Carlexica

1994 Mitsubishi Galant: problems, recalls and reliability

4 recalls and 198 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is suspension (24% of complaints); the 1992 model year looks more trouble-free.

Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2007

4
recalls
198
owner complaints
5
fire reports
121,000
typical failure mileage, mi

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

Problems tend to appear late (median 121,000 mi)One of the most complained-about Galant years (#3 of 17, age-adjusted)Weak spot: suspension (24%)5 fire reports

Common problems

Computed from 198 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)24% · 46 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)16% · 31 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)11% · 21 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)8% · 15 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)6% · 11 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)5% · 10 complaints
Purchased 3 tires june 18th 2016. By the end of the day my spare tire was completely empty I took it back and had a new one put back on it. June 19th the tire that was put on my car also went flat while sitting in a parking lot. I decided to file this formal complaint due to the fact that they refused to give me a refund of $30 for the bad tire. Also due to the fact that two of the three tires purchased two went flat and less than 48 hours of purchase date.Owner report · Wheels · Jun 2016
During replacement of struts service technician noticed that ball joints had excessive play. *ts the manufacturer has recalled many ball joints recall #sr-04-001 according to alldata. *nmOwner report · Suspension · Aug 2005
Pursuant to the ball joint recall for my 1994 mitsubishi galant, I took my car to ourisman mitsubishi in 2004 who then inspected the boot, noticed the boot was broken yet the serviceman resealed the boot and informed me that the car was checked and the lower control arms were intact. In august 2005, while I was having my car service for a water pump problem, the mechanic indicated that the lower ball joint was defective and that I needed to have it replaced. *jbOwner report · Steering · Aug 2005
Show 7 more owner reports
The brake pedal went to the floor, resulting in a rear end accident. The car has been totaled with no explanation of why the brakes failed.*akOwner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2005
Dt: caller says the car stalled at any speed. This happened without warning. Dealer could not find what was wrong with vehicle. They could not replace parts until they find the one that worked manufacturer has not been contacted yet. Car had to be towed twice. *akOwner report · Electrical System · Dec 2004
Consumer took vehicle to dealer for recall 00v421003 repairs. Upon leaving the dealer consumer got into the vehicle to take an hour ride and vehicle started to vibrate erratically. Consumer took vehicle to two other mechanics, who determined that dealer had done something they should not have done to the vehicle. *akOwner report · Suspension · Nov 2004
The consumer took his vehicle in to have the oil changed and upon entering the bay at the shop, the lower ball joint fell off. Recall no. 00v421001. *jbOwner report · Suspension · Jul 2004
I received a recall notice for my 1994 mitsubishi galant ls ,and I took my car to the nearest dealership, ourisman mitsubishi, last year concerning the lower arm ball joint. It was determined there that the ball joint was in excellent condition. After having my car inspected by my private and certified mechanic he strongly recommended that I replace this very part. The mechanic indicated that the driver's side ball joint is in serious need of replacement.*akOwner report · Suspension · Apr 2004
While turning 5 mph, the front ball joint and axle snapped. The consumer was unable to shift the gears to control the vehicle. The consumer managed to pull over and had vehicle towed. Cause has yet to be determined. The dealership has been notified. *phOwner report · Power Train · Nov 2003
The air bags did not open during my automobile accident it was practically a head on collision and I was going at a speed of 45 mph it was a good thing I was wearing my seatbelt or I would have gone right through the front windshield. *akOwner report · Air Bags · Jul 2003

When filing, owners marked a crash in 33 of these complaints and injuries in 17 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 4 campaigns

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS:SWITCH98V212000 · Sep 1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. WHEN THE STOP LAMP SWITCH WAS ASSEMBLED, GREASE WAS INADVERTENTLY APPLIED TO THE CONTACT POINT. THIS CAN CAUSE THE CONTACT POINT TO HEAT UP CAUSING INTERNAL OPERATION ELEMENTS TO MELT ALLOWING THE SWTICH TO BECOME STUCK IN ON OR OFF POSITION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY AND REPLACE THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP07E055000 · Jul 2007

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.

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.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT00V421001 · Dec 2000

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.

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.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT99V066001 · Apr 1999

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.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE RUBBER BOOTS, AND IF THE BOOT IS DAMAGED, THEY WILL REPLACE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM AND BALL JOINT ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.

Specifications

Factory options offered for the 1994 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.

Body stylesHatchback/Liftback/Notchback

How other years compare

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 1994 Mitsubishi Galant reliable?

NHTSA has 198 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1994 Mitsubishi Galant. The most complained-about area is suspension (24% of complaints).

At what mileage do 1994 Mitsubishi Galant problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 121,000 miles or less.

Does the 1994 Mitsubishi Galant have open recalls?

4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:tail lights:switch. 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.