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-10-24
- VIN: JA4MT31P6VP
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE CRANK SHAFT PULLEY BOLT BROKE ON 10-24-05. SHE HAD RECALL 00V311000 REPAIR WORK DONE IN OCTOBER -2002. THE CONTACT WANTED TO FILE A COMPLAINT BECAUSE SHE WAS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE CRANK SHAFT. SHE FELT THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN FIXED PROPERLY THE FIRST TIME. SHE SPOKE TO THE DEALER AND TO MITSUBISHI. MITSUBISHI TOLD HER TO CONTACT THE DEALER AND IT MAY OR MAY NOT BE COVERED. SHE CONTACTED THE DEALER, AND HE TOLD HER THAT AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL THEY TIGHTENED THE BOLT, AS STATED IN THE RECALL. SHE THOUGH THE RECALL NOTICE SHOULD HAVE STATED THE DEALER SHOULD HAVE ACTUALLY CHANGED THE BOLT.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-09-29
- VIN: JA4LS31P4VP
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. IN 6-03 HE BROUGHT THE CAR I TO DEALER BECAUSE THE TIMING BELT CAME OFF. THE REPAIR WORK COST $463.06. ON 7-26-03 THE CONTACT BROUGHT IT BACK BECAUSE THE TIMING BELT CAME OFF AGAIN. HE FOUND THERE WAS RECALL 00V311001 AND THE DEALER FIXED IT AT NO COST LAST WEEK ON 9-29--0) THE TIMING BELT CAME OFF AGAIN. HE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED, AND THE MECHANIC COULD SEE THE BOLT STICKING OUT. TALKED TO THE DEALER, AND THE DEALER ORIGINALLY SAID THEY WOULD REPAIR IT BECAUSE IT HAD A LIFETIME WARRANTY. LATER THE CONTACT FOUND OUT FROM THE DEALER THAT THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. THE ESTIMATE REPAIR EXPENSE WOULD BE $500.00. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND NEITHER WANTED TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIRS BECAUSE THE DEALER DID NOT REPAIR IT CORRECTLY. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-30
- VIN: 4A3AJ56G7VE
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: MY COLUMN SWITCH NO LONGER WORKS RESULTING IN TURN SIGNALS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. WEN INVESTIGATING THE REPLACEMENT PART FOR THIS ITEM, I DISCOVERED THAT IT IS THE SAME THAT WHICH MITSUBISHI INSTALLED ON ITS 1999 GALANT. THERE HAS BEEN A NHTSA RECALL FOR THIS UNIT. THUS, I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT THERE SHOULD ALSO BE A RECALL OF THIS UNIT FOR 1997 YEAR MODELS OF THE MITSUBISHI GALANT AS WELL.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-02-18
- VIN: JA4MT31P4VP
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: RECALL CAMPAIGN 00V311001 CONCERNING CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND CONTROL. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OFF THE MAIN ROAD. THEN, TOW TRUCK WAS CALLED, AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CONSUMER'S HOME. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT BROKE. CONSUMER STATED THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THAT CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED WITHIN A YEAR AFTER RECALL REPAIRS WERE DONE.*AK
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-07
- VIN: JA4MT31P9VP
- Components: STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING ASSIST, AND THE ENGINE OVERHEATED WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THIS WAS CAUSED BY THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT SHEARING OFF. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-10
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TIMING BELT BROKE WHICH CAUSED INTERFERENCE WITH MOTOR, RESULTING IN THE WHOLE TOP HALF OF THE ENGINE BEING REPLACED. *JB
1997 Mitsubishi Montero recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero.
- Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: VEHICLE 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.
- Consequence: BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAK RESULTING IN DETERIORATED BRAKING PERFORMANCE AND ILLUMINATION OF THE BRAKE INDICATOR LAMP.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT BRAKE LINES FOR SIGNS OF WEAR AND ROUTING. IF THE LINES ARE NOT CORRECTLY CENTERED IN THE PASS-THROUGH HOLE, THE LINES WILL BE REPOSITIONED BY BENDING SLIGHTLY TO CORRECT. IF THERE IS EVIDENCE OF BRAKE LINE WEAR, THE BRAKE LINE WILL BE REPLACED.
- Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: VEHICLE 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.
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, AN OCCUPANT OF THE THIRD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED AND COULD BE EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE THIRD-SEAT LATCH AND STRIKER. A RECTANGLE WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE CARGO MAT AROUND EACH STRIKER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE STRIKER CLEARANCE AND PROPER LATCHING.
Negative 1997 Mitsubishi Montero car reviews
Positive 1997 Mitsubishi Montero car reviews
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Hi there! It's great to hear that you've had this vehicle for about 3 years/40,000 miles and have only performed scheduled maintenance on it. I understand that maintenance can be expensive, but it's important to keep your SUV in top condition. Although it may not be as refined as the newer Montero, it's still a good solid SUV with fold-up third row seating for better flexibility. You can expect to get around 17 mpg, which is pretty decent for an SUV. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
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We were lucky enough to receive this amazing truck from a family member, even though it already had 315,000 miles on it. Since then, we have driven it for about 6 months and an additional 6,000 miles without any issues. The truck still drives like it's brand new and has an impressive amount of power. It's a true workhorse, having towed a camper for many miles around the U.S. The previous owner was incredibly meticulous with maintenance, changing the oil with synthetic oil every 5,000 miles. The truck is originally from the south and still looks immaculate, which is why we get so many compliments on it. People are always surprised when they hear how many miles it has on it!
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I bought my 97 model back in early 1998 and have been driving it ever since. With over 170,000 miles on the clock, it still accelerates briskly and is an absolute joy to drive. Recently, I've been considering purchasing a 2000 model with the squared off wheelwells, as I find it to be even more appealing than my own. The only reason I'm considering selling my current Montero is because I'm worried that a major part might break at some point. However, I've been pleasantly surprised to find that I've had no major problems with it and have been getting Honda-level mileage from my Mitsubishi. As someone with a long torso, I've always struggled to find an SUV with enough headroom, but the Montero has bags of it. All in all, I'm thrilled to be looking for a second Montero.
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Hi there! We purchased this car brand new back in late '96. While we don't go off-road much, it definitely gets the job done when we need it to. It has been incredibly reliable for us, and we make sure to keep up with all scheduled maintenance. While it may not be the most comfortable for long trips, it was a lifesaver when we had twins in college and needed to haul a lot of stuff - especially with a luggage carrier on top! The jump seats can be a bit of a nuisance since they take up space in the rear, but they would be perfect for small kids. The mileage isn't the greatest, averaging around 16mpg around town. Thanks for considering our experience with this car!
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There are many SUVs out there that claim to be great off-roaders, but this truck truly delivers. It has won the Dakar Rally multiple times, which is a testament to its capabilities. If you're looking for a vehicle that can handle tough terrain, this truck is a great option. However, if you're not planning on using it for off-roading, there are plenty of other SUVs that might be more suitable for your needs. While it may not be the most attractive truck on the market, it is incredibly practical and durable, with a top-notch drivetrain linkage. I've been in some very challenging situations with this truck, and it has always come through for me. When choosing an SUV, it's important to be honest about your intentions and how you plan to use it.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Mitsubishi Montero problems:
1997 Montero Sport 3.0L problems - Mitsubishi Forum - Mitsubishi ...
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Jun 27, 2012 ... Hey, fantastic! Here is the actual breakdown of the starters for the Sport: 1997 through late 1998/early 1999 = Starter 1 (this is the ...
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1997 Mitsubishi Montero Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues
Problem with your 1997 Mitsubishi Montero? Our list of 3 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1997 Mitsubishi Montero.
The Mitsubishi Pajero Owners Club® :: View topic - 3500 GDi ...
V624V **** **** Joined: 05 Dec 2002. Posts: 344. Location: Dubai. Post Posted: Tue Aug 10, 2010 13:11 Post subject: 3500 GDi Common Problems ...
Other years of Mitsubishi Montero
Are you having problems with your 1997 Mitsubishi Montero?
Jamaal Lockman 2024-09-18
Hi there! I wanted to share my experience with the Full-size Montero. This is actually the second one I've owned, and I have to say, it's been a bit of a mixed bag. My first one, a '95 LS, was unfortunately quite unreliable and expensive to fix. However, I decided to give the Montero another chance and purchased a '97 with the larger 3.5 engine. While the gas mileage wasn't great, I found that it performed well...until it hit around 85,000 miles. Since then, I've had a few mechanical issues, including a blown head gasket, 5 alternators, 3 batteries, a water pump, and camshaft seals. On top of that, some of the electronic features like the mirrors, remote entry, and antenna have stopped working. It's been a bit of a headache, but I'm hopeful that things will improve. Just wanted to share my experience and give you a heads up. Thanks for listening!
Lesley Witting 2024-09-14
This is a great looking SUV with lots of features. However, I have had some trouble with it despite taking good care of it. It has been expensive to repair and maintain, with multiple issues such as alternators, rear door hinges, and batteries. Unfortunately, my experience has led me to decide not to purchase another Montero. It's a cool truck, but reliability is a top priority for me.
Emmitt Kerluke 2024-06-23
This is a fantastic truck! I drive it to school every day and back, go hunting and off-roading in it, and it holds up incredibly well. The locking differentials really add to its 4-wheel drive power. The interior is nice, and the seats are extremely modular. In my opinion, this truck is better without the optional jump seats. The engine is very capable and runs very quietly.