2004 Mitsubishi Galant: common problems and reliability

The 2004 Mitsubishi Galant has 61 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are structure and visibility. 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 2004 model year

61
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
5
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2004 Mitsubishi Galant vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

structure
16
visibility
8
air bags
6
service brakes
6
hydraulic
6

Recalls affecting the 2004 Galant

electrical system:ignition

Campaign 08V276000

MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING 73,000 MY 2004-2006 GALLANT PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING VEHICLE USE, THE IGNITION KEY INTERLOCK CABLE (WHICH IS A COMPONENT OF THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM) MAY ALLOW THE INTERLOCKING CAM TO FALL FORWARD A…

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 Galant2002 Galant2001 Galant2000 Galant1999 Galant1997 Galant1996 Galant
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