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1998 Mitsubishi Montero problems

The most common problem on the 1998 Mitsubishi Montero is suspension. It has 1.9 times the complaints of a typical Montero model year.

Typical year1.9x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
73
Recalls
4
Service bulletins
42
Worst area
Suspension
Fuel economy
15-16mpg

The worst 1998 Mitsubishi Montero problems

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

Problems by type

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

  • Suspension
    18
  • Brakes
    10
  • Engine
    10
  • Airbags
    6
  • Body
    5
  • Acceleration
    4
  • Steering
    4
  • Visibility
    4
  • Lights
    3
  • Seat belts
    3
  • Tires
    3
  • Transmission
    3
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Wheels
    2
  • Seats
    1

Recalls 4

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported January 23, 2020 · 18,123 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 1998-2000 Montero vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 25, 2021. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1‑888‑648‑7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-001.

Recall number 20V035000 · Recall details

Equipment: other: labelsReported September 1, 2004 · 100,432 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, 'occupant crash protection.' the bilingual english/spanish removable air bag warning labels affixed to the dash and to the sunvisor do not meet the size requirements of the standard.
Risk
This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
Remedy
Mitsubishi caribbean will mail a customer notification letter containing a written description and a graphic of the bi-lingual dashboard air bag warning label. In addition, all current 2000-2004 nativa owners will also receive replacement air bag alert labels for the sun visors. This recall is expected to begin during march or april 2005. The notification to the nativa owners is expected to begin during april or may 2005. Owners should contact mitsubishi caribbean at 1‑787‑251‑8715.

Recall number 04V428000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported September 9, 1998 · 61,800 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 98V220000 · 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 4 recalls for the 1998 Mitsubishi Montero

Defect investigations

Rear folding seat disengagementOpened July 31, 1998, closed September 3, 1998

A police report received by odi alleged that disengagement of the right rear folding seat during a single vehicle rollover incident permitted its occupant to be ejected

PE98042

Technical service bulletins for the 1998 Mitsubishi Montero 42

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

See all 42 bulletins for the 1998 Mitsubishi Montero

1998 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‑cyl4WD14-1517-1815-16
3.5L 6‑cyl4WD141816

What 1998 Mitsubishi Montero owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 6, 2021 · Airbags · PR

At the moment the only situation that I have had with the mitsubishi airbag recall is that when I call the customer relations department they say they do not have the parts, that supposedly the mitsubishi company has not yet sent the replacement parts.....I have to call within 2 months to see if the parts have arrived at the repair shops.

Filed Oct 5, 2020 · Airbags · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 mitsubishi montero. The contact discovered that the VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 20v035000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Aug 22, 2020 · Engine · 155,000 miles · FL

The vehicle was taken to southside mitsubishi in orlando and because a mechanic named bob who's been there for over 20 years says it's the original but it's not the original bolt they don't want to honor the recall I argued with them multiple times.. The original bolt is me203072, and the montero has the same bolt as the pajero . This vehicle with VIN [xxx] had the bolt snap off..if it was already fixed like southside mitsubishi said it shouldn't have snapped. They repeatedly do not want to give a straight answer and keep transferring the phone around. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Mar 26, 2020 · Fuel system · CA

I had been experiencing the smell of gasoline inside the car, stronger when I open the back rear luggage area and rear of montero (closest to the gas fuel tank underneath). I do not see any active leak on the floor. My car has no damage, such as being rear ended or bumper damage at all. The tank may be defective or vaporizing into interior of car.

Filed Jun 17, 2008 · Acceleration · 115,000 miles · OR

Driving to store I accelerated from a stop sign and car continued to accelerate after taking foot off gas pedal. Tried to stomp on throttle to get it unstuck, but it did not work. Finally after about a mile and a half and speeds past 80 miles per hour throttle released on its own. I have not found any safety recalls on this very scary malfunction and maker says take it to a dealer.

Filed Apr 5, 2007 · Engine, Steering · 94,000 miles · AL

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 mitsubishi montero. While driving 40 MPH,the power steering failed. The mechanic stated that the front crank shaft pulley bolt detached and caused the pulley to wobble. This failure was encompassed in recall # 00v311000. The dealer stated that this vehicle was excluded from the recall. However, the contact strongly believed otherwise. The current and failure mileage were 94,000.

Filed Aug 16, 2006 · Engine · CT

Crankshaft pulley broke off. Lost belts, lost power steering and alternator power . Repair shop says engine must be replaced.

Filed Sep 11, 2005 · Airbags · 106,000 miles · TX

Minor problem with swelling in driver side airbag, 1998 mits montero, VIN[xxx]. Purchased new in santa maria ca. The swelling airbag has caused continuous horn activation. The horn has been disconnected. Questions: do you have any other incidents that indicate a trend where the driver side air bag has affected the horn? Is this a safety issue? The dealer in san antonio says the airbag still works but can't be replaced under warranty since the vehicle has over 100,000 miles on it. Replacement part quoted is mr390111, module air bag, d-brown, pyro type for $688.33. *nm updated 07/19/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Nov 10, 2004 · Airbags · 85,000 miles · TX · crash · 2 injuries

While driving 35 MPH consumer's vehicle was involved in a three vehicle pile up. Upon impact, dual air bags did not deploy. Driver sustained major head injuries, and passenger broke his shoulder.

Filed May 5, 2004 · Engine · AZ

Crankshaft bolt broke, causing timing belt pulley/sprocket to fall off. This is an interference engine and could had caused serious damage. There has been a recall for the montero 3.0 engine for same problem..why not the 3.5? Intend to contact the corporation commission. Very poor design.

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Questions about the 1998 Mitsubishi Montero

Is the 1998 Mitsubishi Montero reliable?

Owners have filed 73 complaints about the 1998 Mitsubishi Montero, 1.9 times a typical Montero model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1998 Mitsubishi Montero?

Suspension, with 18 complaints. Next is brakes (10).

How many recalls does the 1998 Mitsubishi Montero have?

4 recalls, covering air bags, equipment and service brakes, hydraulic.

What year does the Mitsubishi Montero have bad suspension?

The Mitsubishi Montero model years with the most suspension complaints are 1998 (18 complaints), 1999 (11 complaints) and 2001 (11 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1998 Mitsubishi Montero get?

Official estimates for the 1998 Mitsubishi Montero range from 15 to 16 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, 4WD) gets 14-15 city and 17-18 highway.

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