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 | 205 |
| 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
24% of complaints: suspension — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing lower ball joint and front.
Show complaint excerpts
I PURCHASED A USED CAR IN 2004.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160830
23% of complaints: service brakes — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH19% of complaints: power train — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and floor shift.
Show complaint excerpts
I WAS AT A STOP SIGN AND I PRESSED ON THE GAS, ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR JUST STOPPED MOVING. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK, SHUT IT OFF, TURNED IT BACK ON, SHIFTED IT INTO DRIVE, AND IT WOULD NOT MOVE, IT SEEMED LIKE IT WAS STUCK IN NEUTRAL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121018
Also filed under ENGINE
15% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and belts and associated pulleys.
11% of complaints: steering — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tie rod assembly and rack and pinion.
CRASHSAFETY 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 (19 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (15 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, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Mitsubishi Galant have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.