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1996 Mitsubishi Montero problems

The most common problem on the 1996 Mitsubishi Montero is engine and cooling. It has fewer complaints than a typical Montero model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
27
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
54
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
14-15mpg

The worst 1996 Mitsubishi Montero problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Engine
    10
  • Brakes
    4
  • Steering
    4
  • Transmission
    4
  • Body
    2

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    10
  • Brakes
    4
  • Steering
    4
  • Transmission
    4
  • Body
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Recalls 2

Engine and engine cooling: engineReported October 2, 2000 · 210,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 00V311001 · Recall details

Unknown or otherReported September 2, 1998 · 60,243 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 98V205000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 1996 Mitsubishi Montero

Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Mitsubishi Montero 54

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 54 bulletins for the 1996 Mitsubishi Montero

1996 Mitsubishi Montero fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.0L 6‑cyl4WD141715
3.5L 6‑cyl4WD131714

What 1996 Mitsubishi Montero owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 23, 2007 · Engine · 146,000 miles · PA

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 mitsubishi montero. The contact stated that the bolts of the crank shaft pulley have fallen. She heard a strange noise while driving and all of the instrument panel lights illuminated. She also stated that the steering wheel locked up. The manufacturer advised her to call an authorized dealer. The dealer stated that no recalls for these failures were available for her vehicle. The contact researched the federal safety agency website and found a recall that relates to these failures. The failure and current mileages were 146,000. Updated 01/02/08. *lj recall#00v311001. Updated 12/12/07 , remailed complaint evoq 2/07/08.

Filed Sep 29, 2004 · Engine, Steering · NC

While driving steering failed. The crankshaft bolt that held it disengaged. Recall 00v311001 was issued.

Filed Feb 11, 2004 · Seats · 125,000 miles · CA

While driving between 40-45 MPH metal that kept the driver side seat back up right broke on the right side. When this occurred driver's side seat back declined backwards on the right side. This reduced the driver's visibility. Driver had to pull off the road. The entire seat needed to be replaced.

Filed Jan 12, 2004 · Engine · OR

The butterfly valve in the intake plenum in the 3.5l dohc comes loose and drops into the motor which can cause it to stop suddenly, this problem is known by the manufacturer, which is apparent because they have made a replacement part to fix it; however, it is expensive and they do not help with the cost.

Filed Aug 20, 2003 · Engine · PR

The federal safety agency recall 00-v-311-001:montero models equipped with 3.0l engines. Bolt securing the crankshaft pulley can become loose and the pulley could fall off the vehicle. Dealer won't honor this recall in puerto rico.

Filed Jun 6, 2003 · Engine · TX

The federal safety agency recall 00-v-311-001 concerning 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. Recall repairs failed in this vehicle.

Filed Mar 5, 2003 · Body, Steering · VA

Nar 03/05/2003 the consumer rear door hinges had to be replaced , the tie rod broke on the truck, and the water pump froze seizing power to the timing belt.

Filed Jul 30, 2002 · Engine · MA

While driving the engine and battery lights had come on, the consumer was unable to steer the vehicle (loss of power). The engine was still running, but vehicle would not move. Contacted dealer. The crankshaft pulley bolt had broken. There is a recall, 00v311001, but this vehicle is not included due to VIN. *ak consumer states that she has always had trouble with the engine light illuminating.

Filed Jul 16, 2002 · PA

Consumer received recall 98v205000 on floor mats for 3rd row seat. Had it serviced. However, 2nd row seat also had same problem. Dealer has been notified.

Filed Apr 18, 2002 · Steering · CA

I lost control of the vehicle.I could have been badly injured,or killed.iwas very lucky.*ak (tiresize: 235-75r15)

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1996 Mitsubishi Montero before you buy

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Questions about the 1996 Mitsubishi Montero

Is the 1996 Mitsubishi Montero reliable?

Owners have filed 27 complaints about the 1996 Mitsubishi Montero, fewer than a typical Montero model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1996 Mitsubishi Montero?

Engine and cooling, with 10 complaints. Next is brakes (4).

How many recalls does the 1996 Mitsubishi Montero have?

2 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling and unknown or other.

Was there a recall on the 1996 Mitsubishi Montero engine?

Yes, 1 recall: 00V311001. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Mitsubishi Montero have bad engine?

The Mitsubishi Montero model years with the most engine complaints are 1995 (36 complaints), 2001 (24 complaints) and 1997 (17 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1996 Mitsubishi Montero get?

Official estimates for the 1996 Mitsubishi Montero range from 14 to 15 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, 4WD) gets 14 city and 17 highway.

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