VehicleVerdict

2004 Mitsubishi Galant problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 68 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median Galant year — the 2004 model ranks #12 of 28 Galant years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 1 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across body & structure (16), visibility & wipers (11), and brakes (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

68

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Galant years?

Galant NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 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, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Galant years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Mitsubishi Galant problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure1624%
Visibility & Wipers1116%
Airbags69%
Brakes69%
Engine57%
Electrical System46%
Other46%
Fuel System34%
Transmission34%
Seat Belts34%
Speed Control23%
Lighting11%
Suspension11%
Tires & Wheels11%
Latches & Locks11%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%

Does the 2004 Mitsubishi Galant have recalls?

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

08V276000Electrical SystemJune 20, 2008 · 73,000 units

Defect

MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING 73,000 MY 2004-2006 GALLANT PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING VEHICLE USE, THE IGNITION KEY INTERLOCK CABLE (WHICH IS A COMPONENT OF THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM) MAY ALLOW THE INTERLOCKING CAM TO FALL FORWARD AND ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH WHEN THE GEARSHIFT MECHANISM IS NOT IN THE PARK POSITION.

Consequence

IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT SHIFT TO PARK BEFORE REMOVING THE KEY AND FAILS TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND CORRECT THESE VEHICLES FOR THE REPORTED CONDITION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-888-648-7820.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THERE IS NO ACCIDENT BUT THE PAINT ON MY BLACK CAR IS PEELING OFF. I HAVE BIG WHITE SPLOTCHES ALL OVER MY CAR. IT LOOKS TERRIBLE. I HAVE ALWAYS TAKEN CARE OF MY CAR, AND THE PAINT JUST STARTED PEELING OFF. I HAVE HEARD AND SEEN THIS ON ALOT OF MITSUBISHI BLACK CARS. I THINK IT DEFECTIVE PAINT.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 31, 2013

“WELL SHORTLY AFTER BUYING THE CAR,THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR WINDOW FELL DOWN IN THE DOOR. THEN A COUPLE DAYS AGO THE OTHER REAR WINDOW FELL ALSO. I'M NOT SURE WHAT HAPPENED,BUT THE WINDOW WASN'T EVEN BEING USED AT THE TIME IT FELL. I DON'T KNOW WHAT PART INSIDE THE DOOR WENT BAD,BUT I FEEL IT SHOULD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · September 9, 2013

“DT: CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. IT STRUCK CONCRETE MEDIAN SEPARATOR ON HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 65 TO 75 MPH . UPON IMPACT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE STRUCK CONCRETE WALL HEAD ON. ACCIDENT OCCURRED ABOUT 6:30 PM. VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE AIR BAGS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 11, 2005 · crash

“I HAVE TAKEN MY 2004 MITSUBISHI GALANT TO THE DEALER OVER 9 TIMES FOR MY BRAKES. I CONTACTED A LAWYER FOR THE LEMON LAW AND WAS ADVISED THAT DUE TO MY MILEAGE I DIDN'T QUALIFY FOR A LEMON RETURN. HE ADVISED ME TO SETTLE WITH MITSUBISHI AND MOVE ON. IN THE PROCESS OF THE ATTORNEY PROCESSING MY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 1, 2007 · crash

“2004 MITSUBISHI GALANT CUSTOMER HAS CONCERNS ABOUT ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON* THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPROGRAMMED ON DECEMBER 30, 2006. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE SOUNDS LIKE IT HAS A BAD MUFFLER. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 1, 1901

2004 Mitsubishi Galant — common questions

Is the 2004 Mitsubishi Galant reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 68 complaints put the 2004 model at #12 of 28 Galant years. It is one of the Galant years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 Galant problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (16 complaints), visibility & wipers (11 complaints), brakes (6 complaints).

Does the 2004 Mitsubishi Galant have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2004 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.