1991 Mitsubishi Montero: common problems

Owners of the 1991 Mitsubishi Montero filed 18 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and cooling and steering. Details by component below, with sources.

Key figures

Owner complaints: 18

What fails most often

1 Engine and cooling 39% of all complaints
2 Steering 22% of all complaints
3 Tires 17% of all complaints
4 Service brakes 11% of all complaints
5 Vehicle speed control 11% of all complaints
6 Electrical system 6% of all complaints
7 Powertrain 6% of all complaints
8 Seat belts 6% of all complaints

Circle size and colour show each component’s share of NHTSA complaints. Schematic only, not a drawing of the exact model.

Engine and cooling: 7 complaints (39% of all).
Steering: 4 complaints (22% of all).
Tires: 3 complaints (17% of all).
Service brakes: 2 complaints (11% of all).
Vehicle speed control: 2 complaints (11% of all).

Engines and transmissions

US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.

3 L · petrol · 6 cyl
automatic, 4-speed
manual, 5-speed

Drive: AWD

Symptoms owners describe

How many of the 18 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).

loss of power / limp mode2 · 11%
steering or power steering problems2 · 11%
knocking, grinding or other noise1 · 6%
oil leak or consumption1 · 6%
overheating, coolant loss1 · 6%
seat belts1 · 6%
smoke, burning smell, fire1 · 6%
unintended acceleration1 · 6%
warning lights, check engine1 · 6%

Components owners complain about

Component	Owner complaints	involving a crash	Technical service bulletins (TSB)
Engine and cooling	7	0	0
Steering	4	0	0
Tires	3	0	0
Service brakes	2	0	0
Vehicle speed control	2	0	0
Electrical system	1	0	0
Powertrain	1	0	0
Seat belts	1	0	0
Other	1	0	0

What owners report

Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.

The crank shaft pulley bolt came out and I had the car repaired. I was able to drive the car for approximately 3 to 4 weeks before the pulley bolt broke off in the crankshaft now I am stuck trying to find a mechanic to drill the remainder of the bolt out.
Engine and cooling · 2006-04-10 · NHTSA complaint #10154928
Dt: the consumer states that his vehicle was leaking oil at only 1500 miles. Consumer did file a complaint with the federal trade commission on the dealer. The consumer also had problems with the front brakes. The vehicle would also overheat.
Engine and cooling · 2005-06-03 · NHTSA complaint #10124112
While driving and without warning there was loss of power steering.
Steering · 2002-02-25 · NHTSA complaint #8004532
Pulley bolt came out while driving, causing a loss of power steering. Dealr has been contacted.
Engine and cooling · 2001-03-15 · NHTSA complaint #883117
I have been to firestone and they say this tire is not covered under their recall. (dot number: vd60aw3238 tiresize: 3110.50r15)
Tires · 2001-03-05 · NHTSA complaint #741267
While braking or at a full stop, vehicle seemed to accelerate. Consumer put car in neutral, and it revved. Consumer said it was getting gas from somewhere.
Vehicle speed control · 2000-10-18 · NHTSA complaint #873249
The tread just came flying right off of the tire, and almost caused my wife who is pregnent and my chil of four to roll. ( dot number: tire size: p235/75r15 )
Tires · 2000-08-22 · NHTSA complaint #726534
While consumer was in the store vehicle caught on fire from the electrical system, and consumer can't determine the problem.
Electrical system · 1999-03-12 · NHTSA complaint #835796

When owners complained

NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.

19951
19962
19971
19991
20004
20013
20022
20031
20052
20061

Comparison

By complaint count this model year ranks 8,622 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 24% most complained about).

On average one model year of the Montero has 36 complaints (22 years in the data). This year has 18, below average.

What to check before buying

Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
Tires. Tire age by DOT code, bulges, wear pattern.
Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.

Other years of this model

Questions and answers

What are the most common problems with the 1991 Mitsubishi Montero?

Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: engine and cooling, steering, tires. Total complaints: 18. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: loss of power / limp mode (11%), steering or power steering problems (11%), knocking, grinding or other noise (6%).

How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1991 Mitsubishi Montero?

NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.

Should I buy a 1991 Mitsubishi Montero from a US auction?

Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.

Other 1991 models

Read also

Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.