What are the most common Mitsubishi Galant problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1997 Mitsubishi Galant has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Recall 00V421001: Front lower lateral arm ball joint can corrode and separate, Timing belt / balance shaft belt failure destroys interference engine, Premature automatic transmission failure (slipping, harsh/failed shifts). Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Mitsubishi Galant reliable?
The 1997 Mitsubishi Galant has 6 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Recall 00V421001: Front lower lateral arm ball joint can corrode and separate and Timing belt / balance shaft belt failure destroys interference engine and Premature automatic transmission failure (slipping, harsh/failed shifts). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Mitsubishi Galant problems?
Repair costs for known Mitsubishi Galant issues range from $120 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 1994-1998 Mitsubishi Galant Recall 00V421001: Front lower lateral arm ball joint can corrode and separate?
Mitsubishi recalled 1994-1998 Galant sedans under NHTSA campaign 00V421001 for a front suspension defect. On affected Galants, the rubber boots covering the lower lateral arm ball joints may have been damaged during vehicle assembly, letting dirt and water get inside the joint. M… Severity: high.
What is the 1990-1999 Mitsubishi Galant Timing belt / balance shaft belt failure destroys interference engine?
The 4G63 (2.0L) and 4G64 (2.4L) four-cylinders in the 1990s Galant are interference engines driven by a rubber timing belt on a strict 60,000-mile / 7-year replacement interval. On a neglected belt the valves collide with the pistons the instant the belt lets go, bending valves a… Repairs typically run $500-$1,200. Severity: high.
What is the 1994-1999 Mitsubishi Galant Premature automatic transmission failure (slipping, harsh/failed shifts)?
The 4-speed automatic in the 1990s Galant is prone to premature internal failure, especially when the fluid is never serviced and no auxiliary cooler is fitted. Documented failure modes include slipping (notably losing drive or slipping in reverse), harsh or delayed 2-3 shifts, f… Repairs typically run $1,500-$3,500. Severity: high.
What is the 1990-1999 Mitsubishi Galant Cracked plastic radiator end tank / overheating?
Like many 1990s Mitsubishis, the Galant uses a radiator with plastic end tanks that grow brittle with age and heat-cycling. The top tank is a very common crack point, producing coolant loss, steam, and overheating. On the turbo 4G63 an overheating event is especially damaging bec… Repairs typically run $150-$450. Severity: medium.
What is the 1994-1998 Mitsubishi Galant Crankshaft position sensor failure causes stalling / no-start?
The crankshaft position sensor on the 2.4L (4G64) Galant fails with age and heat, sometimes intermittently. Because the ECU uses this signal to fire spark and injection, a failing sensor typically produces a hard-start, an engine that cranks but will not start (often after the en… Repairs typically run $150-$350. Severity: medium.
What is the 1990-1999 Mitsubishi Galant Valve cover gasket and valve stem seal oil leaks (burning-oil smell)?
As the Galant's 4G63/4G64 engines age, the valve cover gasket hardens and leaks oil onto the exhaust manifold, producing a burning-oil smell after warmup and oil pooling in the spark plug wells (which can cause misfires). A related age issue is hardened valve stem seals, which le… Repairs typically run $120-$1,200. Severity: low.
