Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 2 | 22% | 33,000 miles |
| 2010 | 1 | 11% | 167,000 miles |
| 2008 | 2 | 33% | 135,000 miles |
| 2007 | 4 | 17% | 97,000 miles |
| 2006 | 1 | 4% | 9,000 miles |
| 2005 | 2 | 8% | 27,000 miles |
| 2004 | 5 | 8% | 90,000 miles |
| 2003 | 18 | 14% | 75,000 miles |
| 2002 | 13 | 10% | 83,000 miles |
| 2001 | 25 | 17% | 100,000 miles |
| 2000 | 21 | 15% | 90,000 miles |
| 1999 | 13 | 6% | 40,000 miles |
| 1998 | 4 | 8% | — |
| 1997 | 10 | 13% | 95,000 miles |
| 1996 | 16 | 12% | 90,000 miles |
| 1995 | 16 | 8% | 183,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I purchased this vehicle in 2009. Shortly after my purchase the check engine light came and I have the code read, which indicated the issue was the EGR valve which affects emissions. The mechanic initially soaked the valve which worked for a while, but the check engine came on again. Same code, same problem, however soaking would not solve the problem. Mitsubishi no longer manufacturers the part, so had to be purchased after market. Total cost almost $700.00. Less than 1 year later, same problem, check light engine on, same code (p04 - I believe), another $700 and this time another mechanic told me Mitsubishi issued a service alert in 2010, which I am unable to find. The service alert supposedly stated the issue lies in the programming, that no one is able to get done. So for the 3rd time in 6 years I'm looking to replace the same part, same issue. …
On May 26, 2016 while traveling about 50 MPH going up a straight stretch of highway I heard loud banging coming from the engine compartment, then quiet for a second then more loud clanging. I immediately released the accelerator. My battery light immediately came on. I stepped on my brake but had to step hard to get it to slow my car. I approached a curve and had to really muscle the car around the curve. Luckily I was able to just roll into a resort parking lot. My belt was laying under the car but still intact. My mechanic said the water pump came apart and took the pulley with it, causing the belt to fall to the ground.
I own a 2004 Mitsubishi Galant that first had a recall on the emissions parts a few years ago. I recently have had the check engine light come back on and was told that the problem that I corrected due to the letter that I received was actually what is wrong with the car. I need a new catalytic converter or new s-2 sensor. I can' t afford either due to my mother passing away recently and the costs that incurred, and since it was recalled and the dealership looked at it and do the preventive maintenance, I am frustrated that this is an issue at this point. I just received another letter recalling something with the ignition. I love my car but I want it to work properly. I pay for it to work properly. I take of it to have it work properly but if it was not built properly then how can I feel safe? How can I drive my family around and feel safe. I need help with getting this resolved. …
I purchased my first brand new car on 03-01-04 , since I had my vehicle it stared to make rattling noices when I press on the gas. The noice got loader and loader. I mitsu to fix the problem , I visited them 3 times and yet no one could find a problem. I waited for one month to be able to see the reginal manager which then he gave me a lesson on types of gasoline then handed me a bottle of fuel injector fluid and told me to drive a little faster to surpass the noice.he also told me to use premium gas which the book manual states to use regular , yet ive done what he stated and I saved my receipts yet no difference at all. The noice gets loader everyday and I feel embarrassed instead of proud of my purchase.... …
Check engine light suddenly came on and the vehicle lost all engine power and driving capabilities while driving at a low speed, turning a corner. There had been no other issues or indication of a failure of any kind. The car was pulled over on the roadside out of traffic and was able to be restarted with no problem. It was taken to a nearby auto parts store where they performed a free diagnostic check. The result that came back was generally regarding a vacuum issue in fuel system or lines. The gas cap lid and door were checked for proper closure and it was established they had been closed and sealed properly at the time the engine power failure occurred.
I have a 2003 Mitsubishi Galant purchased new with 12 miles. I have kept up maintenance on my car and have a manufacturer and extended warranty (bought from the dealer) both covering my car up to 100,00 miles. My car has 91,000 miles. I was driving down the freeway and noticed that my foot was on the gas pedal but the car was slowing down. I immediately began exiting the freeway to the right to atleast try to reach the emergency lane before the car died on the freeway. While getting over smoke started coming out the hood entering the car through the air vents, by the time I crossed 4 lanes; my car looked like it was going to blow up. I jumped out the car due to fear once I was able to drift to the side. I had it towed to an auto mechanic shop where they told me my engine and transmission were blown. …
Tl contact owns a 2002 Mitsubishi Galant. The contact attempted to start the vehicle, but was unsuccessful. He towed the vehicle to the dealer and they replaced the intake manifold; however, the failure recurred eight months later. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer and they replaced the intake manifold again. This time the repairs only lasted two months before failing again. The vehicle is currently being towed back to the dealer. The intake manifold is prone to cracking where it is connected to the throttle body. Through research, the contact found this to be a very common issue with this year, make, and model vehicle. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls. The contact believes that a recall should be issued due to the manufacturer defect. The failure mileage was 126,000 and current mileage was 147,000. Updated 08/04/09. …
I purchased my vehicle used from a dealership here locally, and have had problems with it ever since I bought it in late May of 2007, my brakes have started to squeak, I overheated due to either a faulty water pump and/or thermostat, and I have noticed that the steering pulled slightly to the right, and I put new tires on it and it was aligned before purchased. The dealership I bought it from May only be able to run a diagnostics on it, and might not have the tools to fix it. The nearest Mitsubishi dealership is 180 miles away. Warranty covers water pump and a rental of up to $35 a day, but in order to get a rental, I have to get a diagnostics done to make sure it is a covered component under my warrany I won't be able to get a diagnostics ran for at least several days, leaving me without a vehicle. Dealership refused to loan a car off of the lot.
Related recalls (2)
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Mitsubishi is recalling certain model year 2010 galant vehicles. The automatic transmission oil cooler pipe assembly on some vehicles May have insufficient plating to prevent corrosion, if the pipe should develop a hole due to corrosion, automatic transmission fluid leakage May occur.
Remedy: Dealers will have the aft oil cooler pipe assembly inspected. If insufficient plating is found during inspection, the dealer will replace the aft oil cooler pipe assembly with new parts containing appropriate…
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The harness for the crankshaft position sensor could come in contact with a new protective shield causing a grounded circuit.
Remedy: Dealers will re-route the crankshaft position sensor harness.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mitsubishi Galant years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (25), 2000 (21), 2003 (18), 1995 (16) and 1996 (16) model years. Engine complaints make up 17% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Mitsubishi Galant engine problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 10V-066 (manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe, Feb 25, 2010); 00V299001 (engine, Oct 2, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mitsubishi Galant engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 89,000 miles; 22% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine › gasoline (53 mentions), followed by the engine (35).
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.