1990 Mitsubishi Galant: problems, recalls and reliability

1 recall and 21 owner complaints on record; most reports concern seat belts.

Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 1998

recalls

owner complaints

fire reports

typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

Among the quietest Galant years (#17 of 17 by complaints, age-adjusted)1 fire report

Common problems Recalls Other years FAQ

Common problems

Computed from 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Limited data: only 21 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.

Seat Belts6 complaints

Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)6 complaints

Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)5 complaints

Tires1 complaint

Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)1 complaint

Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)1 complaint

“Drivers lap seat belt will not retract. While extending it to buckle, a noise like a tape measure rapidly closing was heard, then it would not retract. It extends out to its full extent, and is apparently worthless in case of an accident.*ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Sep 2003

“Recall 98v168000/ manufacturer's recall sr-98-003/ transfer case failure. In december consumer took vehicle to dealer for recall repairs. Vehicle seemed to be making loud noises and locking up. Dealer blamed it on wheel bearing, and valve cover that might be leaking. Consumer had a second opinion, and they disagreed with dealer.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 1999

“I pulled into gas station. Smoke was coming out from under hood. Small fire around fuel line, ignition wires, coil, wire harness containing injector wires. Put out w/ extinguisher. Only 2 wires to 1 injector damaged, fuel line/plug wires damaged, computer failed. Have had alot of large costly problems w/ this car in the past, including damage to differential twice, transaxle/transmission/transfer case. Timing belt failure 18 months ago, caused damage to valves (got a recall notice on this the day b4 the fire). Dealer weatherford has been working on my car since aug 1996 and timing belt recall just came (mailed feb 1 1999) please advise. Thanks! Jkm”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 1999

Show 7 more owner reports

“1,less than 20,000 miles the car needed a head gasket,timing belt and a water pump mind you the car never overheated once. 2,at 30,000 miles the first transmission went. 3,at 59,000+ miles the second transmission went. 4,now the car burns 2 quarts of oil a month. Help,I can't afford to put anymore money into this car it's not worth it.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 1998

“Consumer was traveling about 30 mph and the transmisison locked up locking up the front wheels. Consumer also stated the front tires were bouncing. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer has yet to corrected the probelm. *ak”Owner report · Tires · Aug 1997

“While driving the car locked up and back end came around, would not move. Car was towed to auto shop, where statements made stated that transmission and transfer case were defective, consumer repaired the vehicle at owner's expense, two years later, the recall notice was received, dealer will not refund the funds of the repairs to the consumer. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 1996

“Drivers side seat belt is not working properly, consumer is having difficulty "latching" the lap belt, sounds as if something is popping on the inside of the latch. *jg”Owner report · Seat Belts

“Consumer received recall letter. Took vehicle into the dealer, who inspected the vehicle, no problems occurred at the time of inspection , consumer states problem did exist, and has caused other malfunctions to occur. Recall number 98v169001. Please give any further details. *ak”Owner report · Power Train

“Trying to find out if there is a problem with this engine. Have noted several other mitsubishi vehicles of the same year with the same problem. Has there been a recall for emissions from this engine?”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling

“Driver's automatic seat belts fail to engage, sticking/stopping midway w/noise. Lubrication temporary fixes problems only by hours. Please describe. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts

Recalls - 1 campaign

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION98V168000 · Jul 1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ALL WHEEL DRIVE PASSENGER VEHICLES. LOCKUP OF THE TRANSFER CASE CAN OCCUR DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR ADEQUACY OF THE TRANSFER CASE OIL VOLUME, TRANSFER CASE OIL LEAKAGE, AND OPERATIONAL DEGRADATION OF THE TRANSFER CASE MECHANISM. IF OIL VOLUME IS INSUFFICIENT, THE APPROPRIATE AMOUNT OF OIL WILL BE ADDED. IF THERE IS TRANSFER CASE OIL LEAKAGE, AFFECTED COMPONENTS WILL BE REPLACED. IF THE TRANSFER CASE SHOWS OPERATIONAL DEGRADATION, THE TRANSFER CASE WILL BE REPLACED.

How other years compare

1990 (this page)21 complaints · 1 recalls 199163 complaints · 1 recalls 199239 complaints · 1 recalls

Check your exact Galant by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

Open VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1990 Mitsubishi Galant reliable?

NHTSA has 21 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1990 Mitsubishi Galant. The most complained-about area is seat belts.

Does the 1990 Mitsubishi Galant have open recalls?

1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning power train:automatic transmission. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.