1997 Mitsubishi Galant
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 0 |
| 1986 | 4 |
| 1987 | 9 |
| 1988 | 7 |
| 1989 | 19 |
| 1990 | 21 |
| 1991 | 63 |
| 1992 | 39 |
| 1993 | 9 |
| 1994 | 198 |
| 1995 | 209 |
| 1996 | 136 |
| 1997 | 80 |
| 1998 | 53 |
| 1999 | 215 |
| 2000 | 136 |
| 2001 | 151 |
| 2002 | 135 |
| 2003 | 126 |
| 2004 | 61 |
| 2005 | 26 |
| 2006 | 24 |
| 2007 | 24 |
| 2008 | 6 |
| 2009 | 16 |
| 2010 | 9 |
| 2011 | 3 |
| 2012 | 9 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
14% of complaints: suspension — 11 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: air bags — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE'S AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. *MR AS THE CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER ENTERED THE GARAGE, THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING, AND BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE INJURED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030807
CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, AND THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.*JB *TS
NHTSA ODI report, 20030213
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ABOUT 20MPH, REARENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT; UPON IMPACT, BOTH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. NEITHER DRIVER/PASSENGER WAS INJURED. VEHICLE NOT AT DEALER. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970620
8% of complaints: power train — 6 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED THE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES, CAUSING A COLLISION. THE DEALER HAS REPLACED THE FRONT BRAKES AND TURNED THE ROTORS. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19971201
6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 ADD
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 JOIN
Campaign 00V421001 — check if this car was fixed
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 PRE
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.
Campaign 07E055000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Mitsubishi Galant — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 00V421001 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E055000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1997 Mitsubishi Galant reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Mitsubishi Galant is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Mitsubishi Galant?
The most-reported component is suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint, accounting for 14% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Mitsubishi Galant have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.