Is Your 2014 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Still Reliable in 2024?

2025-11-18 10:00

I remember the day my neighbor John decided to sell his 2014 Montero Sport back in 2019. He'd just had his second child and was convinced he needed something newer, something with all the latest safety features. Looking back now, you couldn't really blame John for doing that - the SUV had nearly 80,000 miles on it, and we were all younger then, more susceptible to marketing hype about newer models. But here's what's fascinating: that same Montero Sport is still running perfectly today with its third owner, having crossed 140,000 miles without any major repairs. This got me thinking - how many 2014 Montero Sports are still out there reliably serving their owners a full decade later?

From my experience working with dozens of Montero Sport owners over the years, I can tell you that the 2014 model represents something of a sweet spot in the vehicle's evolution. By this model year, Mitsubishi had worked out most of the kinks from earlier generations while still maintaining the robust engineering that made these vehicles famous. The 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine, in particular, has proven remarkably durable. I've seen these engines regularly reach 200,000 miles with proper maintenance, and there are documented cases of them exceeding 300,000 miles. The transmission, a five-speed automatic that some critics called outdated even in 2014, has actually proven to be more reliable than many of the more complex eight and nine-speed transmissions in newer SUVs. There's something to be said for simplicity in engineering - fewer moving parts generally mean fewer things that can go wrong.

Now, let's talk about what typically goes wrong with these vehicles as they age. The most common issues I've encountered involve the suspension components wearing out around the 100,000-mile mark. Specifically, the front lower control arm bushings tend to deteriorate, leading to some steering wheel vibration and occasional clunking noises over bumps. This isn't a deal-breaker though - replacing them costs between $400-$600 at most independent shops. Another area that often needs attention is the fuel system. The high-pressure fuel pump can develop issues after 120,000 miles or so, with replacement costs ranging from $800 to $1,200 depending on whether you go with OEM or aftermarket parts. What surprises me is how few electrical issues these vehicles develop compared to their European counterparts. The infotainment system might feel ancient by today's standards, but at least it doesn't randomly stop working like some modern touchscreen systems.

I recently helped a friend evaluate his 2014 Montero Sport with 95,000 miles, and we discovered something interesting - the maintenance history made all the difference. Vehicles that had followed the recommended service intervals, particularly for transmission fluid changes every 30,000 miles and differential service every 15,000 miles, were performing significantly better than those that had skipped these services. The transmission fluid is especially critical - neglect it, and you might be facing a $4,000 transmission rebuild by 120,000 miles. But here's where I differ from some mechanics: I actually think you can extend these intervals slightly if you're not towing or driving in severe conditions. Maybe push the transmission fluid change to 35,000 miles and differential service to 20,000. The engines are tough as nails, but they're sensitive to fuel quality. I always recommend using diesel from top-tier stations and adding a fuel system cleaner every other oil change.

What really stands out to me about the 2014 Montero Sport is its value proposition in 2024. While a comparable 2014 Ford Explorer might cost you $2,000 less initially, the repair costs over the next two years could easily erase that savings. I've tracked maintenance costs across multiple SUV models, and the Montero Sport consistently comes in 15-20% cheaper to maintain than its American counterparts and 30-40% cheaper than European models like the BMW X5. The aftermarket support has also improved dramatically - you can now find quality replacement parts from multiple suppliers, whereas five years ago you were mostly limited to expensive OEM components.

There's an emotional aspect to this too that often gets overlooked. Driving a well-maintained 2014 Montero Sport in 2024 feels different from driving a newer SUV. The hydraulic power steering provides actual feedback from the road instead of the numb electric steering in modern vehicles. The physical buttons and knobs, while less flashy than touchscreens, are far easier to operate without taking your eyes off the road. I find myself enjoying these older interfaces more than the frustratingly complex systems in new cars. Sure, you miss out on Apple CarPlay and advanced driver assistance features, but you gain reliability and simplicity - and for many drivers, that's a worthwhile tradeoff.

Looking at the data from various reliability surveys and my own repair records, I'd estimate that about 78% of 2014 Montero Sports are still on the road today, which is impressive for a ten-year-old vehicle. The ones that have been retired typically suffered from neglect rather than inherent design flaws. Rust isn't a major issue except in coastal areas with road salt, and even there, the Montero Sport holds up better than many contemporaries. If I were shopping for one today, I'd prioritize maintenance history over mileage and would budget about $1,500 for immediate repairs and updates regardless of how well it appears to be running. This would cover things like flushing all fluids, replacing wear items, and addressing any deferred maintenance.

So is the 2014 Mitsubishi Montero Sport still reliable in 2024? From where I stand, having worked on everything from vintage Land Cruisers to the latest electric SUVs, I'd say it's not just reliable - it's one of the better choices in its class for someone who prioritizes dependability over cutting-edge features. These vehicles represent an era of automotive engineering where manufacturers prioritized longevity over planned obsolescence. They lack the sophistication of modern SUVs but make up for it with honest, straightforward engineering that stands the test of time. John might have moved on to something newer and shinier, but I suspect his old Montero Sport will still be running strong long after his new SUV has been traded in.