Most common 2000 Mitsubishi Montero problems
Share of the 51 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 →
2000 Mitsubishi Montero recalls (2)
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
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.
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.
Equipment › Other › Labels
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.
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.
What 2000 Mitsubishi Montero owners say
Body & structure
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Mitsubishi Montero sport. The contact stated that while inspecting his vehicle, he noticed that the wheel well was corroded. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 158,000 and the current mileage was 168,991.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Mitsubishi Montero. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle began to shake uncontrollably. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the frame was fractured and corroded. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.
Brakes
On 7/13/00, while travelling on city street @ 25-30 MPH & maintaining adequate distance ( at least 2 car lengths )from vehicle in front, driver of said vehicle stopped in lane ( at a green light )to avoid hitting cars in front of him that had stopped, I pressed down on my brakes & it failed to stop my vehicle. I pressed the pedal all the way to the floor (while bruising 3 toes on my right foot);was unable to stop, vehicle continued to roll into the back of the other vehilce. Brakes definitely failed. Was recorded by police officer in his report and I was cited for the accident. I have reported the details of the accident to the dealer and to the national 800 # customer service re: failing brakes & possible concealed defect by Mitsubishi caused my accident. …
The vehicle started creaking after the second month , we were originally told that it was new and that it was the interior plastic that was adjusting do to temp. Changes. This continued and than the second issue the ABS brakes almost caused 2 accidents when going less than 5 MPH and the vehicle slid. The brake pedal shook excessively and the noise and shaking from underneath made it seem like it was going to fall apart. By the sixth month their was other noises coming from the suspension in the front and rear . The creaking /clicking noise was apparant in both the front and rear. August marks having this vehicle for 1 1/2 years and both my wife and I can not take its issues anymore. This was a major purchase for us and we feel the events justify it as a "lemon".
Electrical system
I got brakes changed on my Montero twice in 3 years happen again while driving brake fail pads came out of caliper brakes keeps going bad after 1.5 to two years did calipers change as well same thing calipers will get stuck and pads will come out they have a recall on 1997 1998 models for brakes issue not 1999 and 2000
Upon starting car, the battery exploded spewing acid all over the engine and hood and causing several dents on both the inside and outside of the hood. This resulting in a total electrical system failure as well as loss of functionability of the vehicle. Upon reporting this to Mitsubishi roadside assistance, we were informed that was the second call that day for an exploding battery in a 2000 Mitsubishi Montero sport. Our vehicle has approximately 26,700 miles and currently the estimated cost of the damage is unknown.
2000 Mitsubishi Montero engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 18 / 16 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 18 / 16 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 17 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2000 Mitsubishi Montero a good car?
Based on 51 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2000 Montero rates average: 19% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Montero at the same age. 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 2000 Mitsubishi Montero?
The body & structure — 7 complaints, 14% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body. Next are the brakes (7) and electrical system (6).
How many recalls does the 2000 Mitsubishi Montero have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2000 Mitsubishi Montero, the most recent from January 23, 2020 (inflator module). 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 2000 Mitsubishi Montero problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 109,000 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.