1998 Mitsubishi Galant problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 69 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median Galant year — the 1998 model ranks #11 of 28 Galant years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 19 reports (28% of the total).

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Galant years?

Galant NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Galant years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Mitsubishi Galant problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Brakes	19	28%	— flat
Transmission	12	17%	— flat
Suspension	9	13%	▼ down
Electrical System	6	9%	▼ down
Engine	4	6%	▼ down
Body & Structure	4	6%	▲ up
Visibility & Wipers	2	3%	— flat
Lighting	2	3%	▲ up
Other	2	3%	▼ down
Seat Belts	2	3%	— flat
Speed Control	2	3%	— flat
Steering	2	3%	▼ down
Airbags	2	3%	▼ down
Tires & Wheels	1	1%	— flat

Does the 1998 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.

“WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, THE STEERING SHAKES. BRAKE SHOES AND ROTORS ARE WORN OUT AT 19,000 MILES (VERY PREMATURE); BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON CONSTANTLY IN VEHICLE - REPLACE W/ BRAKE FLUID, WHEELS SCREECH WHEN MAKING A SLOW TURN - MITSUBISHI WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ARE GIVING A HARD TIME ABOUT REPLACING THE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes

“IN JUNE OF 2002, AUTO TRANSMISSION SOLENOID PACK FAILED AT 74,000 MILES. WAS REPLACED BY AUTHORIZED REPAIR SHOP (NOT UNDER WARRANTY). SHOP FLUSHED TRANSMISSION AND FOUND METAL SHAVINGS IN THE FLUID. LESS THAN ONE MONTH LATER (AUGUST 15, 2002) TRANSMISSION FAILED COMPLETELY AT 78,000 MILES.…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 15, 2002

“THE CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER HAD DIFFICULTY WITH THE STEERING WHICH ENDED UP ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD CRASHING INTO AN EMBANKMENT. 3 YEARS AFTER ACCIDENT, CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON LOWER BALL JOINTS THAT COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF STEERING. *LA THE CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER WAS INJURED AND FEELS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · September 10, 2001 · crash

“LIGHTS DIM VERY FREQUENTLY AT NIGHT. THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. PROBLEM IS STILL PRESENT. TAKEN TO BE FIXED 3 TIMES, COULD NOT BE FIXED. THIS WAS REPORTED TO DEALER WITHIN A MONTH OF PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE. THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING. MITSUBISHI HAS BEEN NOTIFIED AND ARE CURRENTLY LOOKING INTO THE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System

“MITSUBISHI GALANT 1998 - PADDED COVER OVER CONSOLE AND AIR BAG IS COMMING LOOSE, PROBABLY DUE TO POOR GLUE.IT MAY NOT BE SAFE, BUT I CANNOT GET MITSUBISHI TO FIX IT OR EVEN TO DISCUSS THE PROBLEM. I DON'T THINK THEY WANT TO HEAR CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS.*AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 1, 2003

1998 Mitsubishi Galant — common questions

Is the 1998 Mitsubishi Galant reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 69 complaints put the 1998 model at #11 of 28 Galant years. It is one of the Galant years to avoid.

What are the most common 1998 Galant problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (19 complaints), transmission (12 complaints), suspension (9 complaints).

Does the 1998 Mitsubishi Galant have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 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.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1998 compare to other Galant years?

What are the most common 1998 Mitsubishi Galant problems?

Does the 1998 Mitsubishi Galant have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1998 Mitsubishi Galant — common questions

Is the 1998 Mitsubishi Galant reliable?

What are the most common 1998 Galant problems?

Does the 1998 Mitsubishi Galant have recalls?

Which Mitsubishi Galant years should you avoid?

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