1997 Mitsubishi Montero
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1997 Mitsubishi Montero is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 12 on record.
1997 Mitsubishi Montero at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1997 Mitsubishi Montero recalls 2
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.
Fix: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
1997 Mitsubishi Montero common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 98 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
1997 Mitsubishi Montero safety ratings
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero 4-DR. 4x4. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
1997 Mitsubishi Montero MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1997 Mitsubishi Montero costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Investigations & service bulletins
Manufacturer service bulletins 90
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 90.
This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to explain the difference between normal dew condensation, which is a natural phenomenon, and water penetration caused by improper sealing or a defective/broken part.
Bulletin TSB-22-54-003 · Exterior Lighting · Apr 2022This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to provide instructions and Material Safety Data Sheets for Biosol 100 use.
Bulletin TSB-21-00-010 · Equipment · Apr 2021This Technical Information Notice was sent to dealers reminding them of the importance of customer satisfaction.
Bulletin TIN-21-00-003 · Equipment · Mar 2021Tech Talk is a service newsletter that was sent out to dealers. It covers various topics and reviews the previous months publications.
Bulletin TT-20-00-002 · Electrical System, Equipment · Aug 2020This Technical Information Notice was sent to dealers informing that MMNA has recently received information from Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) about the effects of the Waterborne (WB) paint process on Mitsubishi vehicles.
Bulletin TIN-20-42A-001 · Structure, Equipment · Aug 2020This Technical Service Bulletin informs dealers they may find a stain or cloudy spot on the body panels after removing the transportation film.due to improper installation of the film.This TSB instructs the dealers of the repair procedure for removal of the st…
Bulletin TSB-20-42A-005 · Structure, Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · Aug 2020This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
Bulletin TT253 · Equipment · Nov 2019This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin supersedes TSB-18-00-003, issued April, 2018, to add updated information for Carrying Capacity Reduced Label.
Bulletin TSB-19-00-008 · Equipment · Jul 2019This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
Bulletin TT237 · Equipment · Feb 2018This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
Bulletin TT218 · Engine And Engine Cooling, Wheels, Power Train · Aug 2015Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the MONTERO. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
About the Mitsubishi Montero
The Mitsubishi Pajero is a full-size SUV manufactured and marketed globally by Mitsubishi Motors since 1981. It is also known as the Mitsubishi Montero in North America, Spain, and Latin America, and the Mitsubishi Shogun in the United Kingdom.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
1997 Mitsubishi Montero trims & engines on record
1997 Mitsubishi Montero vehicles on record
1997 Mitsubishi Montero LSJA4MR41R0VJ006565
1997 Mitsubishi MonteroJA4MR51R8VJ010448
1997 Mitsubishi MonteroJA4MR51R3VJ003701
1997 Mitsubishi MonteroJA4MT41P8VP013406
1997 Mitsubishi MonteroJA4MR51R7VJ007962
1997 Mitsubishi MonteroJA4MR51R5VJ000797
1997 Mitsubishi MonteroJA4MT31P4VP006947
1997 Mitsubishi MonteroJA4MT41P7VP013915
1997 Mitsubishi MonteroJMB0NV460WJ002522
1997 Mitsubishi MonteroJA4MR41R8VJ000951
1997 Mitsubishi MonteroJA4MT41P0VP010404
1997 Mitsubishi MonteroJA4MR41H0SJ016905