Model year guide

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. 1 on record.

1997 Mitsubishi Montero — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1997 Mitsubishi Montero at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints98
Combined15–16 mpg

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1997 Mitsubishi Montero recalls 2

Unknown Or Other NHTSA Campaign #98V205000 · 02/09/1998

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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings NHTSA Campaign #98V220000 · 09/09/1998

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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. 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

Owners have filed 98 complaints with NHTSA. These are the most-reported areas in a sample of the most recent — and what to check before you buy.

Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.

1997 Mitsubishi Montero MPG & running costs

Combined15–16 mpg
City14 mpg
Highway18 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,388
EPA size classSpecial Purpose Vehicles
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$9,938 more

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.

Fuel (5 yrs)$21,940
Fuel only$21,940
Per mile$0.29

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.

1997 Mitsubishi Montero trims & engines on record

Trims
LS
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl

1997 Mitsubishi Montero vehicles on record

1997 Mitsubishi Montero 1997 Mitsubishi Montero LSJA4MR41R0VJ006565

Other Mitsubishi Montero model years

2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998

1997 Mitsubishi Montero — frequently asked questions

Does the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero?

Owners have filed 98 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are engine and engine cooling, power train, engine.

What gas mileage does the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero get?

The 1997 Mitsubishi Montero has U.S. EPA estimates of 15–16 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (4 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.