1999 Mitsubishi Galant: common problems and reliability

The 1999 Mitsubishi Galant has 237 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and hydraulic. Owners most often flag persistent overheating — recurrent clogging of thermostats due to internal engine corrosion, coolant leaks from undetermined sources, failed components (thermostat, radiator). frequency: recurrent.

Safety record for the 1999 model year

237
Owner complaints
6
Recalls
30
Crash reports
16
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1999 Mitsubishi Galant vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

service brakes
100
hydraulic
92
suspension
28
electrical system
25
structure
17

Recalls affecting the 1999 Galant

steering:gear box (other than rack and pinion)

Campaign 00V225001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A NUT IN THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY WAS NOT PROPERLY TIGHTENED, RESULTING IN SYMPTOMS RANGING FROM STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION TO STIFF STEERING, AND IN THE WORST CASE, NO ABILITY TO…

equipment:other:labels

Campaign 04V428000

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.' THE BILINGUAL ENGLISH/SPANISH REMOVABLE AIR BAG WARNING LABELS AFFIXED TO THE …

electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables

Campaign 99V333001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES AND FEDERAL EMISSION EQUIPMENT. THE BATTERY CABLE HARNESS CAN BECOME HEAT DAMAGED BY THE FRONT EXHAUST MANIFOLD WHICH COULD CAUSE GROUNDED CIRCUITS.

power train:automatic transmission:cooling unit and lines

Campaign 01V011001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. A HOSE WAS MIS-MANUFACTURED AND COULD WEAKEN OVER TIME, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LEAKAGE OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID.

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific generation and powertrain. The Galant is widely recognized as a budget-friendly, functional, and generally reliable sedan, particularly in its naturally aspirated four-cylinder and V6 configurations. Lon

  • Persistent overheating — Recurrent clogging of thermostats due to internal engine corrosion, coolant leaks from undetermined sources, failed components (thermostat, radiator). Frequency: recurrent.
  • Automatic transmission failures — Delayed shifting, harsh engagement, loss of all gears, violent shaking, torque converter clutch (TCL) errors. Frequency: recurrent.
  • VR-4 model unreliability — Chronic mechanical issues including multiple clutch failures, idle problems, engine rebuilds, cracked exhaust manifolds, fuel pump failures, leading to an untrustworthy vehicle. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Cooling system failures — Major coolant leaks leading to rapid loss, often from areas under the engine. Frequency: isolated.
  • Electrical & sensor issues — Idle air control system faults (P0507), faulty O2 sensors, check engine lights, climate control malfunctions. Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Galant.

Typical used price

Used Galant listings typically run $3,500–$5,499 across 1989 to 2012 model years.

Other Galant model years

2007 Galant2004 Galant2002 Galant2001 Galant2000 Galant1997 Galant1996 Galant
Full Mitsubishi Galant owner reportCompare against another car