Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Mitsubishi Galant owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Summary - vehicle steering and brakes vibrate upon braking, poor brake performance - braking distance is too long. Shoddy rotor/caliper quality. Dealerships and Mitsubishi refuse to fix the problem. The car has been returned to the dealership repeatedly (5 times) to remedy the braking problem - every few months (with less than 2500 miles since the last time the rotors were replaced). The car was taken to the west broad Mitsubishi dealership in richmond, va where it was determined that the problem was being caused by warped rotors. The dealer resurfaced the rotors to fix the problem. However, the problem re-occured after 7000 miles. West broad Mitsubishi then claimed that they replaced the rotors. 5000 miles later, the brakes began squeeling and the vibration started again. …
I bought my Galant in October of 2002, the first year I had the car I had to take it in for the brakes squeaking and grinding four times. Each time the dealer said that there was nothing wrong, and sent me back home. I was told that it was my fault that my brakes were bad because of how I drive. I only had the car for a couple weeks when my brakes started squeeking and grinding the first time. I contacted Mitsubishi, and was told that there was nothing wrong with my vehicle, and that they were not going to fix the problem. I feel like this is an unsafe car for my child to ride in because I do not know when my brakes might fail or really what is wrong with them. My engine also has a burning smell to it almost all the time, and I was told that there was nothing wrong by Mitsubishi. I also have numerous friends that have galants and have the same break problems.
Since purchase of 2002 Mitsubishi Galant have had numerous problems with squeaking brakes, rotors replaced twice since purchased 7/05. Was told by dealer that squeaking was from driving habits; nothing wrong with brakes. Had to take vehicle to private mechanic. Also, problems with air conditioning. Hot air blows out bottom vents by floor. Air doesn't get cold either. Have had vehicle air conditioner charged both last spring and also this spring. Within 2 weeks air only gets semi-cool and floor vents blow really hot air at all times. This vehicle is a disgrace. More trouble than enjoyment. Only good thing is appearance and style. Mitsubishi has had numerous complaints about both the brakes and air conditioning on their 2002 galantes. Poor quality automobile.
Car brought in for service. Brake pulsation,second time,left front wheel. Car is under 3 year 36,000 warranty. Car has 23,472 miles,warranty good till feb 27th,2005. Dealer says I need brake pads,inside pads are worn paper thin,outside pad is half life. This is the second time I brought this vehicle in for same complaint. Dealer will not cover the brake pads. Being that this problem has occurred twice,and from same side..I would believe that a malfunction of the brake caliper,or other defect has caused the abnormal wear on pads. Dealer replaced both front rotors,would not cover cost of brake pads! Also requested front wheels to be balanced,dealer charged me for re-balance,but wheels were not re-balanced,hence..still have vibration.
My vehicle has been in out of the repair shop regarding my brakes. None of the technicians at ourisman Mitsubishi can identify what is causing the problem. Upon the request of the GM, I took my vehicle to them to have it inspected again. I purchased my vehicle in 2002 and in that year I have taken my vehicle to the service department to have my brakes worked on. My brakes are constantly producing a grinding noise. The grinding noise also makes my vehicle vibrate when braking. I have filed several claims regarding the issue with bbb and misubishi has not yet performed a thorough inspection on my brakes, front and rear as promised, to determine what is causing this problem.
Brakes vibrate, grind, squeal and fade. Mitsubishi says nothing wrong and keeps resurfacing rotors and replacing pads. First brake job was at approx. 850 miles, they said faulty caliper supports were the cause. They squeal from the moment I pick up the car from service and start to grind and pulsate religiously every 5000 miles after brake service. This vehicle has been in the shop for the same problem about seven times and they tell me that the brakes are over heating due to driving habits and local traffic. None of my other vehicles ever had issues like this driving in the same traffic.
Mitsubishi gallant: I bought this car pre-owned, with 40K miles. I have already service my brakes about 4 times. I used have a dealer warranty, but it was useless. A mechanic that I trust told me that my rotors had to be replaced. However, he didn't advice me to replace them because it was an expensive job and there was not warranty that the car will not continue with the same problem due to factory defects. He told me to look on this page for many issues on this car. I will get rid of this car as soon as I can. I will never buy this brand of car again, I'm very disappointed.
Recurring and severe front brake chatter. Despite repeated repair, the front brakes chatter on braking so much that the steering wheel shakes. The braking strength is substantially reduced and braking distance substantially increased. The dealer claims this is due to the rear brakes being out of adjustment causing the front brakes to work "too hard" resulting in warped rotors. They will not cover these repairs under warranty. The repair only lasts about 3000 miles at best.
Steering-car pulled to the right -remedy, tech said steering wheel off center, adjusted and cross rotated front tires. Brakes-grinding -remedy, tech said caliper supports were faulty, replaced supports and turned rotors, they would not replace rotors. Other-hood was not secure in hood latch, bounced up and down. -remedy, tech said hod latch out of adjustment, still bounced after car was picked up.
Rear brakes make a squealing/grinding noise when braking. The dealership inspected twice. The first time they said it was built up brake dust, the sound continued after I picked it up from the dealership. Took it back and said there was nothing they could do, and they seemed to be working properly, and the only way to remedy it was to replace the pads, which is not covered by warranty.
Brake complaints in other Galant years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2002 Mitsubishi Galant?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 Mitsubishi Galant, 21% of the model year's 135 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Mitsubishi Galant brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2002 Mitsubishi Galant, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2002 Mitsubishi Galant brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 23,000 miles, and 60% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to brakes 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.