Most common 1999 Mitsubishi Galant problems
Share of the 215 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mitsubishi Galant complaints by model year
Best Galant years: 2008, 2010, 2012. Years to avoid: 1999, 2001, 2000, 2002, 2003. Compare all years →
1999 Mitsubishi Galant recalls (5)
Equipment › Other › Labels
Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, 'occupant crash protection.' the bilingual english/spanish removable air bag warning labels affixed to the dash and to the sunvisor do not meet the size requirements of the standard.
Remedy: Mitsubishi caribbean will mail a customer notification letter containing a written description and a graphic of the bi-lingual dashboard air bag warning label.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and lines
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. A hose was mis-manufactured and could weaken over time, which could result in leakage of the automatic transmission fluid.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the hose assembly for the automatic transmission oil cooler. Owner notification mailing will be phased over a five-month period starting March 26, through July 23, 2001.
Steering › Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A nut in the steering gear assembly was not properly tightened, resulting in symptoms ranging from steering wheel vibration to stiff steering, and in the worst case, no ability to turn left.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect these vehicles and replace the steering gear assembly if a loose nut connection is found.
Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery › Cables
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with v6 engines and federal emission equipment. The battery cable harness can become heat damaged by the front exhaust manifold which could cause grounded circuits.
Remedy: Dealers will remove and discard a metal manifold bracket (from galant models only - eclipse has no such bracket). Dealers will also inspect the harness.
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Switch/wiring
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The column switch levers can become loose or break over time.
Remedy: Dealers will install a redesigned switch.
What 1999 Mitsubishi Galant owners say
Brakes all 96 →
ABS failure- light is on after car was rear ended. Dealer charge me $218 us dollars to tell me that I needed an ABS system I was told that all me recall was done. By talking to the dealer none of my recalls was done and I had to bring the car few days letter and lost days of work and the ABS is still not fix. They said I have to pay 1000 dollars to fix my car and it is not car accident related. The fact is I did not had any problems before the accident nor I had ABS light on. Now I cant even drive the car the brakes are very bed rotor is noisy car is vibrate and brakes are down. I suggest since there are 1000 of complaints on ABS systems rotors pads and vehicle vibration and safety issues, please investigate this complain.
Automobile pulls to the right side while braking. Grinding noise is heard while braking. Automobile was taken to savannah Mitsubishi on 10-26-98 for repairs. No problems found. I was told that grinding noise is common is ABS. On 12-15-98, while suddenly braking to prevent from hitting another automobile, automobile pulled to the right side causing me to hit the curb. Impact with curb caused right front tire to blow. A towing service was called to remove wheel. Mechanic stated that rust had settled between wheel and axle which made it difficult to remove wheel. Since the incident, automobile continues to pull while braking also vibration and grinding noise. Prior to incident, on 11-14-98, manufacturer was notified of the problems with vehicle. A representative telephoned on 12-9-98 informing me to continue to take the automobile in for repairs. …
Suspension all 26 →
My Galant has had wheel vibration problems since I purchased it brand new in 2000. I took it to the dealership a countless number of times to figure out what the problem was. They always told me that it needed to be balanced and that they would replace the rotors, pads and bushings on the front passenger wheel. I still had the wheel vibrations and continued to argue with them about the problem while loosing time at work and spending my weekend mornings and afternoons at the dealership. Every six months I've been taking my car to get the tires balanced and aligned to at least limit the vibrations to a minimum. The car vibrates at highway speeds and has more tire wear on the passenger front tire than on the rest of the car. 68,000 miles and 5 years with only 8 more payments left to go and I feel that I've been mistreated by Mitsubishi after this being my second Mitsubishi car. …
I noticed a vibration during brake application and at highway speeds. I had the tires rotated, then balanced then front rotors turned, then front rotors replaced, then front wheels re-balanced. I was then told of a "new" service bulliten covering the front end lower swing arm replacement. After working on my vehicle an entire day (following waiting a month to get the part and schedule mx) I was told that the car already has the "new" bushing and they did not know what was wrong with it. Now I hear a "clang" in the front end when decelerating or accelerating and can feel it through the steering wheel. And of course, the front end still vibrates at high way speeds.
Electrical system all 21 →
Alternator and wire harness caught on fire on my 1999 Mitsubishi Galant. Harness and alternator plug were totally burnt. Had to replace both at my cost. Also had to replace radiator while at the shop. Lost 1 day of work due to this.
While driving the vehicle noticed smoke coming from under the hood. Opened the hood and notice a fire coming from the wiring harness out of the fuse box. Disconnectted the battery and towed it home.
1999 Mitsubishi Galant engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 20 / 28 / 23 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 26 / 21 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Mitsubishi Galant a good car?
Based on 215 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 Galant rates avoid: 4.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the Galant at the same age. It is one of the Galant years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 Mitsubishi Galant?
The brakes — 96 complaints, 45% of all complaints for this model year, most often about foundation components › disc › rotor. Next are the suspension (26) and electrical system (21).
How many recalls does the 1999 Mitsubishi Galant have?
There are 5 recalls for the 1999 Mitsubishi Galant, the most recent from September 1, 2004 (labels). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mitsubishi Galant?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2008, 2010 and 2012. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1999, 2001, 2000, 2002 and 2003. See the full Mitsubishi Galant years comparison.
At what mileage do 1999 Mitsubishi Galant problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 80,000 miles; 26% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.