Most common 1996 Mitsubishi Montero problems
Share of the 27 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mitsubishi Montero complaints by model year
Best Montero years: 2004, 1996, 2003. Years to avoid: 2001, 2002, 1998, 1995. Compare all years →
1996 Mitsubishi Montero recalls (2)
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…
Unknown or other
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.
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.
What 1996 Mitsubishi Montero owners say
Engine & cooling
Tl 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 NHTSA website and found a recall that relates to these failures. The failure and current mileages were 146,000. Updated 01/02/08. Recall#00V311001. Updated 12/12/07 , remailed complaint evoq 2/07/08.
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. Consumer states that she has always had trouble with the engine light illuminating.
Transmission & drivetrain
While driving engine check light illuminated, indicating a malfunction. Dealer stated that this occurred because of interference in the transmission control module caused by cell phone use. Please give any further details.
Transmission will not shift when vehicle is cold. Manufacturer said it's an emission problem. Informed it's normal. Takes too long to warm up before shifting.
Steering
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.
Vehicle began to drift, no response from steering wheel. Vehicle rolled down embankment, rolling over. Driver heard loud noise at time of steering failure.
1996 Mitsubishi Montero engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 17 / 15 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 17 / 15 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 17 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Mitsubishi Montero a good car?
Based on 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1996 Montero rates better than average: 51% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Montero at the same age. It is one of the best Montero 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 1996 Mitsubishi Montero?
The engine & cooling — 10 complaints, 37% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (4) and steering (4).
How many recalls does the 1996 Mitsubishi Montero have?
There are 2 recalls for the 1996 Mitsubishi Montero, 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?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2004, 1996 and 2003. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2001, 2002, 1998 and 1995. See the full Mitsubishi Montero years comparison.
At what mileage do 1996 Mitsubishi Montero problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 146,000 miles; 0% 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.