1987 Mitsubishi Montero — 2.6L

The 1987 Mitsubishi Montero falls outside the federal complaint and recall data provided, which begins in 1990 for this generation, making direct year-to-year comparisons impossible. However, the available record reveals a clear trend: complaints and recalls escalate sharply in the mid-to-late 1990s, peaking in 2002 with 174 complaints and 4 recalls, before declining in later model years. The 1987 model’s limited reported issues—just 3 seat belt-related complaints and 1 crash-related complaint—suggest it predates the systemic problems that emerge in later years, though the absence of data may also reflect lower reporting rates for older vehicles. Without recalls or investigations on record for 1987, it appears to sit at the quieter end of the generation’s reliability arc, though the lack of transparency on root causes or broader issues tempers this assessment. The takeaway: the 1987 Montero’s sparse federal record implies fewer documented problems than later years, but the absence of data means risks may be underreported. If considering this model, prioritize a thorough inspection of seat belt mechanisms and structural integrity, as these are the only complaint areas flagged in the available data. Proceed with caution, but it may be a relatively safer bet within this generation.