Selling a dead or junk Mitsubishi Montero

Bad brakes, no start, or years parked in the yard: any of those, and your Montero can go as one whole SUV, just the way it is. We buy whole non-running and junk cars, and that includes SUVs, with free pickup anywhere in the US.

What the file shows, by stretch of years

These Montero complaint counts are from NHTSA, pulled October 10, 2026. They don't measure reliability, and the final Monteros have had fewer years to collect reports. EPA lists the Montero from 1984 to 2006. The years are grouped by where the complaints change.

1984-1991

The complaint file starts at 1986 and holds 59 complaints through 1991. Seat belts lead the 1986-1989 years, and recall 95V103004 covered front buckle buttons that can break on 1986-1991 Monteros. That campaign of 658,000 vehicles reached other Mitsubishi models too.

Two early recalls are Montero-specific in the file. 84V098000 covered an oil pressure sending unit on 1984 models that could leak oil and starve the engine. 89V030000 covered throttle valve icing on 1989 engines, fixed with a heated adapter plate.

1992-1996: engine years

These five years hold 170 complaints. Engine and engine cooling leads every one of them. The 1995 is the peak, with 86 complaints, 33 naming the engine, 21 injuries and 2 deaths reported.

Recall 00V311001 covers the crankshaft pulley bolt on 1992-1996 Monteros with the 3.0-liter engine. Its 210,000-vehicle count also takes in the Mirage and Montero Sport. Brakes got three recalls in these years. 96V143001 and 96V143002 replaced front wheel-side brake hoses that can crack at full lock and full suspension travel (1992-1994). 00V226001 replaced cracking front lower hoses on some 1994s. Recall 98V205000 covers an accessory cargo mat that can keep the folding third seat from latching (1994-1998).

1997-2000

These years hold 228 complaints. Engine still leads the 1997 (14 of 63). On the 1998 and 1999, suspension takes over, with 15 and 10.

Recall 98V220000 covers front brake lines that can wear pin holes against the edge of the inner fender (1997-1998). Recall 20V035000 replaces the driver air bag inflator on 1998-2000 Monteros. It was reported in 2020 and, per NHTSA, the recall began February 25, 2021.

2001-2006: the brake years

These years hold 326 complaints, but almost all sit on 2001 and 2002: 277 between them. Recall 01V254001 covers the accumulator on the hydraulic brake booster of 2001-2002 Monteros. It may have been made wrong and can leak its pressurized nitrogen over time. Dealers install an improved one.

Recall 04V319000 replaced a fuel tank leveling valve on 2002-2004 models. When the tank is full and the SUV is parked nose-up on a slope, the valve may not seal as fuel expands. After 2003 the file goes quiet: 5, 1 and 4 complaints for 2004, 2005 and 2006.

Complaints and recalls by model year

Pulled from NHTSA's complaint file on October 10, 2026. "Crashes" and "Injured" count Montero complaints that report one. Recalls show under every year they name, and many name more than one Montero year.

Repair it or let it go?

A Montero is now 20 to 42 years old. Price the repair, then ask what the SUV is worth running.

1. Check recalls with the VIN at NHTSA's recall page. The brake booster accumulator and air bag inflator recalls are the ones to ask about.
2. Brake pedal hard or sinking on a 2001-2002? See bad or seized brakes.
3. Overheating or a noisy engine on a 1990s Montero? Read head gasket or overheating.
4. Sat for years? See car sitting for years for what usually needs doing.

How to sell it whole

1. Note the Montero's VIN, mileage and trouble, plus if its four-wheel drive still engages.
2. Get an offer online, or call (877) 421-6008.
3. Say where the Montero is parked and if it moves. It weighs more than a car, so flag flat tires or a stuck transfer case. Pickup is free anywhere in the US.
4. Leave it as it is. Keep the spare, the wheels and the converter on. Say if anything's been pulled.
5. Keep the Montero title and a photo ID on hand for pickup. Lost the title? See selling with no title. Plates afterward: after you sell.