2nd Gen Pajero / Montero years to avoid, and the best years to buy
Every Mitsubishi Pajero / Montero (Second Generation) model year: which ones owners and specialists recommend, which have documented problems, which carry recalls, and what they sell for now.
There'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.
At a glance
2nd Gen Pajero / Montero year by year
| YEAR | VERDICT | WHAT CHANGED |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | — | Second generation launched in Japan on 22 January 1991. Super Select 4WD, multi-mode ABS and optional electronic dampers. 6G72 3.0 SOHC 12v V6 and 4D56 2.5 intercooled turbo-diesel. Exports began later in the year |
| 1992 | — | First US model year for the second-generation Montero (Active-Trac 4WD) |
| 1993 | — | July: 6G74 3.5 DOHC 24v V6 (US SR: 215 hp) and 4M40 2.8 intercooled turbo-diesel arrive, with a larger transmission and transfer case. Slight restyle |
| 1996 | — | 3.0 V6 gains a 24-valve head and coil-pack ignition (US: 177 hp / 188 lb-ft). 2.4 four added for some SWB markets |
| 1997 | — | May: Japanese 'Wide' models with wheel-arch flares and a 3.5 GDI V6. Australia's NL switches to a SOHC 3.5 (US 1998: 200 hp). Pajero Evolution (V55W) goes on sale in September/October |
| 1998 | Beware | Export 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 exists |
| 1999 | — | The monocoque third-generation Pajero replaces it in Japan (August) |
| 2000 | — | Final US model year for the second-generation Montero; the third generation arrives as a 2001 model |
“Sweet spot” means owners and specialists recommend those years; “Beware” means documented problems; “Recall” means check the recall was done rather than walk away.
What a 2nd Gen Pajero / Montero costs (October 2026)
Ordinary second-generation Pajeros and Monteros are still cheap. The Evolution is the collector's car, and it's climbing.
| Project / tired US Montero or import | $3.5k–7.5k |
|---|---|
| Driver (US Montero or JDM import) | $7.5k–13.5k |
| Excellent / low-mileage | $15k–20k |
| Pajero Evolution | $19.5k–50k (median ≈$32k) |
Based on Bring a Trailer sold results. Second-generation Pajeros and Monteros sold from 2020 to October 2026 ran from $3,500 (a 1992 turbo-diesel) to $19,500 (a 1998 Exceed GLS turbo-diesel manual), with an 18k-mile 1998 Montero at $16,000; most went for $7,500–13,500. Eighteen sold Evolutions from October 2024 to October 2026 ranged from $19,500 to $49,997.
Recalls by year
- NADI driver airbag inflator ↗ 1998–2000
- Crankshaft pulley bolt can loosen (3.0) ↗ 1992–1996
- Front wheel-side brake hoses can crack ↗ 1992–1994
- Front lower brake hoses can crack ↗ 1994
- Front brake lines chafe through ↗ 1997–1998
- Accessory cargo mat stops third-row seats latching ↗ 1994–1998
- Airbag warning labels too small ↗ 1998–2000
- Aftermarket Reese trailer hitch weld (equipment) ↗ 1991–1992
Best years are buyer consensus from owners, specialists and forums, not spec sheets. See all Pajero / Montero years to avoid across every generation.