Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Mitsubishi Galant owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle did not start immediately upon turning the ignition. The warning lights illuminated briefly. Previously, the vehicle had been taken to 3 different private repair shops, who all determined the problem was with the starter. Each time, the starter was replaced, but the problem recurred. Also, a piece of the windshield wiper/washer switch detached from the switch itself, causing the washer to not function. The washer switch was not seen by a dealer, however, the manufacturer was contacted. There was a NHTSA recall # 99V305001, which pertains to the windshield wiper/washer switch. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. Updated 12/5/2006 -
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Mitsubishi Galant. The contact stated the turn signal and hazard lights failed. The dealer stated the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 99V333001, electrical system: battery: cables recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 105,000. The current mileage was 106,000.
As long as I have owned this vehicle, I have had a problem with the whole car shaking when I step on the brakes. I took it back to my dealer in oct 1999 and they turned the rotars but the problem continued. I just recently had to have it in because the battery failed and had them check out the brakes while I was there and they said I need a complete brake job. I ask the service manager to check to see if they had been done before and he found they had. He said he would turn the rotars again but I was responsible for the brake pads. The brakes were really tight when I got the car back last week, but now they seem to be getting back where they were. This car is only two years old and already had to have the battery replaced and the brakes. I feel the dealer should have changed the brake pads at no cost to me. …
Vehicle steering and brake vibrate upon braking, braking distance too long. Front rotors warped - resurfaced at 14847 miles. Same problem at 21315 miles - front rotors replaced. Ignition replaced at 21274 miles - problem (when car started electrical components of radio, wipers, A/C did not work) this started intermittently shortly after purchase, very frequent occurence when changed 24000miles brake problems again, 25600 miles at dealers again for brake problem.
Remote door opener is losing program when battery is getting week. Both openers lost program and changing battery did not help to recover it. Dealer wants to charge $65 for each reprograming and Mitsubishi is claiming that this part is not covered by waranty even if manual is not listing it as not covered item. Very poor mfg service. Jenifer, manager of mitsubisi vehicule dept is very unfriendly for clients.
While driving the vehicle experienced a "burning smell." vehicle had electrical failures, such as no courstey lights/radio, etc., which May have caused a fire at 300 miles. Cause unknown. Please provide details.
Car is on but lights, radio, wipers and all electrical parts don't work. You have to jiggle the switch to make the radio, wipers and electricl parts work. Notified the dealer about this problem.
Consumer went to start the vehicle and noticed smoke, there was an electrical fire and damage to the interior of the vehicle, engine fire in the wiring harness area, claim 42-1246-839.
Related recalls
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.
Electrical complaints in other Galant years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1999 Mitsubishi Galant?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the electrical system of the 1999 Mitsubishi Galant, 10% of the model year's 215 complaints. The component named most often is wiring › front underhood (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Mitsubishi Galant electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 99V333001 (cables, Nov 23, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1999 Mitsubishi Galant electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 126,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 6 fires and 2 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.