2003 Mitsubishi Galant
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2003 Mitsubishi Galant. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant. Newest first.
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, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on july 28, 2009. owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
Remedy
Mitsubishi caribbean will mail a customer notification letter containing a written description and a graphic of the bi-lingual dashboard air bag warning label. in addition, all current 2000-2004 nativa owners will also receive replacement air bag alert labels for the sun visors. this recall IS expected to begin during march or april 2005. the notification to the nativa owners IS expected to begin during april or may 2005. owners should contact mitsubishi caribbean at 1-787-251-8715.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the fuel pump pressure. those vehicles exhibiting higher than normal fuel pump pressure will receive fuel pump modifications. the recall began december 3, 2003. owners should contact mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037 or mitsubishi caribbean at 1-800-981-0452.
Owner complaints
126 complaints15 involved a crash4 involved a fire13 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel/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…
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.
- Electrical system · Engine · Power train
Check engine light came on and the car quit on me when I was driving it
- Unknown 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.
- Air bags · Electrical 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…
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
- Electrical system · Visibility › 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…
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.
- Air bags · Engine and engine cooling · Fuel 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
- Suspension · Tires
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…
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 car for work. *tr
- Visibility › 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.
- Service 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…
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
- Electrical 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…
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
- Air bags · Structure › 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…
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
- Visibility/wiper
TL* the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi galant. The contact stated that there was a clicking noise coming from the vents after switching the temperature gauge from cold to hot. The contact also mentioned that the hot air failed to engage. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for a diagnostic. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi galant. The contact stated that there was a clicking noise coming from the vents after switching the temperature gauge from cold to hot. The contact also mentioned that the hot air failed to engage. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for a diagnostic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 128,000 and the current mileage was 135,000. *Tr
- Service brakes · Suspension
The driver and passenger left /right front side tires are disfunctional when I turn the steering wheel the left and right side I here the bearings popping and the tires also dis functional and the this car IS burning a lot of oil the dealer ship where I'm buying it from said everything was working…
The driver and passenger left /right front side tires are disfunctional when I turn the steering wheel the left and right side I here the bearings popping and the tires also dis functional and the this car IS burning a lot of oil the dealer ship where I'm buying it from said everything was working fine the car was well taking care of the belt on the car IS cracked it hasn't had a tune up at all the air conditioner isn't blowing out cold air. *tr
- Structure › Body
About a year after purchasing this vehicle in 2007, the paint began to wear off. It started chalking and chipping and I've noticed pretty much every mitsubishi I see on the road has the same issue. This IS ridiculous that they are allowed to put out such cars and be neglegent on the paint job. We…
About a year after purchasing this vehicle in 2007, the paint began to wear off. It started chalking and chipping and I've noticed pretty much every mitsubishi I see on the road has the same issue. This IS ridiculous that they are allowed to put out such cars and be neglegent on the paint job. We all pay good money for these and mitsubishi only recalled the "black paint" they need to recall them all because all of them are in horrible shape. Mitsubishi needs to be held accountable.!!!!!!! I shouldnt have to pay thousands of dollars to get my car painted...it shouldnt even need painted yet. I'll never purchase another. *tt
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling
Turned heat on and heard a ratteling noise under dash, when heat came on noise stopped. Turned heat on a week later, nothing, only cold air. Independent mechanic says heater core, after replacing thermostat and coolant sensor. Dealership says heater control valve, either way, with seeing how many…
Turned heat on and heard a ratteling noise under dash, when heat came on noise stopped. Turned heat on a week later, nothing, only cold air. Independent mechanic says heater core, after replacing thermostat and coolant sensor. Dealership says heater control valve, either way, with seeing how many people are complaining about the same thing, there IS clearly a problem at the manufacturing level. Maybe mitsubishi should look at doing something like accepting full responsibility and repairing these cars. With the economy what it IS there are few people who are able to afford this expense, myself included. Somebody please help us! Why should the consumer always get the short end of the stick? *tr
- Unknown or other
I purchased my 2003, mitsubshi, galant 1 1/2 years ago and I'm having problems with the paint fading on the doors and the hood of the car. After 1 year of having the car it started to fade. My car IS a black mitsubshi and with this being a black car the fading really stands out. *kb
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
In the late winter of 2011 my car heater began to make strange noises then would work fine. Soon after that happened, the heat stopped working. Only cold air would push through the system. I understand that the ac IS not considered a necessity, but I beg to differ on heat, considering our…
In the late winter of 2011 my car heater began to make strange noises then would work fine. Soon after that happened, the heat stopped working. Only cold air would push through the system. I understand that the ac IS not considered a necessity, but I beg to differ on heat, considering our technological state. a heater keeps windows defrosted and clear of humidity that would otherwise cloud vision or worse, completely hinder total visibility. The idea of having heat in a car seems like a luxury but, in reality it IS really a basic driving need. there IS absolutely no excuse as to why a consumer should pay $20,000, brand new, for a car that's heater IS all too often broke before 60,000 miles. The cost of repair can easily cost $1000, due to the labor. There have been accounts of them breaking again, one year later. the heater system needs to be researched and addressed in the 03' galants. It keeps the windows clear so consumers can safely drive their car. *tr
- Equipment
Heater core in 2003 galant has gone out, which means no heat in vehicle. Quotes for repair are between 900-1300, labor being 5-6 hours. I was told this seems to be a common defect in the galant. there was an identical vehicle at the repair shop with exact same problem. Further searching on the…
Heater core in 2003 galant has gone out, which means no heat in vehicle. Quotes for repair are between 900-1300, labor being 5-6 hours. I was told this seems to be a common defect in the galant. there was an identical vehicle at the repair shop with exact same problem. Further searching on the internet reveals that this IS a common problem & should be considered a defect that mitsubishi motors should consider investigating. *Ln
- Electrical system · Visibility
Heat stopped working due to a faulty heat control valve. first it started making a clicking noise and now I have no heat at all. *Tr
- Unknown or other
I was with my son leaving a store, while it was 38 degrees outside. After we got in the car and I turned on the heater, it began making a fluttering sound under the dash as if the vents were opening up. With the knob all the way to the red position and the other knob in the window defrost position…
I was with my son leaving a store, while it was 38 degrees outside. After we got in the car and I turned on the heater, it began making a fluttering sound under the dash as if the vents were opening up. With the knob all the way to the red position and the other knob in the window defrost position, I waited for the windows to defrost and the heat to make the car warm. The windows never defrosted and the heat never came on. I had to drive home with the window down in the cold, and my son freezing in the back seat. I had it checked out and the mechanic told me this IS a very popular problem with this car.
- Visibility
The heater control valve began making clicking noises about a month ago in my 2003 mitsubishi galant V6 LS. The car has only 59,000 miles on it. Then this morning with outside temperate of 41 degrees here in minneapolis the heat would not turn on. The heater control valve IS now stuck in the cold…
The heater control valve began making clicking noises about a month ago in my 2003 mitsubishi galant V6 LS. The car has only 59,000 miles on it. Then this morning with outside temperate of 41 degrees here in minneapolis the heat would not turn on. The heater control valve IS now stuck in the cold mode. I had to drive my 2 year old to day care in a cold car. the replacement cost by the dealer IS $1000. The internet finding shows most galant owners have had failed heater control valve. This can put drivers in unsafe situations because we can not defrost the windshield when its cold outside.
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
2003 galant ES. V-6 motor. had to replace heater control valve due to no heat. clicking noise from time to time then nothing as well as no heat. no sooner did I replace that and then heat selector quit working. can not change from vents to defrost. mechanic said heater box warped and cost…
2003 galant ES. V-6 motor. had to replace heater control valve due to no heat. clicking noise from time to time then nothing as well as no heat. no sooner did I replace that and then heat selector quit working. can not change from vents to defrost. mechanic said heater box warped and cost about 2500.00 to fix this. now pulling into the driveway, the radiator burst open on the front side. about a 4 inch opening just to the right side of cap if you are facing the car. mechanic has said all of this IS very common in these cars and mitsubishi should have done something to take care of these problems as every galant made has had same issues.. *Tr
- Structure
I have a 2003 black mitusbishi galant ES. The problem with it IS the paint...the top of my hood IS disgustingly white and faded, also the roof of the car, and the top of the trunk. The fade IS spreading and I don't know what to do. My car IS not the only one..i searched for this problem online and…
I have a 2003 black mitusbishi galant ES. The problem with it IS the paint...the top of my hood IS disgustingly white and faded, also the roof of the car, and the top of the trunk. The fade IS spreading and I don't know what to do. My car IS not the only one..i searched for this problem online and found that there are thousands of complaints about mitsubishi paint. There has to be a recall for this. It's embarrassing driving around with the paint that hideous. *Tr
- Seats
I hit a deer due to not being able to stop because my seat unlocked and slid back all the way, than I hit the deer and wrecked my whole front end. Have dodged some major crashes due to my seat sliding. Ever since I got my car when it came out in 03' the driver seat slips when it should be locked…
I hit a deer due to not being able to stop because my seat unlocked and slid back all the way, than I hit the deer and wrecked my whole front end. Have dodged some major crashes due to my seat sliding. Ever since I got my car when it came out in 03' the driver seat slips when it should be locked happens randomly (extremely unsafe) mitsubishi should fix or replace the seat mechanism before more people get injured. Feels like it decides when to lock and when to "let go" sending me into a slide towards the back of the vehicle. It's pretty much a death trap. *Tr
- Visibility
I have a 2003 galant and my heater has failed there IS air blowing but it's not hot. When I turn the dial from cold to hot it was making a rattling sound which I thought it might be in the vent area, thinking maybe it was just not turning. Come to find out it's the heater core and it's over $500 to…
I have a 2003 galant and my heater has failed there IS air blowing but it's not hot. When I turn the dial from cold to hot it was making a rattling sound which I thought it might be in the vent area, thinking maybe it was just not turning. Come to find out it's the heater core and it's over $500 to repair. I think this IS ridiculous I have seen many complaints online dating back to 2006 and I believe that mitsubishi should recall this problem and take responsibility. *Tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Passenger door fire
In response to this investigation, mitsubishi motors north america (mmna) initiated a special program on july 31, 2009, to extend the warranty coverage on model year (my) 2001-2003 galant vehicle passenger side window switches to 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first.notification of this special coverage…
In response to this investigation, mitsubishi motors north america (mmna) initiated a special program on july 31, 2009, to extend the warranty coverage on model year (my) 2001-2003 galant vehicle passenger side window switches to 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first.notification of this special coverage program to all registered vehicle owners IS scheduled to begin in late-september 2009.owners who have experienced a problem with the power window switch (blown fuse, intermittent operation or power window malfunction) or who spilled liquids or beverages onto the front passenger door window switch will be entitled to have the switch replaced and any related repairs performed at no charge.the agency IS aware of 35 alleged front passenger door panel heat, smoke or fire incidents, including three reported minor burns or bruises.there are no reported crashes or fatalities.there are 307 warranty claims of switch malfunctions or short circuits without any reported heat, smoke or fire.mmna inspection and analysis of fire-damaged door panels/switches found evidence of spilled liquids with high sugar content on the power window switches.mmna claims the residue of these liquids led to a shorting/smoke/ fire condition inside the switch/door panel assembly.a safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation IS closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will continue to monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.see document file for additional information.
- Passenger door fire
Complaints allege that a fire erupted in the front passenger door.in mitsubishi's response to odi's march 12, 2008 information request, mitsubishi asserts that the alleged defect may occur when large amounts of liquids, more than 100cc (3.4 oz), like a soft drink were spilled directly over the power window switch…
Complaints allege that a fire erupted in the front passenger door.in mitsubishi's response to odi's march 12, 2008 information request, mitsubishi asserts that the alleged defect may occur when large amounts of liquids, more than 100cc (3.4 oz), like a soft drink were spilled directly over the power window switch area, all at once and at one time.mitsubishi found that as the liquid dries off, electrolytes and carbonized particles accumulate between the terminals in the power window switch and become a conductive material.as a result, the switch may start to heat up and melt or ignite the plastic components.however, mitsubishi also asserts that the alleged defect IS very rare and that burning damage will not occur unless liquids enter into the power window switch.odi upgraded this preliminary evaluation to an engineering analysis, ea08-011, to further evaluate this issue.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10240443This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
- 10235609This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.
- 10235608This Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the reduction in load carrying capacity be affixed to vehicles when the total net weight of accessories is more than 1.5 percent of the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or 100 lbs.
- 10235606This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 2nd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
- 10211530This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to explain the difference between normal dew condensation, which is a natural phenomenon, and water penetration caused by improper sealing or a defective/broken part.
- 10170852This Technical Service Bulletin updates the door adjustment procedure in the Body Section of the applicable service manuals.
- 10170100This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170099This is an index of Tech Talk newsletter articles released in 2012.
- 10170097This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170096This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170087This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170086This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170074This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170071This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170070This TSB contains troubleshooting steps for diagnosis of various customer complaints relating to the audio system speakers in Mitsubishi vehicles equipped with original equipment audio components.
- 10169006This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10163703This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin supersedes TSB-18-00-003, issued April, 2018, to add updated information for Carrying Capacity Reduced Label.
- 10130469This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10130468This is a message sent to dealers, to inform them that an update for MEDIC will be available.
- 10032588Mitsubishi service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Front passenger door window switch warranty extension. Extending the warranty for the front passenger door window switch on all affected vehicles to 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first, from the original in service date. Csc letter was received. Updated 8/9/10
- 10021743Reprogramming the pcm drivability or sensitivity issues can be corrected.
- 10019047Cruise control system checks - service manual revision.
- 10017675Fuel pump operation check - service manual revision.
- 100167542-3 shift flare.
- 10016133Alternator fr terminal voltage - service manual revision.
- 10015818Power train control module (pcm) reprogramming for cold engine misfire / hot soak restart / rough idle. Revision.
- 10014427Clicking from hvac system.
- 10014423Glovebox lock valet key dropped.
- 10014422Elimination of cigarette lighter and ashtray.
- 10014421Door hard to open from inside.
- 10014396Mil on hot engine misfire no driveability concerns.
- 100143592-3 shift flare.
- 10014198Clicking noise at instrument panel.
- 10014197Door hard to open from inside.
- 10014196Gooylear tire sticker.
- 10014192Buzz rattle at rear floor.
- 10014191Intermittent rough idle engine stops.
- 10014190Glovebox lock valet key dropped.
- 10010660Power train module reprogramming for dianostic trouble code p0125.
- 10008910Clock spring installation. Mitsubishi motors. Tech talk. Vol. 88. Nov. 2002.
Every Mitsubishi Galant model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.