MITSUBISHI GALANT · model year

2003 MITSUBISHI GALANT

167 NHTSA complaints, 23 crash reports, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2003MITSUBISHIGALANT carries 167 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 23 crashes, 4 fires, 16 injuries, and 1 fatality. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2003 GALANT is visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:heater core with 21 filings, followed by electrical system (11) and structure:body (11). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 14 investigation files overlapping the 2003 GALANT. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

167
Complaints
23
Crashes
4
Fires
16
Injuries
1
Deaths

Total Complaints

167 filings

Crashes Reported

23 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE21
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM11
STRUCTURE:BODY11
STRUCTURE10
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM9
VISIBILITY9
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM8
UNKNOWN OR OTHER6
AIR BAGS6
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR5
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL5
EQUIPMENT4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING4
POWER TRAIN4

Recalls (3)

09E02500011/05/2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES

03V44200004/11/2003

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL RETURN LINE HOSE FITTING ON THE ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP MAY BE RESTRICTED, CAUSING EXCESSIVE FUEL PRESSURE TO BUILD UP IN THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. EXCESSIVE FUEL PRESSURE MAY RESULT IN A LEAK IN THE FUEL RETURN HOSE.

04V42800001/09/2004

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

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 DASH AND TO THE SUNVISOR DO NOT MEET THE SIZE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Recent Complaints

20220327ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Check engine light suddenly came on and the vehicle lost all engine power and driving capabilities while driving at a low speed, turning a corner. There had been no other issues or indication of a failure of any kind. The car was pulled over on the roadside out of traffic and was able to be restarted with no problem. It was taken to a nearby auto parts store where they performed a free diagnostic check. The result that came back was generally regarding a vacuum issue in fuel system or lines. The gas cap lid and door were checked for proper closure and it was established they had been closed and sealed properly at the time the engine power failure occurred.

20220327ENGINE

Check engine light suddenly came on and the vehicle lost all engine power and driving capabilities while driving at a low speed, turning a corner. There had been no other issues or indication of a failure of any kind. The car was pulled over on the roadside out of traffic and was able to be restarted with no problem. It was taken to a nearby auto parts store where they performed a free diagnostic check. The result that came back was generally regarding a vacuum issue in fuel system or lines. The gas cap lid and door were checked for proper closure and it was established they had been closed and sealed properly at the time the engine power failure occurred.

20220327FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Check engine light suddenly came on and the vehicle lost all engine power and driving capabilities while driving at a low speed, turning a corner. There had been no other issues or indication of a failure of any kind. The car was pulled over on the roadside out of traffic and was able to be restarted with no problem. It was taken to a nearby auto parts store where they performed a free diagnostic check. The result that came back was generally regarding a vacuum issue in fuel system or lines. The gas cap lid and door were checked for proper closure and it was established they had been closed and sealed properly at the time the engine power failure occurred.

20210126ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR QUIT ON ME WHEN I WAS DRIVING IT

Mileage: 188,037

20210126ENGINE

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR QUIT ON ME WHEN I WAS DRIVING IT

Mileage: 188,037

20210126POWER TRAIN

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR QUIT ON ME WHEN I WAS DRIVING IT

Mileage: 188,037

20150927UNKNOWN OR OTHER

FREQUENT CLOGGING OF A/C DRAIN AND DRAINAGE INTO DRIVER SIDE FOOT HOLD. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT IS UNABLE TO CLEAN DRAIN TUBE AT THIS POINT. THE CAR IS NOT PARKED UNDER OR NEAR TREES.

Mileage: 95,000

20150424ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE HORN WHICH IS PART OF THE AIRBAG STAYED ON WHEN I USED MY KEYLESS ENTRY REMOTE TO LOCK THE CAR. I HAD TO HIT THE HORN BUTTON IN THE STEERING WHEEL TO MAKE IT STOP. THE HORN ONCE AGAIN BECAME STUCK THE NEXT DAY WHEN I HONKED MY HORN ON THE FREEWAY TO PREVENT A CAR FROM COLLIDING WITH ME AS THEY TRIED TO SWITCH LANES. I COULD NOT GET THE HORN TO SHUT OFF THIS TIME AND HAD TO PULL OVER TO PULL OUT THE FUSE. I PLUGGED IN THE FUSE WHEN I ARRIVED HOME AND THE HORN CAME RIGHT BACK ON. I THEN USED A RUBBER MALLET TO TAP AROUND THE HORN BUTTON AND STEERING WHEEL WHICH FINALLY STOPPED THE HORN. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN AS MY HORN WILL NOW NOT SOUND AT ALL. *TR

Mileage: 111,126

20150424AIR BAGS

THE HORN WHICH IS PART OF THE AIRBAG STAYED ON WHEN I USED MY KEYLESS ENTRY REMOTE TO LOCK THE CAR. I HAD TO HIT THE HORN BUTTON IN THE STEERING WHEEL TO MAKE IT STOP. THE HORN ONCE AGAIN BECAME STUCK THE NEXT DAY WHEN I HONKED MY HORN ON THE FREEWAY TO PREVENT A CAR FROM COLLIDING WITH ME AS THEY TRIED TO SWITCH LANES. I COULD NOT GET THE HORN TO SHUT OFF THIS TIME AND HAD TO PULL OVER TO PULL OUT THE FUSE. I PLUGGED IN THE FUSE WHEN I ARRIVED HOME AND THE HORN CAME RIGHT BACK ON. I THEN USED A RUBBER MALLET TO TAP AROUND THE HORN BUTTON AND STEERING WHEEL WHICH FINALLY STOPPED THE HORN. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN AS MY HORN WILL NOW NOT SOUND AT ALL. *TR

Mileage: 111,126

20140804ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI GALANT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE DEFROSTER FAILED TO ACTIVATE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO USE THE TEMPERATURE CONTROLS AND SUDDENLY THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN THE DEFROSTER, A/C, OR HEATER WAS ACTIVATED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VISIBILITY WAS IMPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.

Mileage: 87,000

20140804VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI GALANT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE DEFROSTER FAILED TO ACTIVATE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO USE THE TEMPERATURE CONTROLS AND SUDDENLY THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN THE DEFROSTER, A/C, OR HEATER WAS ACTIVATED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VISIBILITY WAS IMPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.

Mileage: 87,000

20140502CrashFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

AIR BAGS DIDN'T COME OUT WHEN ACCIDENT OCCURRED, THERE IS SMOKE COMING FROM EXHAUST NOT SOMETHING IS EATING THE GAS UP THERE IS LEAKAGE COMING FROM ENGINE, OIL, AND RADIATOR (UNKNOWN AREAS). *TR

Mileage: 177,759

20140502CrashENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

AIR BAGS DIDN'T COME OUT WHEN ACCIDENT OCCURRED, THERE IS SMOKE COMING FROM EXHAUST NOT SOMETHING IS EATING THE GAS UP THERE IS LEAKAGE COMING FROM ENGINE, OIL, AND RADIATOR (UNKNOWN AREAS). *TR

Mileage: 177,759

20140502CrashAIR BAGS

AIR BAGS DIDN'T COME OUT WHEN ACCIDENT OCCURRED, THERE IS SMOKE COMING FROM EXHAUST NOT SOMETHING IS EATING THE GAS UP THERE IS LEAKAGE COMING FROM ENGINE, OIL, AND RADIATOR (UNKNOWN AREAS). *TR

Mileage: 177,759

20140418TIRES

APRIL 11, 2014 I WAS TRAVELING UP 85 NORTH TO ATLANTA BETWEEN 9:30 PM & 10:00PM. JUST OUTSIDE OF MACON COUNTY ON MILE MARKER 45 THERE WAS A CAR SPEEDING IN THE WORK ZONE WHERE SIGNS WERE UP SAYING UNLEVELED ROAD. I EXCHANGED LANES TO THE RIGHT SIDE WHICH WAS THE PAVED SIDE AND CAME NEAR THE BRIDGE AND HIT A HARD BUMP WHICH MADE MY CAR HOP UP AND SLAM DOWN HARD. I HAD TO PULL OVER AND STOP BECAUSE MY TIRES WERE SMOKING. MY STRUT BOTTOMED OUT AND WAS SITTING ON MY TIRE MAKING IT NOT DRIVABLE BECAUSE THE TIRES WERE RUBBING AGAINST THE STRUT. TWO OTHER CARS HIT THE SAME BUMP INCLUDING THE STATE TROOPER THAT CAME TO ASSIST ME. I CALLED MY INSURANCE BUT THE COULDN'T PINPOINT WHERE I WAS. SO I ENDED UP CALLING THE STATE TROOPER AND HAD TO PAY OUT OF THE POCKET FOR TOWING BACK TO MONTGOMERY. THERE WERE NO SIGNS OR CONES IN THE ROAD TO NOTIFY THAT THERE WAS A ROUGH BUMP IN THE ROAD. I NEED HELP WITH THIS CAUSE I SPENT MONEY ON THIS DAMAGE AND FEEL USELESS BECAUSE OF A BUMP THAT DISABLE MY ONLY

20140418SUSPENSION

APRIL 11, 2014 I WAS TRAVELING UP 85 NORTH TO ATLANTA BETWEEN 9:30 PM & 10:00PM. JUST OUTSIDE OF MACON COUNTY ON MILE MARKER 45 THERE WAS A CAR SPEEDING IN THE WORK ZONE WHERE SIGNS WERE UP SAYING UNLEVELED ROAD. I EXCHANGED LANES TO THE RIGHT SIDE WHICH WAS THE PAVED SIDE AND CAME NEAR THE BRIDGE AND HIT A HARD BUMP WHICH MADE MY CAR HOP UP AND SLAM DOWN HARD. I HAD TO PULL OVER AND STOP BECAUSE MY TIRES WERE SMOKING. MY STRUT BOTTOMED OUT AND WAS SITTING ON MY TIRE MAKING IT NOT DRIVABLE BECAUSE THE TIRES WERE RUBBING AGAINST THE STRUT. TWO OTHER CARS HIT THE SAME BUMP INCLUDING THE STATE TROOPER THAT CAME TO ASSIST ME. I CALLED MY INSURANCE BUT THE COULDN'T PINPOINT WHERE I WAS. SO I ENDED UP CALLING THE STATE TROOPER AND HAD TO PAY OUT OF THE POCKET FOR TOWING BACK TO MONTGOMERY. THERE WERE NO SIGNS OR CONES IN THE ROAD TO NOTIFY THAT THERE WAS A ROUGH BUMP IN THE ROAD. I NEED HELP WITH THIS CAUSE I SPENT MONEY ON THIS DAMAGE AND FEEL USELESS BECAUSE OF A BUMP THAT DISABLE MY ONLY

20140121VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI GALANT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE HEAT CONTROL MODULE WAS ACTIVATED BUT COLD AIR BEGAN TO CIRCULATE OUT OF THE VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A DIAGNOSIS OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Mileage: 150,000

20131228SERVICE BRAKES

AFTER REPLACING FRONT/REAR BRAKE PADS, CALIPERS, AND ROTORS PLUS APPLYING THE PROPER LUBRICANT BRAKES NOT ONLY STILL SQUEAL BUT I AM HAVING OCCASIONAL GRINDING MAINLY COMING FROM THE FRONT DISC. HAVE HAD THEM INSPECTED BY MULTIPLE MECHANICS. THEY SAID EVERYTHING LOOKED FINE. DIAGNOSIS HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED NOT ONLY BY MECHANICS BUT APPARENTLY BY MITSUBISHI. THIS IS MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION AFTER JUST HAVING TO LEASE THIS VEHICLE TO FIND OUT THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE THAT HAS NOT HAD ATTENTION FROM MITSUBISHI. I HAVE ALWAYS OWNED AMERICAN MADE VEHICLES BECAUSE OF TOO MANY FEARS FROM FOREIGN MANUFACTURES. I CHOSE THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE MITSUBISHI HAS GREAT DESIGNS. AS FOR PRODUCING A RECALL FOR THIS VERY KNOWN PROBLEM. IT SEEMS LIKE PRODUCING THIS RECALL WOULD ONLY PUT MITSUBISHI FURTHER IN DEBT. IF HONOR IS WHAT YOUR CULTURE LIVE BY, THEN HONOR THIS MISTAKE BEFORE MANY LIVES ARE LOST. *TR

Mileage: 107,000

20130823FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I STARTED MY CAR IN THE AFTERNOON, THEN I TURNED ON MY RADIO 3 MINUTES LATER. THEN, I SMELLED LIKE SOMETHING BURNT, THAT'S WHEN I SAW SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE FRONT RIGHT PASSENGER SEAT DOOR. I STOPPED IN A RANDOM TIRE SHOP TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON. A FEW MINUTES LATER, I SAW FIRE COMING OUT OF THE LOUDSPEAKER ON THE FRONT RIGHT DOOR. A GUY FROM THE TIRE SHOP HELPED ME TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. AFTER I MADE SURE THAT IT WAS SAFE ENOUGH FOR ME TO DRIVE, I DROVE MY CAR TO MY REGULAR AUTO SHOP TO GET IT CHECKED. THE INSIDE OF THE DOOR WAS MELTED (HALFWAY MELTED, BECAUSE THE FIRE WAS HANDLED EARLY) AND BLEW THE FUSE. *TR

20130812CrashSTRUCTURE:BODY

I WAS DRIVING AT 33 MPH ON A MAIN STREET WHEN CAR ON MY RIGHT GOES THROUGH STOP SIGN AND DRIVES INTO MY CAR. HE HIT THE FRONT OF MY CAR NEAR, BUT NOT INCLUDING, THE PASSENGER DOOR. AFTER IMPACT (HE NEVER BRAKE) HE CONTINUED TO MOVE MY CAR WITH HIS THEREBY FOLDING THE FRONT OF MY CAR IN HALF, TAKING OFF FRONT WHEELS, FENDERS AND BUMPER, GAS TANK (SMOKING BUT NOT ON FIRE), AND MOVING MY CAR TWO LANES TO THE LEFT VIA IMPACT AND PUSH. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. DRIVER'S DOOR, MINE, WOULD NOT OPEN. SEAT BELT PULLED IN VERY TIGHT. IMPACT SLAMMED MY CHEST, KNEE AND ANKLE. FRACTURED STERNUM, CUTS AND BRUISES ON LEG AND FOOT. BACK PAIN AT SITE OF CRASH. COULD NOT WALK UP AMBULANCE STEPS. HOSPITAL STAY 2 DAYS WITH MULTIPLE TESTS. DRS. VISITS REQUIRED THIS WEEK, ONE DAY AFTER RELEASE. CAR TOTALED. PHYSICAL THERAPY AND PAIN MANAGEMENT PUT INTO PLACE UPON HOSPITAL DISCHARGE. *TR

Mileage: 22,500

Compare 2003MITSUBISHIGALANT to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2003 MITSUBISHI GALANT have?
The 2003 MITSUBISHI GALANT has 167 NHTSA complaints, 23 crashes, 4 fires, 16 injuries, and 1 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2003 MITSUBISHI GALANT?
Yes, the 2003 MITSUBISHI GALANT has 3 recall(s). The most common affected component is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 MITSUBISHI GALANT?
The most-complained component for the 2003 MITSUBISHI GALANT is VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE with 21 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and STRUCTURE:BODY.
Is the 2003 MITSUBISHI GALANT safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.