2002 Mitsubishi Galant

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 135 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the service brakes, hydraulic › foundation components › disc › rotor. It has been recalled 3 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
64,895 milesMedian miles at failure

77 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor13
000
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Heater Core12
000
Electrical System11
042
Air Bags › Frontal9
807
Structure › Body8
000
Structure6
000
Air Bags6
605
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System5
000
Unknown or Other5
102
Service Brakes, Hydraulic5
100

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting › Headlights09E025000
Filed May 11, 200942,540 vehiclesDope, Inc.

Defect. DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Equipment › Other › Labels04V428000
Filed Sep 1, 2004100,432 vehiclesMitsubishi Caribbean

Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.' THE BILINGUAL ENGLISH/SPANISH REMOVABLE AIR BAG WARNING LABELS AFFIXED TO THE DASH AND TO THE SUNVISOR DO NOT MEET THE SIZE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Risk. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Remedy. MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN WILL MAIL A CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION LETTER CONTAINING A WRITTEN DESCRIPTION AND A GRAPHIC OF THE BI-LINGUAL DASHBOARD AIR BAG WARNING LABEL. IN ADDITION, ALL CURRENT 2000-2004 NATIVA OWNERS WILL ALSO RECEIVE REPLACEMENT AIR BAG ALERT LABELS FOR THE SUN VISORS. THIS RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH OR APRIL 2005. THE NOTIFICATION TO THE NATIVA OWNERS IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL OR MAY 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN AT 1-787-251-8715.

Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood02V147000
Filed May 29, 20023,378 vehiclesMitsubishi America

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, ROUTING OF THE VEHICLE'S FRONT HARNESS CAN ALLOW IT TO COME IN CONTACT WITH A ROUGH EDGE, ALLOWING ABRASION. THIS COULD RESULT IN GROUNDED CIRCUITS.

Risk. THERE COULD BE A LOSS OF STOP OR TURN SIGNAL LAMP OPERATION OR ENGINE HESITATION.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTOR, ELIMINATING ANY HARNESS CONTACT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 8, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 3, 2022131,000 milesUT

The contact owns a 2002 Mitsubishi Galant. The contact stated that while his son was being chased by another motorist at 40 MPH, he lost control of the vehicle as he attempted to brake. The vehicle veered off the road and initially hit a garbage can that ricocheted and broke another vehicle's taillight. The vehicle continued to move forward before it hit both an electrical box and a tree which stopped the vehicle's momentum. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. His son was treated at the scene for the soreness to his chest and back and for other minor cuts and bruises. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it remained in their possession. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 22, 201980,000 milesCA

I'VE HAD THIS 2002 MITSUBISHI GALANT FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS AND HAVE ALWAYS HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE LIGHTS. THEY DON'T SHINE BRIGHT ENOUGH TO CLEARLY SEE THE ROAD AHEAD. IT IS A CONSTANT PROBLEM. I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST A PROBLEM WITH MY CAR, BUT IT SEEMS LIKE OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM.

Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Filed Apr 13, 201625,000 milesMD

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI GALANT. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS AND THE SIGNAL LAMP FAILED TO OPERATE WHEN ACTIVATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUSE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V147000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed May 26, 2015NY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 MITSUBISHI GALANT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WENT AIRBORNE AND LANDED ON ALL FOUR WHEELS. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED A NECK INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 30, 2015186,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI GALANT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WITHOUT IT BEING MANUALLY ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 186,000. UPDATED 6/11/15*CN UPDATED 06/16/15*JB

Electrical System
Filed Oct 30, 2014105,000 milesMS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI GALANT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL FAILED TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V147000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 30, 2013MI

TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI GALANT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH THERE WAS A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY WITH THE IMPACT. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURY TO THE SHOULDER AND SUFFERED FROM MODERATE HEADACHES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO SHOP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. JS

Power Train
Filed Nov 29, 201259,980 milesMN

TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. THERE MAY HAVE BEEN A SERVICE BULLETIN? NOT THAT MANY MILES. *TR UPDATED 12/04/12*LJ

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Oct 24, 2012WA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI GALANT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE EXITING THE VEHICLE SHE NOTICED A BURNING SMELL. AFTER RETURNING TO THE VEHICLE AN HOUR LATER THERE WAS SMOKE BEING EMITTED FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT DOOR. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED AND THE WIRES WERE CUT TO PREVENT FURTHER THERMAL EVENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 129,250. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Apr 17, 2012112,000 milesFL

INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS DON'T COME ON. FUSES ALL OK, SWITCHES OK, REOSTAT OK. COULD BE BULBS BEHIND INSTRUMENT PANEL - OR CIRCUIT BOARD. CAN'T DRIVE AT NIGHT -CAN'T SEE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. INTERIOR LIGHTS OK. BLINKER LIGHTS OK BUT WON'T TURN OFF AFTER MAKING TURN. CAN'T GET INFORMATION FROM MITSUBISHI ON WHAT IT MAY BE. *JS

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Feb 29, 2012136,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI GALANT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR CAUGHT ON FIRE AS THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND OPENED THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT SEPARATED THE PASSENGER DOOR PANEL AND POURED WATER IN THE PANEL TO STOP THE FIRE. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 136,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 7, 201268,000 milesPA

I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR NOT WANTING TO START. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR QUITE SOME TIME. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE CAM SHAFT CENSOR AFTER A MONTH OR TWO THE STARTING PROBLEM STARTED AGAIN. I THEN HAD THE COILS, WIRES AND BATTERY CABLE REPLACE AND STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM. I WANT TO KNOW IF THERE HAS BEEN RECALLS FOR THESE PROBLEMS NO I HAVE NOT BEEN TOLD. I ONLY HAVE 68000 MILES ON THIS CAR AND SHOULD NOT BE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Sep 6, 2011100,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI GALANT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE POWER WINDOW FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE HORN WOULD ENGAGE SPORADICALLY AND WOULD NOT STOP. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 110,218.

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Jul 28, 2011120,000 milesAL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI GALANT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO HIS PASSENGER SIDE AT A HIGH SPEED. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING THE CRASH. THE DRIVER SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE KNEE AND CHEST, AND THE PASSENGER SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE CHEST. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 120,000.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 15, 201097,500 milesTX

1. PURCHASED "AS IS" IN DAYLIGHT HOURS, DID NOT NOTICE INTERIOR LIGHTS DID NOT FUNCTION. 2. INTERIOR LIGHTS AND TRUNK LIGHT DO NOT FUNCTION. THIS IS A PERMANENT CONDITION. 3. USING OHMMETER, INTERIOR LIGHT FILAMENTS CHECKED, TRUNK LIGHT FILAMENT CHECKED. ALL OK. NO VOLTAGES MEASURED AT INPUTS TO ALL. FUSES ALL OK. DOOR SWITCH OK. LIFTED FUSES 16 & 17 IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT, NO VOLTAGE TO CONTACTS THAT SHOULD HAVE 12 VOLTS ALWAYS ON, PER SCHEMATIC. LOOKED UP RECALL # 29924 FOR THIS MODEL, YEAR, MAKE, AND WOULD APPEAR TO BE UNDER COLOR OF GROUNDING OF WIRES. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Aug 16, 2010132,000 milesGA

THE DRIVERS SIDE FLOOR IS CONSTANTLY WET IN MY 2001 GALANT. IT STARTED HAPPENING IN THE LAST 3 MONTHS. I CHECKED THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR AND DO NOT SEE ANY HOLES; THE UNDERCARRIAGE COATING LOOKS FINE. THERE IS A LITTLE SUPPORT BEAM UNDER THE FLOOR BOARD OF THE CAR THAT I CAN NOT PEER INTO. THE FLUID DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE COOLANT. IT DOES NOT LOOK OR SMELL LIKE COOLANT. *TR

Structure
Filed Apr 27, 201096,000 milesCA

PAINT TURNING WHITE A PEELING OVER ENTIRE VEHICLE. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Oct 12, 200970,000 milesME

I HAVE 2 COMPLAINTS. I HAVE A 2002 BLACK MITSUBISHI GALANT ES AND LIKE MANY OTHERS I SEE ON THE ROAD AND HAVE READ ABOUT ON THE INTERNET. OXYDIZATION HAS OCCURRED ALL OVER MY CAR, IT STARTED ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO AND BUFFING AND WAXING DOES NOT HELP. ALSO, ANOTHER PROBLEM THAT STARTED ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO: WHEN TURNING FROM AIR TO HEAT OR VICE VERSA, THERE IS A LOUD CLICKING NOISE AND THEN IT WILL TURN OVER WHEN IT FEELS LIKE. I THINK RECENTLY IT HAS JUST GIVEN OUT AND COMPLETELY BROKE. I JUST PAID THIS CAR OFF AND AM EMBARRASSED TO DRIVE IT. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 5, 200960,000 milesNC

PAINT DEFECT LEADS T RAPID OXIDATION AND RUSTING OF CAR. *TR

Structure
Filed Oct 3, 2009104,000 milesNY

2002 BLACK MITSUBISHI GALANT, IT SEEMS THAT ALL THE GALANTS FOR SEVERAL YEARS HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE PAINT..THE PAINT ITS LIKE DISAPPEARING IF YOU LOOK AROUND AND PAY ATTENTION YOU WILL FIND A WHITE COATING COMING FROM THE PRIMER USED... I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY A RECALL HAVE NOT BEEN ISSUE YET. *TR

20 of 135 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1999
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20129000Routine
20113000Routine
20109100Routine
200916000Routine
20086000Routine
200724100Routine
200624110Routine
200526310Routine
200461101Fatalities reported
2003126341Fatalities reported
2002 — this page1353101Fatalities reported
20011518110Routine
20001367160Routine
19992156101Fatalities reported
199853200Routine
199780210Routine
1996136440Routine
1995209650Above average
1994198452Fatalities reported
19939000Routine
199239120Routine
199163110Routine
199021110Routine

Compare every Galant year →

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 11, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.