Montero (3rd)
Engine Reliability Ratings
Mitsubishi Montero Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
3.5-V6-Gas
3.5L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
3.0-V6-Gas
3.0L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
1 additional engine variant with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Mitsubishi Montero regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (4)
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHTS AS STATED ON THE TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL ARE IN ERROR.
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS FULL AND THE VEHICLE IS PARKED FACING FORWARD ON AN UPWARD SLOPE, THE FUEL TANK LEVELING VALVE MAY NOT MAINTAIN PROPER SEALING IN THE EVENT THE FUEL EXPANDS FROM A RISE IN THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE.
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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE ACCUMULATOR THAT IS INSTALLED ON THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED. OVER A PERIOD OF TIME, THIS COULD RESULT IN LEAKAGE OF THE PRESSURIZED NITROGEN GAS FROM INSIDE THE ACCUMULATOR.
Alternatives in Compact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2001-2006 Mitsubishi Montero problems?
The 2001-2006 Mitsubishi Montero has accumulated 184 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Brakes, Safety Systems, Engine. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Mitsubishi Montero engine is most reliable?
The 2001-2006 Mitsubishi Montero was offered with 4 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.8L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2001-2006 Mitsubishi Montero a good used car?
The 2001-2006 Mitsubishi Montero can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 184 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001-2006 Mitsubishi Montero have?
The 2001-2006 Mitsubishi Montero has 184 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2001-2006 Mitsubishi Montero?
There are 4 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2001-2006 Mitsubishi Montero vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Mitsubishi Montero?
Before buying a used Mitsubishi Montero, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Brakes, Safety Systems, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
Does the Montero have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2001-2006 Mitsubishi Montero. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 184 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-20.