The 1997 Mitsubishi Montero is a vehicle that came with a choice of 3.0L 6-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl engines. At 29 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
| Body style | Special Purpose Vehicles |
|---|---|
| Engines | 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 4-spd, Manual 5-spd |
| Drive | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 14–15 city / 17–18 highway / 15–16 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $4,200–$4,450 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 555–592 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 4 configurations |
| Age | 29 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls covering the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles: mirage model vehicles equipped with 1.5l engines; Montero sport models equipped with 3.0l engines; and Montero models equipped with 3.0l engines. The bolt securing the crankshaft pulley can become loose and the pulley could fall off the vehicle.
Risk: The condition can result in a loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Risk: Brake fluid can leak resulting in deteriorated braking performance and illumination of the brake indicator lamp.
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.
Risk: In the event of a crash, an occupant of the third seat may not be properly restrained and could be ejected from the vehicle.
Owners have filed 92 complaints about the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero with NHTSA. 8 reports involved a crash and 5 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 10 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Manufacturers have filed 70 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to explain the difference between normal dew condensation, which is a natural phenomenon, and water penetration caused
This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
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
This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
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It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Yes. We buy 1997 Monteros that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Data retrieved October 2026.
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