Window & Wiper complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The wheel covers on my car flew off random times going down the interstate. Tires were in good condition but it seems that anytime I went over 70mph I would lose a hubcap. This could cause an accident or car damage. Headliner in back window has started to come down blocking rear view. The dashboard passenger side has come loose from behind glove box. This houses the air bag could prevent proper deployment or dangerous deployment if its ever needed. Lastly, the clear coat on the trunk has chipped away. I know at one point there was a recall on (black) cars for this specific reason. Except my car is gold. :( on the positive note the engine and transmission have been great.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Mitsubishi Galant. The vehicle was parked when the contact began to adjust the rear view mirror. While adjusting the mirror, the entire assembly fractured from the windshield and cracked the windshield. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer but the failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure and current mileage was 141,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Mitsubishi Galant. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the front driver side window became inoperable without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front driver side window needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. As a result, the front driver and passenger side windows failed to open or close. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.
On sept. 23, 2008, I was waiting at a traffic light prior to getting on the freeway when my driver's door window shattered. The sound was as if it was hit by a large rock or tire iron. It seems the stress on the glass came from a failed window regulator. During the attempt to replace the window it was discovered that a window regulator cable had jumped/slipped off its plastic tracking roller. According to the auto glass repair tech, this created a tremendous amount of pressure and stress on the glass causing it to shatter. He told me I would have to purchase a new window regulator, before the window could be replaced. The item is not repairable according to the tech and dealership parts personnel. I hate to imagine what could have occurred if the vehicle was moving at 55 to 60 MPH when the window shattered. …
Tl contact owns 2003 Mitsubishi Galant. Immediately, after starting the engine the power window control mechanism was activated in the downward position on the front passenger side. There was a strong burning smell and a crackling noise. Smoke and small flames expelled from the front passenger door panel. The contact extinguished the fire without injury. He did not notify the fire department. The inside of the door panel exhibited severe damage from the flames. The cause of failure has not been determined and the vehicle is being repaired. The contact is aware of the safety risk. The failure and current mileages were 80,000.
A few months ago the radio started staying on even while the key was pulled completely out, then the horn fuse had to be pulled because while sitting in our garage and the car not running, and hadn't been running for 12 hours, the horn started blaring, until my husband could disconnect the battery, then while driving home one evening in the rain, I had the wipers and headlights on the wipers would not shut off, even when put in the off position. They would not shut off until I shut the headlights off. I am scared for my safety as well as others to drive my car, and especially to use the cruise. I fear that if I do use the cruise it will stay on, and I will be involved in a deadly crash. No one seems to know what is the problem. It seems to really act up when the weather is damp or wet. The wipers will come on by themselves in the off position, with or without the headlights. Please help.
I have a 2000 Mitsubishi Galant manufactured in October 1999. The windshield wiper switch lever broke and is stuck in the "squirt wiper fluid" position. I have also had the turn signal switch lever break less than a year ago and paid to have it replaced. Both of these are listed as defects under NHTSA recall 99V305001, but there are no recalls listed. Both levers having broken seems to indicate my levers were defective and should have been under the recall. I have contacted both the dealers service center and Mitsubishi's customer service, but they both told me there is nothing they can do for me. If other cars in the same production run as mine are affected, they could be unknowingly subject to the safety risks listed in the recall.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Mitsubishi Galant. The contact stated that the turn signal switch detached from the vehicle when he attempted to activate the signal. In addition, the windshield wipers work intermittently. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id numbers 99V305001, Mitsubishi recall number sr-99-003 (exterior lighting:turn signal:switch) and 99V305001 (visibility:windshield wiper/washer:switch/wiring). The failure mileage was 107,000.
Related recalls (1)
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mitsubishi Galant years have window & wiper problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (13), 2004 (10), 1995 (9) and 1996 (8) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 10% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Mitsubishi Galant window & wiper problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 99V305001 (switch/wiring, Nov 1, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mitsubishi Galant window & wiper problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 94,000 miles; 10% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the windshield (13 mentions), followed by the power window devices and controls (12).
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.