RoadVitals

1997 Mitsubishi Galant

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
80
Latest Aug 16, 2023
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Jul 26, 2007
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
10
7 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 80 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1997 Mitsubishi Galant, most frequently naming the suspension, brakes and transmission categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 51 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
07E055000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Jul 26, 2007
222 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN AIRTEX FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLIES, P/N E7081H, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WALL OF THE FLARED FITTING OF THE FUEL PUMP IS NOT THICK ENOUGH TO PREVENT THE MATING THREADED FITTINGS FROM BOTTOMING OUT BEFORE AN ADEQUATE SEAL IS ACHIEVED. THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN LEAKAGE OF FUEL AT THE CONNECTION OF THE VEHICLE FUEL LINE AND THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLY.
The risk: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The remedy: AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AIRTEX AUTOMOTIVE AT 800-880-3056.
AIRTEX PRODUCTSManufacturer number FP072007-1View on NHTSA.gov
00V421001

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

Dec 18, 2000
567,432 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE RUBBER BOOTS ON THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, DIRT AND WATER CAN INTRUDE. ALSO, MMC HAS ADDED THE POTENTIAL OF LEAKING MOISTURE, WHICH CAN CAUSE THE BALL STUD TO CORRODE.
The risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT TO SEPARATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH. THIS CAMPAIGN SUPERCEDES MMC'S PREVIOUS SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN, SEE 99V-066.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT FOR WEAR. BALL JOINTS THAT EXHIBIT WEAR BEYOND THE ESTABLISHED TOLERANCE WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEWLY DESIGNED LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS. BALL JOINTS THAT ARE WITHIN THE ESTABLISHED TOLERANCE WILL BE CLEANED AND A SPECIAL SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED TO PREVENT INTRUSION OF MOISTURE.
MITSUBISHI AMERICAView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 80
Airbags
Filed Aug 16, 2023
1 injury reported

The contact owns a 1997 Mitsubishi Galant. The contact stated that after stopping at a service station, after entering and restarting the vehicle, the driver’s, and passenger’s side air bags independently deployed. The contact stated that the windshield on the passenger side was cracked by the air bag. The contact stated he was injured by the driver's side air bag. The contact stated that he suffered deep abrasions on his nose and his lips were bruised. The contact stated that his glasses fractured, and his right eye was bruised. The contact was transported to an emergency room by ambulance. The contact stated that the vehicle was left at service station. The police were not contacted. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 375,461.

NHTSA ID
11539015
Incident
Aug 16, 2023
Mileage
375,461 mi
Suspension
Filed Aug 30, 2016

I PURCHASED A USED CAR IN 2004. LATER WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE BALLJOINT RECALL, THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO GET INVOLVE IN ASSISTING ME IN PURSUING THE EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT I HAD PURCHASED WITH THE CAR REGARDING OTHER CRITICAL ISSUES WITH THE DRIVABILITY OF THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN JUMKED WHICH I EVENTUALLY ENDED UP DOING. THE VEHICLE WAS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE ON THE FREEWAY AND I ONLY DROVE IT ON CITY STREETS ONLY. THE DEALERSHIP I BELIEVE SHOULD HAVE GIVEN ME A LOANER CAR INSEAD OF ME RISKING MYSELF IN A DANGEROUS VEHICLE. THE WYNN'S EXTENDED WARRANTY SHOULD HAVE RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE ORIGINAL DEALER WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER SHOULD HAVE ASSISTED ME MORE IN PURSUING THE CORRECT REPAIR OF THIS VEHICLE WHICH SHOULD HAVE BEEN SALVAGED FROM A PREVIOUS ACCIDENT. RIGHT NOW I AM OUT OF $1000 WARRANTY AND A VEHICLE PURCHASED AT $5000. YOU WILL HAVE TO HOLD THE WARRANTY WYNN;S OR THE BUSINESS THAT SOLD ME THE VEHICLE RESPONSIBLE. THIS BUSINESS TRIED TO WELD THE TRANSMISSION CASING BROKEN IN THE ACCIDENT BACK WHICH I LATER FOUND OUT AT ANOTHER REPAIR SHOP. THIS DOESN'T LOOK GOOD FOR THE REPUTATION OF THE COMPANY OR THE BRAND. ANY RECOURSE DO I OR NHTSA HAVE AGAINST THE MANUFACTURER. THE DEALER IS OUT OF BUSINESS

NHTSA ID
10899397
Incident
Apr 4, 2004
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 18, 2012

I WAS AT A STOP SIGN AND I PRESSED ON THE GAS, ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR JUST STOPPED MOVING. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK, SHUT IT OFF, TURNED IT BACK ON, SHIFTED IT INTO DRIVE, AND IT WOULD NOT MOVE, IT SEEMED LIKE IT WAS STUCK IN NEUTRAL. IT HAS NOT MOVED EVER SINCE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10481062
Incident
Oct 11, 2012
Interior & seats
Filed Dec 15, 2009

DEFECTIVE REAR DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLIES; BOTH SIDES. I HAVE REPLACED WITH OTHER USED PARTS AND THOSE PARTS CONSISTENTLY FAILED TOO. I HAVE FOUND FOUR ASSEMBLIES, ON OTHER USED GALANTS, AND THEY HAVE ALL FAILED. I AM AWARE THAT NEW PARTS WOULD HAVE BEEN IDEAL, HOWEVER I BELIEVE THAT IF THESE PARTS WERE MANUFACTURED TO MITSUBISHI'S USUALLY HIGH STANDARDS, THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN FINE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10295783
Incident
Dec 14, 2009
Mileage
150,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Jun 11, 2009

DOOR LATCHES HAVE FLOWN OPEN OR UNLATCHED BY THEM SELVES WHILE DRIVING ON BOTH REAR DOORS. THE REAR DOOR DO NOT STAY CLOSED ANYMORE. PASSENGERS COULD HAVE FALLEN OUT OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10273515
Incident
Apr 20, 2009
Mileage
140,000 mi
Seat belts
Filed Dec 11, 2008

I HAVE A 1997 MITSUBISHI GALANT. THE SEATBELT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WILL NOT STAY LOCKED. IT COMES OFF WHEN I AM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I CALLED TWO MITSUBISHI DEALERS IN VIRGINIA BEACH AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THIS WAS NOT COVERED UNDER ANY WARRANTY. I THOUGHT SEATBELTS LASTED THE LIFETIME OF THE CAR. CAN YOU TELL ME HOW TO GO ABOUT GETTING THIS FIXED. I HAVE TWO CHILDREN WHO RIDE WITH ME DAILY AND WOULD HATE FOR AN ACCIDENT TO HAPPEN AND MY KIDS HAVE TO WITNESS THEIR MOM GO THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD DUE TO UNSAFE SEATBELT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10251475
Incident
Nov 8, 2008
Suspension
Filed Nov 20, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MITSUBISHI GALANT. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD CONSTANTLY PULL TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A COLLISION SHOP AND THEY STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SHOCK TOWER AND WHEEL WELL WALL WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. METAL WAS WELDED TO REINFORCE THE SHOCK TOWER. APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS LATER, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SHOCK TOWER AND WHEEL WELL WALL RUSTED THROUGH WITH MORE EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.

NHTSA ID
10249371
Incident
Sep 21, 2006
Mileage
97,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Aug 19, 2008

LEFT TURN SIGNAL SWITCH STUCK ON FLASHING AND WOULD NOT SHUT OFF AFTER CANCELING. *TR

NHTSA ID
10238934
Incident
Aug 13, 2008
Mileage
135,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

TSB-22-54-003

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to explain the difference between normal dew condensation, which is a natural phenomenon, and water penetration caused by improper sealing or a defective/broken part.

TT253

EQUIPMENT

This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.

TSB-19-00-008

EQUIPMENT

This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin supersedes TSB-18-00-003, issued April, 2018, to add updated information for Carrying Capacity Reduced Label.

TT237

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.

TT218

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; EXTERIOR LIGHTING; POWER TRAIN; VISIBILITY; WHEELS

This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.

TSB-15-54-004

EQUIPMENT

This TSB contains troubleshooting steps for diagnosis of various customer complaints relating to the audio system speakers in Mitsubishi vehicles equipped with original equipment audio components.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mitsubishi Galant by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2012900—
2011300—
2010910—
2009160043.1
2008600—
2007241044.0
2006241044.0
2005263045.6
2004611038.7
20031263259.4
20021353262.0
20011518166.5
20001367057.5
19992156057.0
1998532045.1
1997Viewing802051.5
19961364161.5
19952096161.4
19941984262.6
1993900—
1992391247.0
1991631346.4
1990211345.7
1989191152.1
1988701—
1987921—
1986421—
1985010—
1984000—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.