2004 Mitsubishi Galant Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2004 Mitsubishi Galant, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Body & structure1625.0%
- Visibility1117.2%
- Airbags69.4%
- Brakes69.4%
- Engine57.8%
- Electrical46.3%
- Fuel system34.7%
- Seat belts34.7%
- Transmission23.1%
- Driver assistance23.1%
- Heating & air conditioning11.6%
- Interior & seats11.6%
- Exterior lighting11.6%
- Powertrain (other)11.6%
- Suspension11.6%
- Tires & wheels11.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVERS INSIDE DOOR PANEL LOOSE; PANEL RE-ATTACHED WITH CLIPS BY COOL SPRING MITSUBISHI SECOND INCIDENT JULY 25, 2008; DRIVERS INSIDE DOOR LOOSE AGAIN, RE-ATTACHED WITH CLIPS BY HALLMARK MITSUBISHI THIRD INCIDENT SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 DRIVERS INSIDE DOOR PANEL LOOSE, COULD NOT RE-ATTACHED WITH CLIPS; NEED TO ORDER NEW INSIDE DOOR PANEL. PANEL ORDERED AND RE-INSTALLED BY (NTB) NATIONAL TIRE AND BATTERY FOURTH INCIDENT, JULY 2014, PASSENGER INSIDE DOOR PANEL LOOSE; NTB AND FIRESTONE COULD NOT FIX, NEED PANEL REPLACED. I HAVE RECEIPT FOR ALL THESE INCIDENTS. I CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY THE DOOR PANELS WILL NOT STAY ATTACHED ON THIS CAR. MITSUBISHI SHOULD REIMBURSE ME FOR ALL THE EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH PREVIOUS REPAIR OF THESE PANELS AND FIX THE PANEL FOR THE REAR DOOR. I ALSO NEED ASSURANCE AND PROOF THAT THEY WILL REPAIR AT NO COST ANY FUTURE PANELS THAT COME LOOSE AS LONG AS I OWN THIS CAR. THIS IS RIDICULOUS THAT YOU CANNOT GET OUT OF YOUR CAR BECAUSE THE PANEL CATCHES. *TR
THERE IS NO ACCIDENT BUT THE PAINT ON MY BLACK CAR IS PEELING OFF. I HAVE BIG WHITE SPLOTCHES ALL OVER MY CAR. IT LOOKS TERRIBLE. I HAVE ALWAYS TAKEN CARE OF MY CAR, AND THE PAINT JUST STARTED PEELING OFF. I HAVE HEARD AND SEEN THIS ON ALOT OF MITSUBISHI BLACK CARS. I THINK IT DEFECTIVE PAINT. HELP. *TR
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
I ROLLED DOWN THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW IN THE MORNING TO GO THROUGH A DRIVE THRU FOR BREAKFAST. WHEN ROLLING THE WINDOW BACK UP, IT MADE A SCREECHING SOUND. LATER THAT EVENING WHEN I LEFT WORK, THE ENTIRE WINDOW WAS STILL IN THE FRAME BUT WAS COMPLETELY SHATTERED. MY WORK REVIEWED SECURITY TAPES FOR POSSIBLE FOUL PLAY BUT NOBODY APPROACHED MY CAR ALL DAY. IT APPEARS THE INSIDE MECHANISM OF THE POWER WINDOW WEAKENED THE GLASS. I HAVE FILED TWO OTHER COMPLAINTS OF HOW BOTH REAR WINDOWS HAVE ROLLED THEMSELVES DOWN INTO THE DOOR FRAMES. THERE APPEARS TO BE SERIOUS ISSUES WITH THE WINDOW MOTORS ON THIS VEHICLE AND I AM UNABLE TO USE MY WINDOWS AS NORMAL. *TR
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
After spending money on drained battery and ruined alternator the mechanic noticed the security system being at fault . Pep Boys did not offer refund of almost $500.00
SRS LIGHT REMAINS ON . After repairs at Pep Boys due to drained alternator from after market security system light remains on
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
ABS/TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CONSTANTLY ON. WHEEL SENSOR WAS FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE AND IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT. THIS HAPPENED ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. *TR
I BOUGHT MY 2004 GALANT ABOUT 4 MONTHS AGO. EVERYTHING WAS GREAT TILL ONE DAY I TRIED TO STOP AND I HEARD A LOUD GRINDING NOISE FROM MY BRAKES. THEN MY TRACTION LIGHT AND MY ABS LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY SAID IT WAS A SENSOR AND IT FIXED THE PROBLEM FOR 1 DAY. I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK AND THEY SAY THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. I THOUGHT I WAS BUYING A RELIABLE CAR, BUT I GUESS NOT. I GUESS SOMEONE WILL HAVE TO DIE BEFORE THE WILL GET OFF THEIR BUTTS AND FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
AT ABOUT 50K MILES BOTH REAR WINDOWS FAILED, WENT DOWN ON THEIR OWN AND WON'T GO BACK UP, I HAD TO WEDGE THEM UP TO KEEP THE IN PLACE. THE PAINT ON THE REAR BUMPER IS OXIDIZING RAPIDLY, THIS CAR HAS BEEN PARKED IN A GARAGE FOR THE ENTIRE TIME I HAVE OWNED IT. AT ABOUT 90K MILES I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, IT WAS A CATALYTIC CONVERTER, I WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $1100 TO REPLACE THE PART. I SENT AN EMAIL TO MITSUBISHI THAT WAS UNRETURNED. *TR
I OWN A 2004 MITSUBISHI GALANT THAT FIRST HAD A RECALL ON THE EMISSIONS PARTS A FEW YEARS AGO. I RECENTLY HAVE HAD THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME BACK ON AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM THAT I CORRECTED DUE TO THE LETTER THAT I RECEIVED WAS ACTUALLY WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. I NEED A NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER OR NEW S-2 SENSOR. I CAN' T AFFORD EITHER DUE TO MY MOTHER PASSING AWAY RECENTLY AND THE COSTS THAT INCURRED, AND SINCE IT WAS RECALLED AND THE DEALERSHIP LOOKED AT IT AND DO THE PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE, I AM FRUSTRATED THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE AT THIS POINT. I JUST RECEIVED ANOTHER LETTER RECALLING SOMETHING WITH THE IGNITION. I LOVE MY CAR BUT I WANT IT TO WORK PROPERLY. I PAY FOR IT TO WORK PROPERLY. I TAKE OF IT TO HAVE IT WORK PROPERLY BUT IF IT WAS NOT BUILT PROPERLY THEN HOW CAN I FEEL SAFE? HOW CAN I DRIVE MY FAMILY AROUND AND FEEL SAFE. I NEED HELP WITH GETTING THIS RESOLVED. THE EMISSIONS RECALL WAS SO LONG AGO AND I DON'T HAVE ANY DOCUMENTS BECAUSE I DIDN'T THINK I NEEDED IT. I TRIED TO LOOK IT UP ON THE INTERNET BUT IT WAS NOT THERE. I PURCHASED MY CAR AT MITSUBISHI ON MDLOTHINA TURNPIKE IN CHESTERFIELD VIRGINIA. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY CONCERN GIVEN TO MY MATTER. SINCERELY, DANNIELLE THOMPSON *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE WIRIING CONNECTED TO TO AIR CONDITIONER UNDER DASH BOARD PASSENGER SIDE KEEP BURNING. HAD TO REPLACE WIRE NUMEROUS TIMES.
ELECTRICAL - I HAVE REPLACED MY RIGHT BRAKE LIGHT ABOUT 20 TIMES BEFORE I WAS INFORMED IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. I PURCHASED A NEW SOCKET THE LIGHT WORK FOR 2 WEEKS AND NOW ITS OFF AGAIN. *TR UNKNOWN - EVERYTIME IT RAINS HARD MY FRONT PASSENGER FLOODS WITH A POOL OF WATER. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED NOW MY CAR SMELL LIKE MOLD. THE DEALER TOLD ME THERE WERE LEAVES CLOGGING THE HOSE, OUT OF EVERYONE I KNOW WITH A CAR THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED TO THEM. I CAN'T WAIT TO TRADE THIS CAR IN. I WILL NEVER EVER GET A MITSU AND I WILL STOP ANYONE I KNOW FROM PURCHASING ONE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
GAS LEAKS FROM PIPE THAT LEADS FROM FILLER HOLE TO GAS TANK. ESPECIALLY BAD WHEN FUELING CAR AT GAS STATION. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MITSUBISHI GALANT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REFUELING, FUEL SPILLED OUT FROM THE FILLER NECK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS COVERING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
SEAT BELT DOES NOT JUST CLICK EASILY AS IT SHOULD AND SOMETIMES DOESN'T CLICK AT ALL. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AS I DON'T EVEN KNOW IF IT WOULD WORK IN A CAR CRASH. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2004 MITSUBISHI GALANT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING BETWEEN 10 AND 15 MPH AND MAKING A SHARP TURN. SUDDENLY, THE REAR CENTER SEAT BELT MECHANISM RELEASED WITHOUT ASSISTANCE WHICH WAS WORN BY AN OCCUPANT PROPERLY SECURED IN A CHILD SEAT. THE CHILD RESTRAINT AND OCCUPANT WANDERED AROUND THE REAR SEAT. THERE WERE NO PERSONAL INJURIES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERN OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MITSUBISHI GALANT. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE WOULD SPORADICALLY SLIP INTO THE NEUTRAL GEAR. THE FAILURE INCREASED THE RISK OF AN INJURY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE CORE LINE PRESSURE IN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $5,200. SHE IS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT BECAUSE HER VEHICLE EXCEEDED ITS WARRANTY, THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME ANY FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 137,000. UPDATED 10/28/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED, THERE WERE HEATING AND AIR PROBLEMS, ALL THE BUTTONS STOPPED WORKING, BOTH HEADLIGHTS HAD TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 10/29/08. *JB
DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY THE BUTTON ON THE FLOOR SHIFTER POPPED OFF. SHE COULD NOT SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO ANY GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED THE BUTTON. *AK UPDATED 01/25/06. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY SON'S CAR HAD BEEN IN THE SHOP TWICE FOR THE SAME THING. HE SAID HE WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR WOULD RAPIDLY ACCELERATE TO A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. HE TRIED BRAKING, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN. AFTER SEVERAL TRIES, HE WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR. THIS HAPPENED TO HIM 2 DIFFERENT TIMES. HE TOOK THE CAR TO THE SHOP BOTH TIMES. IN MARCH, 2006 MY SON WAS KILLED IN THIS CAR. (IT HAD BEEN IN THE SHOP JUST 5 DAYS EARLIER) HE WAS ON A 45 MPH ROAD IN HOUSTON. THE CAR WAS GOING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED WHEN IT LEFT THE ROADWAY. IT HAS BEEN HARD FOR ME TO TALK ABOUT THIS, BUT I KNOW THAT THE CAR DID THE SAME THING IT HAD DONE JUST DAYS BEFORE, RESULTING IN MY SON'S DEATH.
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE IN A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING A CRASH INTO A WALL. THE WALL SUSTAINED MINOR DAMAGE AND A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MITSUBISHI GALANT. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE WOULD SPORADICALLY SLIP INTO THE NEUTRAL GEAR. THE FAILURE INCREASED THE RISK OF AN INJURY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE CORE LINE PRESSURE IN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $5,200. SHE IS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT BECAUSE HER VEHICLE EXCEEDED ITS WARRANTY, THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME ANY FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 137,000. UPDATED 10/28/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED, THERE WERE HEATING AND AIR PROBLEMS, ALL THE BUTTONS STOPPED WORKING, BOTH HEADLIGHTS HAD TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 10/29/08. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT: CONSUMER STATES THAT APPROXIMATELY A MONTH AGO DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WON'T ALWAYS OPEN. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND THEY FIXED IT, BUT THE VEHICLE IS DOING THE SAME THING.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MITSUBISHI GALANT. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE WOULD SPORADICALLY SLIP INTO THE NEUTRAL GEAR. THE FAILURE INCREASED THE RISK OF AN INJURY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE CORE LINE PRESSURE IN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $5,200. SHE IS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT BECAUSE HER VEHICLE EXCEEDED ITS WARRANTY, THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME ANY FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 137,000. UPDATED 10/28/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED, THERE WERE HEATING AND AIR PROBLEMS, ALL THE BUTTONS STOPPED WORKING, BOTH HEADLIGHTS HAD TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 10/29/08. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON WHEN I TOOK MY 2004 MITSUBISHI GALANT TO THE DEALERSHIP. I HAD THEM RUN A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK ON IT TO DETERMINE WHY IT WOULD NOT GO OFF. THE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME THAT I NEEDED A CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND THAT A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED IN 2006 TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THIS WAS THE 1ST TIME I HAD BEEN MADE AWARE THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ISSUED. THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER DUE TO THE EXPIRATION OF THE RECALL. I DO NOT THINK THIS IS FAIR TREATMENT. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED THAT THERE WAS A DEFECT. THE DEALERSHIP REFLASHED THE PCM FREE OF CHARGE BUT WOULD NOT REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. I WOULD LIKE THE DEALERSHIP TO REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
IN 2015 MY VEHICLE WAS BACK INTO BY A SNOW PLOW. AFTER THAT THE THE TOTAL SUSPENSION HAS ALMOST REPLACED. THE SWAY BAR BREAKS NOW WORKING ON BEARINGS AND CONTROL ARMS. ON EACH SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE SUSPENSION BEFORE THE INCIDENT HAS BEEN A PROBLEM. ALSO SRS LIGHT IS ON .IHAVE TO PAYU FOR ALL REPAIRS OUT OF POCKET . IT HAS BEEN EXPENSIVE . THE INSURANCE COMPANY FOR THE CLAIM FOR THE REPAIRS ONLY PAID TO FIX THE BUMPER AND VERY LITTLE ELSE. FRONT END DAMAGE NOTHING UNDERCARRIAGE. ITS HAS BEEN VERY EXPENSIVE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
2004 MITSUBISHI GALANT TIRE BLEW OUT. THIS CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DRIVE OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD AND HIT A WALL. *KB ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT, THERE WERE 3 HOLES IN THE SIDEWALL OF THE LEFT FRONT TIRE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT)*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .