VehicleVerdict

1989 Mitsubishi Galant problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 20 complaints on file for the 1989 Mitsubishi Galant — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

20

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other Galant years?

Galant NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted296 complaints1985: 0 complaints1986: 6 complaints1987: 9 complaints1988: 7 complaints1989: 20 complaints1990: 32 complaints1991: 78 complaints1992: 43 complaints1993: 11 complaints1994: 284 complaints1995: 296 complaints1996: 200 complaints1997: 110 complaints1998: 69 complaints1999: 296 complaints2000: 183 complaints2001: 211 complaints2002: 175 complaints2003: 167 complaints2004: 68 complaints2005: 34 complaints2006: 37 complaints2007: 31 complaints2008: 9 complaints2009: 23 complaints2010: 12 complaints2011: 7 complaints2012: 11 complaints
Galant NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Galant years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Mitsubishi Galant problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts840%
Transmission420%
Speed Control210%
Other15%
Electrical System15%
Engine15%
Body & Structure15%
Tires & Wheels15%
Brakes15%

Does the 1989 Mitsubishi Galant have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

95V103004Seat BeltsMay 24, 1995 · 658,000 units

Defect

THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.

Consequence

THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“CONSUMER PARKED VEHICLE, SHE TURNED IT OFF, AND TOOK KEYS OUT. KEYS WERE NOT INSIDE OF THE CAR, AND CONSUMER WALKED ALWAY, THINKING EVERYTHING WAS IN ORDER. HOWEVER, VEHICLE ROLLED BACK, AND HIT TWO OTHER VEHICLES. *AK *ML”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 19, 2000 · crash

“ENGINE WILL INCREASE THE GAS, WHEN STEPPING ON THE BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN, THE VEHICLE REVVED UP AND INCREASED SPEED, DEALER IS NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. *AK *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 6, 1998

1989 Mitsubishi Galant — common questions

Is the 1989 Mitsubishi Galant reliable?

The record is thin — 20 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1989 Galant problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (8 complaints), transmission (4 complaints), speed control (2 complaints).

Does the 1989 Mitsubishi Galant have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1989 Mitsubishi Galant. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1989 Mitsubishi Galant under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mitsubishi Galant years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Galant years to avoid are 1999, 1995, 1994, 2001, 1996, 2000, 2002, 2003, 1997, 1991, 1998, 2004. The cleanest record among Galant years belongs to 1985.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.