Best Mitsubishi Pajero / Montero years to buy, and which to avoid
2 generations of the Mitsubishi Pajero / Montero, and for each one the model years owners and specialists recommend, the ones with documented problems, and the recalls to check. None has a single standout year, so buy on condition and history.
Sweet spot years owners and specialists recommend · Beware years with documented problems · Recall years with a recall to check by VIN. Each one is sourced on the model's own guide.
Pajero / Montero (First Generation)
1982–1991No single year stands out: owners and specialists say to buy on condition and history rather than model year.
Every Pajero / Montero (First Generation) year, change by change →
Pajero / Montero (Second Generation)
1991–1999There's no buyer consensus on a best year. JDM Buy Sell's guide doesn't name one, and owners argue about engines rather than years. What you can avoid is the NADI driver airbag. NHTSA recall 20V035000 covers 1998–2000 US Monteros, with a free replacement inflator, and Mitsubishi Australia is buying back NL Pajeros built between 31 May 1996 and 30 September 2000 because no replacement inflator exists. Run the VIN before you pay.
- 1998Export and Gulf trucks get the 'blister' wide-fender facelift; airbags standard on 3.5 models in those markets. Beware the NADI driver airbag: 1998–2000 US Monteros are under recall 20V035000 for a new inflator, and in Australia Mitsubishi is buying back NL Pajeros built 31 May 1996 to 30 September 2000 because no replacement existsBeware
Every Pajero / Montero (Second Generation) year, change by change →