1998 Mitsubishi Montero Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 12%of 74 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1998 Mitsubishi Montero, 12% of the 74 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 1996 Mitsubishi Montero. While driving 40 MPH,the power steering failed. The mechanic stated that the front crank shaft pulley bolt detached and caused the pulley to wobble. This failure was encompassed in recall # 00v311000. The dealer stated that this vehicle was excluded from the recall. However, the contact strongly believed otherwise. The current and failure mileage were 94,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10187107, filed 2007-04, 94,000 miles“Crankshaft bolt broke, causing timing belt pulley/sprocket to fall off. This is an interference engine and could had caused serious damage. There has been a recall for the Montero 3.0 engine for same problem..why not the 3.5? Intend to contact the corporation commission. Very poor design.”
NHTSA complaint #10068313, filed 2004-05“Was pulling out off parking lot and crankshaft pulley bolt broke or sheared off. Had no steering control at 10mph. Just managed to drive vehicle to dealership. Mechanic indicated that bolt could not be removed from crankshaft. Entire crankshaft was to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #877359, filed 2001-01“Whenever brakes are applied, vehicle would slide or skid. Intermittent problem. Took to dealer & informed brakes are sticking. Would have odors/fumes coming inside vehicle. Also, some squeaking coming from front end.”
NHTSA complaint #845230, filed 1999-08“Everytime vehicle reaches highway speeds, about 55mph and up, vehicle will end up stalling. Has contacted dealer, and the dealer is not willing to do anything.”
NHTSA complaint #892154, filed 2001-07Related service bulletins
- 10170074Aug 28, 2015This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170071Jul 22, 2015This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170086Nov 1, 2012This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 3 | 8% |
| 2002 | 8 | 7% |
| 2001 | 21 | 13% |
| 2000 | 5 | 10% |
| 1999 | 4 | 10% |
| 1998 | 9 | 12% |
| 1997 | 17 | 27% |
| 1996 | 10 | 37% |
| 1995 | 34 | 40% |
| 1994 | 13 | 42% |
| 1993 | 8 | 57% |
| 1992 | 6 | 50% |
| 1991 | 7 | 39% |
| 1990 | 7 | 30% |
| 1989 | 1 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1998 Mitsubishi Montero
18 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Mitsubishi Montero
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology