VehicleVerdict

1990 Mitsubishi Galant problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1990 Mitsubishi Galant sits mid-pack among Galant years: 32 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 36, with a single recall and 3 closed investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 41% of all reports (13 of 32), far ahead of engine at 7.

32

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

3

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other Galant years?

Galant NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 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, 1990 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Galant years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 Mitsubishi Galant problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1341%
Engine722%
Seat Belts722%
Speed Control26%
Body & Structure13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Electrical System13%

Does the 1990 Mitsubishi Galant have recalls?

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

98V168000TransmissionJuly 22, 1998 · 9,560 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ALL WHEEL DRIVE PASSENGER VEHICLES. LOCKUP OF THE TRANSFER CASE CAN OCCUR DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR ADEQUACY OF THE TRANSFER CASE OIL VOLUME, TRANSFER CASE OIL LEAKAGE, AND OPERATIONAL DEGRADATION OF THE TRANSFER CASE MECHANISM. IF OIL VOLUME IS INSUFFICIENT, THE APPROPRIATE AMOUNT OF OIL WILL BE ADDED. IF THERE IS TRANSFER CASE OIL LEAKAGE, AFFECTED COMPONENTS WILL BE REPLACED. IF THE TRANSFER CASE SHOWS OPERATIONAL DEGRADATION, THE TRANSFER CASE WILL BE REPLACED.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I PULLED INTO GAS STATION. SMOKE WAS COMING OUT FROM UNDER HOOD. SMALL FIRE AROUND FUEL LINE, IGNITION WIRES, COIL, WIRE HARNESS CONTAINING INJECTOR WIRES. PUT OUT W/ EXTINGUISHER. ONLY 2 WIRES TO 1 INJECTOR DAMAGED, FUEL LINE/PLUG WIRES DAMAGED, COMPUTER FAILED. HAVE HAD ALOT OF LARGE COSTLY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 4, 1999 · fire

“I PULLED INTO GAS STATION. SMOKE WAS COMING OUT FROM UNDER HOOD. SMALL FIRE AROUND FUEL LINE, IGNITION WIRES, COIL, WIRE HARNESS CONTAINING INJECTOR WIRES. PUT OUT W/ EXTINGUISHER. ONLY 2 WIRES TO 1 INJECTOR DAMAGED, FUEL LINE/PLUG WIRES DAMAGED, COMPUTER FAILED. HAVE HAD ALOT OF LARGE COSTLY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 4, 1999 · fire

“DRIVERS LAP SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT. WHILE EXTENDING IT TO BUCKLE, A NOISE LIKE A TAPE MEASURE RAPIDLY CLOSING WAS HEARD, THEN IT WOULD NOT RETRACT. IT EXTENDS OUT TO ITS FULL EXTENT, AND IS APPARENTLY WORTHLESS IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · September 1, 2003

“I PULLED INTO GAS STATION. SMOKE WAS COMING OUT FROM UNDER HOOD. SMALL FIRE AROUND FUEL LINE, IGNITION WIRES, COIL, WIRE HARNESS CONTAINING INJECTOR WIRES. PUT OUT W/ EXTINGUISHER. ONLY 2 WIRES TO 1 INJECTOR DAMAGED, FUEL LINE/PLUG WIRES DAMAGED, COMPUTER FAILED. HAVE HAD ALOT OF LARGE COSTLY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 4, 1999 · fire

1990 Mitsubishi Galant — common questions

Is the 1990 Mitsubishi Galant reliable?

It is close to typical for the Galant: 32 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 3 investigations on file.

What are the most common 1990 Galant problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (13 complaints), engine (7 complaints), seat belts (7 complaints).

Does the 1990 Mitsubishi Galant have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1990 Mitsubishi Galant. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1990 Mitsubishi Galant under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations 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.