What are the most common Mitsubishi Galant problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1990-2012 Mitsubishi Galant has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 4-Speed F4A4 / 5-Speed Sportronic Automatic Transmission Failure, 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 1990-2012 Mitsubishi Galant has 7 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: 4-Speed F4A4 / 5-Speed Sportronic Automatic Transmission Failure 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 $4,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 4-Speed F4A4 / 5-Speed Sportronic Automatic Transmission Failure, typically costs $1,500-$4,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Mitsubishi Galant is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Mitsubishi Galant. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 1990-2012 Mitsubishi Galant with 7 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.
What is the 2004-2012 Mitsubishi Galant 4-Speed F4A4 / 5-Speed Sportronic Automatic Transmission Failure?
9th-gen Galant transmissions develop two distinct failure patterns: the 2.4L I4 cars use the F4A4 4-speed (torque converter clutch shudder, harsh shifts after ~100k miles) and the V6 Sport/Ralliart use the W5A51 5-speed Sportronic (3rd-gear clutch pack failure, solenoid issues). Repairs typically run $1,500-$4,000. 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 2004-2012 Mitsubishi Galant A/C Condenser Failure with Refrigerant Leak?
2004-2012 Galants suffer recurring A/C condenser failures — the OEM condenser had thin tube walls that develop pinhole leaks, especially in salt-belt climates where road salt accelerates corrosion. Mitsubishi released multiple part revisions through mid-2010 but failures continue… Repairs typically run $500-$1,200. Severity: medium.
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.
