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1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport ES 4dr SUV

All Mitsubishi Montero Sport trims (1997–2004) → All Mitsubishi Montero Sport generations →
1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport – front Unverified
Photo: 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport LS AWD, front left, 06-13-2023 by MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Photos show the first generation (1997–2004); trim, color, and model year may differ.
All photo credits
  1. Photo: 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport LS AWD, front left, 06-13-2023 by MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  2. Photo: 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport LS 4WD in Cambridge Red Pearl, front left by Sam Kennedy, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  3. Photo: '03-'05 Mitsubishi Montero Sport by Bull-Doser, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
  4. Photo: 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport LS AWD, rear left, 06-13-2023 by MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  5. Photo: 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport LS 4WD in Cambridge Red Pearl, rear left by Sam Kennedy, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport ES 4dr SUV is a 132-hp 2.4-liter inline-4 with a 5-speed manual and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $18,065 MSRP and is rated at 21 mpg combined.

It makes 132 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 148 lb-ft of torque at 2750 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 20 mpg city and 23 mpg highway (21 mpg combined).

The Montero Sport measures 178.3 inches long on a 107.3-inch wheelbase.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSUV
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$18,065 ($36,580 *)
Engine
Engine Type2.4L SOHC 16-valve I4
Displacement2.4 L
Horsepower132 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque148 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
ValvetrainSOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Injection TypeFuel injection
Drivetrain
Drive TypeRWD
Transmission
Transmission5-speed manual
Fuel Economy
City20 MPG
Highway23 MPG
Combined21 MPG
Tank Capacity19 gal
Dimensions & Weight
Length178.3 in
Width66.7 in
Height67.3 in
Wheelbase107.3 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Similar cars

Rivals to the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport ES 4dr SUV with similar size, power and price from around the same years.

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Frontal – driver ★★★★★
Frontal – passenger ★★★★★
Side crash Not rated
Rollover Not rated
Tested variant: 1997 Mitsubishi Montero 4-DR. 4x4

Recalls

1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 1997 Mitsubishi MONTERO SPORT. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Oct 2, 2000 · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

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.

Consequence: THE CONDITION CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: ON THE MIRAGE VEHICLES, THE DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW, IMPROVED CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT ON THE OLDER ENGINES. ON NEW ENGINES WHICH ALREADY HAVE THE IMPROVED BOLT, THE DEALER WILL TIGHTEN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT TO THE CORRECT TORQUE SPECIFICATION. ON THE MONTERO MODELS, DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT TO THE CORRECT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. IF THE BOLT IS DAMAGED, IT WILL BE REPLACED.

NHTSA campaign 00V311001

97 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1997 Mitsubishi MONTERO

Owner Complaints

97 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Mitsubishi MONTERO (8 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 5 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Engine And Engine Cooling33
Hydraulic16
Service Brakes16
Electrical System10
Suspension8
Steering7
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
May 19, 2016 · Suspension, Power Train, Tires
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 55 AND 65 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT…”
Apr 15, 2015 · Engine
“VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING AND STALLED. CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT FELL OUT AND HARMONIC BALANCER FELL OFF.CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND LIFE THREATENING SITUATION. *TR”
Mar 13, 2015 · Engine
“COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE, CRANK SHAFT PULLEY BOLT DEFECTIVE SHOULD HAVE RECALLED ALL OF THEM. *TR”
Oct 28, 2014 · Steering, Power Train
“CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT CAME LOOSE CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING. HAD TO STEER VERY HARD MANUALLY TO PARK CAR. DANGEROUS SITUATION. *TR”
Jun 9, 2014 · Electrical System, Seats Fire
“ON 5/31/14, MY 1997 MITSUBISHI MONTERO WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. WHEN I WENT TO GET INTO THE VEHICLE, I NOTICED A LARGE BURN IN THE BACK OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT. AFTER CALLING MITSUBISHI, THE FIRE…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1997 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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