1992 Mitsubishi Montero recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
4 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. 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.
What could happen: THE CONDITION CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: 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 THE CORRECT TORQUE SPECIFICATION. ON THE MONTERO MODELS, DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1992 MONTERO.
- Book a repair at any authorized Mitsubishi dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 00V311001.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Summary: 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.
Consequence: THE CONDITION CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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 THE CORRECT TORQUE SPECIFICATION. ON THE MONTERO MODELS, DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT TO THE CORRECT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. IF THE BOLT IS DAMAGED, IT WILL BE REPLACED.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE PERFORMED IN FIVE SEPARATE OWNER MAILINGS, WITH THE FIRST MAILING BEGINNING OCTOBER 31, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
2. Trailer Hitches
What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail. THE WELD ON THE RECEIVER UNIT OF THE TRAILER HITCH CAN BREAK.
What could happen: IF THE FAILURE OCCURS, THE TRAILER CAN SEPARATE FROM THETOWING VEHICLE, AND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCH.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1992 MONTERO.
- Book a repair at any authorized Mitsubishi dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 93E023000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: TRAILER HITCHES
Summary: THE WELD ON THE RECEIVER UNIT OF THE TRAILER HITCH CAN BREAK.
Consequence: IF THE FAILURE OCCURS, THE TRAILER CAN SEPARATE FROM THETOWING VEHICLE, AND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCH.
Notes: SYSTEM: TRAILER HITCH.EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: REESE CLASS II TRAILER HITCH, PART NO. 06070.NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO THE DEALER FROM WHOM YOU PURCHASED THEITEM ON AN AGREED SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED OR THE REMEDY DOES CORRECT THE SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT OR NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE CONTACT REESE PRODUCTS WARRANTY DEPARTMENT AT 1-800-326-1090, EXT. 203. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
3. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. UNDER CONDITIONS OF FULL LOCK STEERING AND FULL SUSPENSION TRAVEL, THE LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT WHEEL-SIDE BRAKE HOSE CAN CRACK, RESULTING IN BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE.
What could happen: BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE WILL CAUSE ILLUMINATION OF THE BRAKE WARNING LAMP AND REDUCTION IN BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT WHEEL-SIDE BRAKE HOSES WITH REVISED HOSE ASSEMBLIES.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1992 MONTERO.
- Book a repair at any authorized Mitsubishi dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 96V143002.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: UNDER CONDITIONS OF FULL LOCK STEERING AND FULL SUSPENSION TRAVEL, THE LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT WHEEL-SIDE BRAKE HOSE CAN CRACK, RESULTING IN BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE.
Consequence: BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE WILL CAUSE ILLUMINATION OF THE BRAKE WARNING LAMP AND REDUCTION IN BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT WHEEL-SIDE BRAKE HOSES WITH REVISED HOSE ASSEMBLIES.
Notes: SYSTEM: BRAKES; HYDRAULIC; LINES; HOSE; NON-METALLIC. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SEDAN AND WAGONS EQUIPPED WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) AND MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT ABS BRAKES. OWNER NOTIFICATION: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN AUGUST 1996. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN AT 1-787-251-8715. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
4. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. UNDER CONDITIONS OF FULL LOCK STEERING AND FULL SUSPENSION TRAVEL, THE LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT WHEEL-SIDE BRAKE HOSE CAN CRACK, RESULTING IN BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE.
What could happen: BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE WILL CAUSE ILLUMINATION OF THE BRAKE WARNING LAMP AND REDUCTION IN BRAKING EFFICIENCY INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT WHEEL-SIDE BRAKE HOSES WITH REVISED HOSE ASSEMBLIES.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1992 MONTERO.
- Book a repair at any authorized Mitsubishi dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 96V143001.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: UNDER CONDITIONS OF FULL LOCK STEERING AND FULL SUSPENSION TRAVEL, THE LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT WHEEL-SIDE BRAKE HOSE CAN CRACK, RESULTING IN BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE.
Consequence: BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE WILL CAUSE ILLUMINATION OF THE BRAKE WARNING LAMP AND REDUCTION IN BRAKING EFFICIENCY INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT WHEEL-SIDE BRAKE HOSES WITH REVISED HOSE ASSEMBLIES.
Notes: SYSTEM: BRAKES; HYDRAULIC; LINES; HOSE; NON-METALLIC. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SEDAN AND WAGONS EQUIPPED WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) AND MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT ABS BRAKES. OWNER NOTIFICATION: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN AUGUST 1996. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (6), Brakes (5), Hydraulic (5), Unknown Or Other (1), Electrical system (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
01/31/2010 · Brakes
MITSUBISHI MONTERO 1992. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID:00V311001 AND 96V143002. DEALERSHIP CLAIMS THAT THE RECALL IS VOID BECAUSE THE BOLT BROKE AND THEY ASSUME THAT IT BROKE NOT BECAUSE OF RECALLED PART BUT IMPROPER REPAIR. *TR
07/21/2008 · Engine
I OWN A 1992 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. THIS VEHICLE IS UNDER RECALL, DETAILED BELOW: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 00V311001 EXACTLY WHAT IS STATED IN THE RECALL, HAPPENED TO MY VEHICLE. EXCEPT WHEN IT HAPPENED, INSTEAD OF COMPLETELY FALLING OUT, WHEN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT BECAME LOOSE IT CAME PARTLY OUT AND BROKE OFF LEAVING HALF OF THE BOLT SEIZED INSID…
06/27/2003 · Unknown Or Other
WHILE DRIVING THE FRONT WHEEL LOCKED UP. *NLM
12/31/2001 · Engine
CRANKCASE BOLT WAS UNDER RECALL AND WAS INSPECTED AT DEALER LAST APRIL OF 2001. DEC . 28TH NOISE FROM ENGINE FORCED ME TO GO TO INDEPENT SHOP I HAVE USED PREVIOUSLY THE CRANKCASE BOLT THAT WAS UNDER RECALL AND WAS INSPECTED 10,000 MILES EARLIER AND FOUND TO BE AT PROPER TORQUE HAD LOOSENED .I SPOKE TO CALIFONIA CUSTOMER NO SERVICE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REINSP…
03/15/2001 · Engine
ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO DEFECTIVE ENGINE MODULE, REPLACING SECOND MODULE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK SPARK PLUGS WERE NOT OPERATIVE DUE TO ECM FAILURE. THE DEALER INSTALLED THE REPAIRED ECM. *YH
10/15/2000 · Engine
THIS CAR HAS BEEN A LEMON MITSUBUSHI HAS THE COMPLETE REPAIR RECORD THEY SAY ITS THE ONLY ONE I FIND THAT HARD TO BELIVE AS THERE OWN DEALER SAID VALVE TRAIN PROBLEMS WERE FREQUENT.
08/31/2000 · Brakes · crash
WHILE DRIVING AND PUTTING ON BRAKES PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER SAW A SCHOOL BUS AND SWERVED AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. CAR WAS STILL GOING AND IT WOULD NOT STOP. CONSUMER RAN UP AN EMBANKMENT AND USED EMERGENCY BRAKE THAT DIDN'T REALLY HELP, TOOK TO MECHANIC, AND THERE WAS A BIG SPLIT IN THE BRAKE LINE, LEADING TO THE CALIPER. *AK
09/30/1999 · Brakes
DRIVING ON THE ROAD APPROX 20-25MPH AND APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT HIT THE BRAKES, WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR, SWERVED TO AVOID HITTING A SCHOOL BUS PUMP. BRAKE DIDN'T SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. VEHICLE CONTINUED DOWN THE ROAD, TURNED OFF INTO ALLEY. AND THREW IT IN PARK IN ORDER TO STOP. *AK