Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 | 11% | 70,000 miles |
| 2010 | 1 | 11% | 121,000 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 6% | 35,000 miles |
| 2007 | 1 | 4% | — |
| 2006 | 1 | 4% | 9,000 miles |
| 2004 | 3 | 5% | 137,000 miles |
| 2003 | 6 | 5% | 91,000 miles |
| 2002 | 3 | 2% | 60,000 miles |
| 2001 | 20 | 13% | 73,000 miles |
| 2000 | 3 | 2% | — |
| 1999 | 16 | 7% | 63,000 miles |
| 1998 | 12 | 23% | 76,000 miles |
| 1997 | 15 | 19% | 81,000 miles |
| 1996 | 36 | 26% | 96,000 miles |
| 1995 | 29 | 14% | 65,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl contact owns a 2004 Mitsubishi Galant. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle would sporadically slip into the neutral gear. The failure increased the risk of an injury. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the core line pressure in the transmission failed. The entire transmission needed to be replaced at the cost of $5,200. She is in the process of having the vehicle repaired. The manufacturer stated that because her vehicle exceeded its warranty, they would not assume any financial responsibility. The failure and current mileages were 137,000. Updated 10/28/08 the consumer stated the vehicle stalled, there were heating and air problems, all the buttons stopped working, both headlights had to be replaced. Updated 10/29/08.
My check engine light was on when I took my 2004 Mitsubishi Galant to the dealership. I had them run a diagnostic check on it to determine why it would not go off. The service advisor told me that I needed a catalytic converter and that a recall had been issued in 2006 to correct the problem. This was the 1st time I had been made aware that there had been a recall issued. The dealer refused to repair the catalytic converter due to the expiration of the recall. I do not think this is fair treatment. I was never notified that there was a defect. The dealership reflashed the PCM free of charge but would not replace the catalytic converter. I would like the dealership to replace the catalytic converter.
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. …
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 at least 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. …
While the 2002 Galant was in park and engine off , vehicle was parked in steep driveway I was fastening baby into carseat on rear passenger side other child bumped gear shift into reverse and car engaged . I was dragged with vehicle down driveway across street into a yard and into a tree where vehicle came to rest after crashing into tree. The galants shift lock does not work the brake should have to be depressed to shift and not at all if engine is off. This needs to be investigated as this could well have been fatal. Luckily I received only a broken foot and cuts.
Severe steering vibrations at highway speeds 60mph & above. The dealer has, so far, replaced front right transaxle, balanced tires 4-times, and replaced OEM Goodyear Eagle ls tires (205/55/16) with Bridgestone potenza tires (205/55/16). However, the front tires repeatedly get out of balance every now and then, and severe steering vibrations continue at 60mph highway speed, which is creating a potential life-threatening safety hazard every time the vehicle is driven over 60-65 MPH speeds.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Mitsubishi Galant. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the transmission had malfunctioned and the vehicle would not operate in the drive and reverse position. In addition, there was a leakage and smoke was also present coming from under the vehicle. The contact indicated that the failure would only occur when engine temperature was heated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact indicated that the transmission had previously experienced the same failure and was replaced in 2013. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 220,000.
In December 2005 the car started experiencing problems with a drop in power between 10 and 20 miles per hour. The dealer diagnosed is as shift surge and said the transmission had a leak, resulting in low fluid that overheated the transmission and caused internal damage. The surge occurred on and off for just a week. Now they say we have to replace the transmission and quote of $2,000 plus for a rebuilt transmission. They stated that if we had taken the car to them the first sign of shifting, they might have been able to fix it. A recall was issued for this car for transmission fluid leaks. I had taken this car to the same dealer in October no one mentioned any recalls. It is difficult to understand how a transmission needs to be replaced within four years. How can I determine if the previous owner actually had the work done that was necessary per the recall? …
Related recalls (1)
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mitsubishi Galant years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1996 (36), 1995 (29), 2001 (20), 1999 (16) and 1997 (15) model years. Transmission complaints make up 26% of all complaints for the 1996.
Is there a recall for Mitsubishi Galant transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 01V011001 (cooling unit and lines, Jan 16, 2001). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mitsubishi Galant transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles; 18% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (88 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission › cooling unit and lines (11).
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.