1997 Mitsubishi Montero — 3.0L

The 1997 model year sits at a high-activity peak within this generation’s federal record, with 98 complaints representing a sharp increase from 1996’s 29 and remaining elevated above 1998’s 80. Technical Service Bulletins spiked dramatically to 90 in 1997—nearly double 1996’s 54 and far exceeding 1998’s 42—while recalls held steady at four, up from two the prior year. This places 1997 near the apex of a mid-1990s surge that saw complaints and service activity escalate from the low levels of 1992-1994, with owner reports concentrated heavily in Engine & Engine Cooling (24) and Service Brakes, Hydraulic (11), alongside 8 crash-related and 5 fire-related complaints; the data does not specify root causes for these incidents. While not the generation’s worst year—that distinction belongs to 2002 with 174 complaints—1997 exhibits significantly higher federal scrutiny and documented issues than the years immediately preceding and following it. Given the elevated complaint volume, substantial TSB count, and presence of crash and fire reports without specified causation, prospective buyers should approach this model year with heightened diligence regarding maintenance history and pre-purchase inspection, particularly for engine and brake systems.