VehicleVerdict

2005 Mitsubishi Galant problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2005 Mitsubishi Galant sits mid-pack among Galant years: 34 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 35, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across body & structure (6), brakes (6), and lighting (3), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

34

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Galant years?

Galant NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 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, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Galant years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Mitsubishi Galant problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes618%
Body & Structure618%
Lighting39%
Airbags26%
Fuel System26%
Electrical System26%
Steering26%
Engine26%
Suspension26%
Tires & Wheels26%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)13%
Other13%
Seat Belts13%
Speed Control13%

Does the 2005 Mitsubishi Galant have recalls?

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

08V454000Fuel SystemSeptember 9, 2008 · 45,988 units

Defect

MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING 45,988 MY 2005-2007 ENDEAVOR, GALANT, ECLIPSE COUPE, AND MY 2007 ECLIPSE SPYDER VEHICLES. THE BRACKET THAT IS THE ATTACHMENT POINT FOR THE LEFT REAR FUEL TANK MOUNTING STRAP MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY FORMED DURING A METAL STAMPING PROCESS. THE PROCESS MAY HAVE CAUSED THE METAL TO HAVE A SPLIT IN THE AREA WHERE THE BOLT THAT HOLDS ONE OF THE TWO FUEL TANK STRAPS TO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE IS LOCATED. IN THE EVENT THE FUEL TANK IS FULL AND THE VEHICLE IS SUBJECT TO A SEVERE COLLISION, THE BRACKET MAY BREAK AND ALLOW THE FUEL TANK TO DROP DOWN, POSSIBLY CAUSING A FUEL LEAK.

Consequence

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

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE IF THE LEFT REAR FUEL TANK STRAP MOUNTING BRACKET HAS SPLITTING BEYOND A SPECIFIC LIMIT. VEHICLES WITH MODERATE TO SEVERE SPLITTING WILL BE REPAIRED USING A REINFORCEMENT CAP, A SPECIAL STRUCTURAL ADHESIVE, AND A RIVET TO REINFORCE THE FUEL TANK MOUNTING BRACKET. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.

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.

05V409000BrakesSeptember 15, 2005 · 2,901 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKES, THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER, WHICH CONTROLS THE FLUID PRESSURE TO THE VEHICLE'S BRAKES, MAY ALLOW BRAKE FLUID TO BYPASS INTERNALLY DURING STOPPING.

Consequence

THIS MAY RESULT IN A PARTIAL LOSS OF BRAKING, INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES, AND COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 3, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I FEEL THERE IS A DANGEROUS DEFECT IN ANTI-SKID BRAKES. I HAVE CONTACTED MITSUBISHI AND FEEL THEIR RESPONSE IS INADEQUATE. ANTI-SKID FUNCTION FAILED DURING TWO EMERGENCY STOPS AND ALMOST RESULTED IN REAR-END COLLISIONS. ANTI-SKID FUNCTION ALSO ACTUATES WHEN THERE IS NO BRAKING CONDITION THAT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 15, 2006

“I HAVE A BLACK 2005 MITSUBISHI GALANT. WITHIN THE PAST YEAR THE PAINT HAS BEEN FADING BY TURNING A OFF WHITE IN SOME AREAS AND IT IS SPREADING LIKE CANCER. I EVEN HAVE A SPOT THAT IS GETTING RUSTED. I AM NOT SURE WHAT TO DO BUT THERE NEEDS TO BE A PAINT RECALL. I NEED MY PAINT FIXED PLEASE BEFORE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 22, 2009

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MITSUBISHI GALANT. THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHTS HAVE FAILED THREE TIMES WITHIN THE PAST 12 MONTHS. THE FIRST FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH. THE CONTACT HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER EVERYTIME THE FAILURE OCCURS, BUT THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · January 1, 2007

“CAR STOPPED WHILE DRIVING. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND 8 HOURS LATER THEY SAID THAT THE CAR WAS OVERFILLED CAUSING THE FILTER AND CANISTER TO BE SATURATED WITH FUEL MAKING THE VEHICLE STOP. (ALTHOUGH I KNOW I DID NOT OVERFILL MY VEHICLE) THERE IS NOTHING IN THE OWNERS MANUAL OR WARRANTY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 19, 2007

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MITSUBISHI GALANT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT WHEN BEING DRIVEN. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND HAD IT TEST DRIVEN. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING AS DESIGNED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · November 23, 2005

2005 Mitsubishi Galant — common questions

Is the 2005 Mitsubishi Galant reliable?

It is close to typical for the Galant: 34 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2005 Galant problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (6 complaints), brakes (6 complaints), lighting (3 complaints).

Does the 2005 Mitsubishi Galant have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 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.