Recall 20V035 affects 18,123 1998-2000 Mitsubishi Montero vehicles for driver air bag inflator rupture and underinflation. Repair is free at any franchised Mitsubishi dealer.
Mitsubishi is recalling 18,123 1998-2000 Montero SUVs because the driver air bag inflator can absorb moisture, then rupture or leave the air bag underinflated in a crash. Metal fragments can strike occupants, or the air bag can fail to protect the driver properly; Mitsubishi dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
On affected 1998-2000 Mitsubishi Montero SUVs, the Takata Non-Azide Driver air bag inflator is the driver-side part that fills the air bag cushion during a frontal crash. Inside the inflator, propellant creates gas fast enough to inflate the cushion before the driver moves into the steering wheel. The cushion depends on controlled pressure from that inflator.
These inflators were built without phase stabilized ammonium nitrate propellant and are part of the Takata NADI group under investigation. A manufacturing issue allows the inflator to absorb moisture over time. That moisture can upset how the inflator pressurizes during deployment, leading the inflator to rupture or leaving the air bag cushion underinflated when it is needed.
There is no warning sign before failure. The driver does not get a dashboard light, sound, smell, or change in how the Montero drives that tells them the inflator has absorbed moisture.
Who's affected?
Covers the 1998, 1999, and 2000 Montero model years with the same front air bag component in each year.
| 1998 Mitsubishi Montero | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 1999 Mitsubishi Montero | front air bag |
| 2000 Mitsubishi Montero | front air bag |
| Units affected | 18,123 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Year and model alone do not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
In a crash that deploys the air bag, the inflator can rupture and send metal fragments toward the driver or passengers. The air bag can also underinflate, leaving the occupant without proper protection. There is no warning sign before this happens. Schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mitsubishi dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 1998-2000 Mitsubishi Montero is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mitsubishi dealer to schedule the free driver air bag inflator replacement that fixes the rupture and underinflation risk.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it. If not, reference recall number 20V035 when you call.
- Call Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820 with questions and reference Mitsubishi recall SR-20-001.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and keep every driver aware that the driver air bag is part of the recall.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mitsubishi technician replaces the driver air bag inflator in the affected Montero. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. The repair addresses the NADI inflator issue described in the filing, where moisture intrusion can lead to rupture or air bag underinflation. If you already paid out of pocket for expenses tied to this recall, contact the Mitsubishi Customer Relations Department for refund instructions. Keep your receipts and repair documentation ready for the reimbursement claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 23, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 19, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| February 19, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 25, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 25, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V035?
Recall 20V035 covers 18,123 1998-2000 Mitsubishi Montero vehicles with NADI driver air bag inflators that can absorb moisture. In a crash, the inflator can rupture or the air bag cushion can underinflate, increasing the risk of serious injury or death. Mitsubishi dealers replace the inflator for free.
What should I do if my 1998-2000 Mitsubishi Montero is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Montero is included in recall 20V035. If it is, contact a franchised Mitsubishi dealer to schedule the driver air bag inflator replacement. Reference recall number 20V035 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Mitsubishi dealers will replace the driver air bag inflator free of charge, including parts and labor.
What is the safety risk in recall 20V035?
The safety risk is tied to air bag deployment in a crash. A ruptured inflator can send metal fragments toward the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag also fails to protect the occupant properly. Both scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
What if I bought my Mitsubishi Montero used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Montero is included, then call a franchised Mitsubishi dealer and reference recall number 20V035.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V035000 |
|---|---|
| Mitsubishi customer service | 1-888-648-7820 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V035 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V035000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →