VehicleVerdict

1997 Mitsubishi Galant problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 110 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.1 times the median Galant year — the 1997 model ranks #9 of 28 Galant years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across suspension (20), brakes (18), and transmission (15), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

110

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Galant years?

Galant NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 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, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Galant years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Mitsubishi Galant problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension2018%
Brakes1816%
Transmission1514%
Engine1312%
Electrical System98%
Steering98%
Airbags87%
Other33%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Latches & Locks22%
Seat Belts22%
Speed Control22%
Body & Structure22%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%
Lighting11%
Tires & Wheels11%
Fuel System11%
Seats11%

Does the 1997 Mitsubishi Galant have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07E055000Fuel SystemJuly 26, 2007 · 222 units

Defect

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 PREVENT THE MATING THREADED FITTINGS FROM BOTTOMING OUT BEFORE AN ADEQUATE SEAL IS ACHIEVED. THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN LEAKAGE OF FUEL AT THE CONNECTION OF THE VEHICLE FUEL LINE AND THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLY.

Consequence

IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

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.

00V421001SuspensionDecember 18, 2000 · 567,432 units

Defect

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 ADDED THE POTENTIAL OF LEAKING MOISTURE, WHICH CAN CAUSE THE BALL STUD TO CORRODE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT TO SEPARATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH. THIS CAMPAIGN SUPERCEDES MMC'S PREVIOUS SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN, SEE 99V-066.

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 JOINTS THAT ARE WITHIN THE ESTABLISHED TOLERANCE WILL BE CLEANED AND A SPECIAL SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED TO PREVENT INTRUSION OF MOISTURE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TOOK MY 1997 MITSUBISHI TO CHERRY HILL TRIPLEX DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED MY FRONT LATERAL ARMS REPLACED; THAT THEY WERE ABOUT TO FALL OFF. I'VE ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR A YEAR; THAT'S NOT DAMAGE I COULD DO IN A YEAR. I WANT TO REQUEST THAT MITSUBISHI COVERS THE COST OR REIMBURSES ME FOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · February 2, 2008

“VEHICLE BRAKES HAVE BEEN FIXED TWICE BY DEALER WITH SAME PROBLEM AND DEALER INSISTS THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM. HAD ACCIDENT WITH BRAKING PROBLEMS APRIL, 1997 WHEN BRAKES FAILED TO GIVE GOOD RESPONSE. CAR WAS FIXED BY DEALER BUT HAS NOT BEEN THE SAME SINCE. ALWAYS HAVING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 1, 1998 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLES RIGHT FRONT WHEEL LITERALLY CAME OFF THE AXLE. THIS HAPPENED WHEN CONSUMER WAS PULLING INTO OFFICE DRIVEWAY. THERE WAS NO RESULT IN INJURY. CONSUMER'S BACK SEATS MOVE FRONT AND BACK, ESPECIALLY WHEN COMING TO AN IMMEDIATE STOP. IT CAME TO THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 24, 2004

“WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH CONSUMER SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE DASHBOARD AND UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP, AND MECHANIC INFORMED CONSUMER THAT ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL WIRES MELTED. ON ANOTHER OCCASION WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 15 MPH VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. VEHICLE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 17, 2003

“CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE PARKING LOT AT WORK, WHEN THE RADIO CAUGHT ON FIR DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 4, 2003 · fire

1997 Mitsubishi Galant — common questions

Is the 1997 Mitsubishi Galant reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 110 complaints put the 1997 model at #9 of 28 Galant years. It is one of the Galant years to avoid.

What are the most common 1997 Galant problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (20 complaints), brakes (18 complaints), transmission (15 complaints).

Does the 1997 Mitsubishi Galant have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Mitsubishi Galant. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.