Most common 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport problems
Share of the 29 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mitsubishi Montero Sport complaints by model year
Best Montero Sport years: 2004, 1997, 2003. Years to avoid: 2000, 2001, 2002. Compare all years →
1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
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.
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…
What 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport owners say
Engine & cooling
Tl 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. …
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. …
Steering
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.
Crankshaft pulley bolt came loose causing loss of steering. Had to steer very hard manually to park car. Dangerous situation.
1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 20 / 23 / 21 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 20 / 18 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD | 16 / 19 / 17 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD | 15 / 19 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport a good car?
Based on 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Montero Sport rates average: 32% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Montero Sport at the same age. It is one of the best Montero Sport years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport?
The engine & cooling — 16 complaints, 55% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the steering (4) and electrical system (2).
How many recalls does the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport have?
There is 1 recall for the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport, the most recent from October 2, 2000 (engine). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mitsubishi Montero Sport?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2004, 1997 and 2003. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2000, 2001 and 2002. See the full Mitsubishi Montero Sport years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 120,000 miles; 6% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.