1997 Mitsubishi Nativa problems

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The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is a mid-size SUV produced by the Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi Motors using the Pajero nameplate since 1996 that has spanned over three generations and based on the Triton pickup truck. Mitsubishi has formerly used the Mitsubishi Challenger (Japanese: 三菱・チャレンジャー, Hepburn: Mitsubishi Charenjā) name in Japan and some international markets, but since the third generation, the Pajero Sport/Montero Sport/Shogun Sport was the name used instead.

First generation (K80/K90/PA/PA II; 1996)

For the SUV sold alongside the first generation Montero Sport in Latin American markets, see Mitsubishi Montero Outlander.

Production began in Japan in 1996, and was available for most export markets by 1997, where it was variously known as the Challenger, Pajero Sport in Europe, Montero Sport in North America, South America, Spain and the Philippines, Nativa in parts of Latin America, the Caribbean and the Middle East, Shogun Sport in the United Kingdom, and Strada G-Wagon in Thailand. Based on the Strada pickup truck of the same vintage, sharing many components and some body panels (i.e. front doors), the first-generation Pajero Sport was also built on the second-generation Pajero wheelbase, and served as a smaller model to the larger Pajero.

Like the Pajero, it featured independent front suspension with torsion bars and a live rear axle. In addition to numerous facelifts over the years, there was a major suspension change from rear leaf to coil springs in late 2000. As its popularity increased, local assembly for foreign markets was introduced in China in 2003, and Brazil in 2006. Sales were discontinued in Japan in 2003. In the United States, where it was superseded by the Endeavor, sales ended in 2004. In Canada the Montero Sport continued to be sold alongside the Endeavor until 2008. Sales in central and western Europe ended in 2008, with the introduction of the second generation Pajero/Montero Sport. In Japan, it was sold at a specific retail chain called Car Plaza.

The 3-litre V6 is the most commonly used engine; it produces 175 hp (130 kW; 177 PS) at 5,000 rpm. The North American market received petrol V6 engines during all years of production while a petrol 2.4-litre engine was offered on base models from 1997 through 1999 in the United States and for additional years in Canada. Markets outside of North America also had a variety of turbo-diesel four-cylinder engines to choose between.

1997 Mitsubishi Nativa

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Common 1997 Mitsubishi Nativa problems

Based on the information provided in the search results, here are the common problems reported by owners of the Mitsubishi Nativa 1997:

  • Electrical System Faults: The Mitsubishi Nativa 1997 has been reported to have electrical system problems, ranging from simple issues like blown fuses to more complex wiring problems. These electrical faults can lead to issues with the infotainment system or electric windows. Seeking a technical diagnosis from a mechanic is recommended for these issues.
  • Engine Oil Leaks: The 3.5-liter V6 engine in the Mitsubishi Nativa 1997 has been known to leak oil from the cylinder heads. This issue can be resolved by installing new O-rings, which is a relatively simple and inexpensive repair. Additionally, earlier models with the 3.0-liter V6 engine may suffer from valve stem leaks, leading to oil entering the combustion chamber and causing the engine to burn oil and produce bluish smoke.
  • Suspension System Problems: The suspension system of the Mitsubishi Nativa 1997 can be prone to failure, often related to shock absorbers. Failed shock absorbers can result in a rough ride, reduced stability, increased tire wear, and overall compromised handling. Replacing the shock absorbers is usually a straightforward solution to address this issue and restore a smoother driving experience.
  • Timing Belt Maintenance: One crucial concern highlighted by Mitsubishi Nativa owners is the importance of replacing the engine's timing belt every 60,000 miles. Failing to replace the timing belt at the recommended intervals can lead to significant engine damage, emphasizing the necessity of regular maintenance to prevent costly repairs.

These common problems with the Mitsubishi Nativa 1997 highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to any issues that arise to ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.

1997 Mitsubishi Nativa engine

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 is the engine capacity of the Mitsubishi Nativa?

3.0 L

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2000 Mitsubishi Nativa 4WD
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Fuel Economy
EPA MPGRegular Gasoline 17 combined city/highway MPG 15 city 19 highway 5.9 gals/100 miles

What is the common problem of Mitsubishi?

1) Transmission Issues

Mitsubishi transmission issues have been a cause of concern for many owners, leading to frustrations and potentially costly repairs. Transmission slipping, harsh shifting, delayed engagement, or complete transmission failure.

Why is Mitsubishi not popular?

An additional factor spurring Mitsubishi's downfall may have been that the automaker vainly tried to compete model for model against Toyota, Nissan and Honda. Mitsubishi simply did not have the resources to keep up. The stacked graph below shows how the automaker was a marginal player even at its peak.

1997 Mitsubishi Nativa car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mitsubishi Nativa problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Suspension problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Mitsubishi Nativa vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1997 Mitsubishi Nativa complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Mitsubishi Nativa.

1998-10-16

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JA4LS21PIVP
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: VEHICLE'S FRONT END SUSPENSION IS POOR CAUSING DAMAGE TO TIRES AND SHOCK ABSORBERS CONTINUALLY.

1997 Mitsubishi Nativa recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1997 Mitsubishi Nativa.

2000-12-06
  • Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
  • Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. 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.
1998-09-21
  • Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN
  • 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.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1997 Mitsubishi Nativa problems:

1999 Mitsubishi Montero Sport: Common Problems & Q&A
1999 Mitsubishi Montero Sport: Common Problems & Q&A
https://www.justanswer.com/mitsubishi/6ueyt-mitsubishi-montero-sport-1999-mitsubishi-montero-sport-replaced.html

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 ...

Mitsubishi Nativa Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Mitsubishi Nativa Reviews - Carsurvey.org
http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/mitsubishi/nativa/

Jun 4, 2015 ... Faults: Had to replace brake pads after 3 years, which is fine. Replaced tyres after 4 years!!! Because I didn't drive much on off road.

MITSUBISHI NATIVA Recalls List by Year
MITSUBISHI NATIVA Recalls List by Year
https://www.recallslist.com/mitsubishi/nativa/

MITSUBISHI NATIVA recalls, problems, issues and years to avoid ... The common problems for this model: Engine ... 1997 MITSUBISHI NATIVA. Issues: Engine. Total cars ...

Hi /r/4x4, what are your opinions on the Mitsubishi Montero/Pajero ...
Hi /r/4x4, what are your opinions on the Mitsubishi Montero/Pajero ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/4x4/comments/1zu7dy/hi_r4x4_what_are_your_opinions_on_the_mitsubishi/

Mar 8, 2014 ... ... problems with it. The ... Don't buy one with the DOHC 3.5l that was common pre NP (1997 ish) models. ... i have a 1997 montero ls. 140k miles and ...

blinking the 4x4 light - Mitsubishi Forum - Mitsubishi Enthusiast ...
blinking the 4x4 light - Mitsubishi Forum - Mitsubishi Enthusiast ...
https://mitsubishiforum.com/forum/mitsubishi-montero-montero-sport-14/blinking-4x4-light-1891/

Aug 16, 2004 ... Could that have anything in common w/ problem? ... I have a similar problem with my 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport. ... problems. I don't like the ...

Other years of Mitsubishi Nativa

mitsubishi nativa 1999 photo
Nativa 1999
Mitsubishi

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mitsubishi nativa 2002 photo
Nativa 2002
Mitsubishi

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1

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  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mitsubishi nativa 1997 photo
Nativa 1997
Mitsubishi

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2

0

  • 5
  • 4
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  • 2
  • 1

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1997 Mitsubishi Nativa photo