1990 Mitsubishi Montero problems & reliability
23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1990 Mitsubishi Montero. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
1 complaint report injuries (1 injured).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 1990 Mitsubishi Montero vehicles were involved in 1 fatal crash with 1 occupant death. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 7 | 30% |
| Seat Belts | 6 | 26% |
| Power Train | 2 | 9% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 2 | 9% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 9% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 4% |
| Steering | 1 | 4% |
| Tires | 1 | 4% |
| Visibility | 1 | 4% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“1990 mitusbishi montero started to smoke. Consumer pulled over to shoulder and vehicle became engulfed in flames. *njohio traffic crash report # 10-0206-89. *jb”
Engine and Engine Cooling · filed Jun 17, 2008
“While driving 65 mph consumer heard a loud knocking noise coming from the front of the vehicle. Suddenly consumer lost power steering. However, consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and pulled over. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the pulley needed to be…”
Engine and Engine Cooling · filed Dec 7, 2004
“The transmission in this vehicle has been hard to shift for a couple of years, and I want to know if this is a common problem, and if there is a recall on the transmissions. I have done some research, and this may be a recall number that may help (m9122008000). *****dims 11 ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to…”
Power Train · filed Apr 25, 2003
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- TAKATA SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
Engineering Analysis EA95004 · opened Mar 10, 1995 · closed Aug 1, 1995 · led to recall 95V103004
- STEERING COUPLING BOLT
Preliminary Evaluation PE90034 · opened Jan 22, 1990 · closed Mar 15, 1990
Technical service bulletins
5 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1990 Mitsubishi Montero.
This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
TT253 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 26, 2019
This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin supersedes TSB-18-00-003, issued April, 2018, to add updated information for Carrying Capacity Reduced Label.
TSB-19-00-008 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 30, 2019
This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
TT237 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 26, 2018
This Technical Service Bulletin updates the door adjustment procedure in the Body Section of the applicable service manuals.
TSB-13-42A-002 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 29, 2013
New valve lash adjuster noise checking and troubleshooting procedures. *jd
TSB9711002 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 1, 1997
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 1990 Mitsubishi Montero in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 1990 Mitsubishi Montero?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.