1999 Mitsubishi Galant: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1999 Mitsubishi Galant: 5 recalls, 215 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Visibility (wipers, glass), Exterior lights Vehicle recall #99V305001 · 1999 · 98,817 vehicles
What's wrong: The column switch levers can become loose or break over time.
Why it matters: Loosening or cracking of the levers can cause directional lamps that do not self-cancel or operate, head lamps that do not turn off, windshield washers that operate continuously and/or windshield wipers that do not operate.
The fix: Dealers will install a redesigned switch.
Electrical Vehicle recall #99V333001 · 1999 · 19,179 vehicles
What's wrong: The battery cable harness can become heat damaged by the front exhaust manifold which could cause grounded circuits.
Why it matters: This circuit failure could cause any of the following to occur: (1) the engine will not start because the main fuse will blow if the power lead is grounded; (2) the low oil pressure warning lamp will illuminate if the signal wire is grounded; (3) the airconditioning system will become inoperative…
The fix: Dealers will remove and discard a metal manifold bracket (from galant models only - eclipse has no such bracket). Dealers will also inspect the harness. If the harness wires show no damage, the dealer will install a heat insulator along with heat resistant harness clips. If the harness wires do…
Steering Vehicle recall #00V225001 · 2000 · 228,294 vehicles
What's wrong: A nut in the steering gear assembly was not properly tightened, resulting in symptoms ranging from steering wheel vibration to stiff steering, and in the worst case, no ability to turn left.
Why it matters: A loss of steering control could increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect these vehicles and replace the steering gear assembly if a loose nut connection is found.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #01V011001 · 2001 · 277,227 vehicles
What's wrong: A hose was mis-manufactured and could weaken over time, which could result in leakage of the automatic transmission fluid.
Why it matters: Fluid leakage from the cooler hoses can cause transaxle driveability problems and smoke if the oil contacts the front exhaust pipe.
The fix: Dealers will replace the hose assembly for the automatic transmission oil cooler. Owner notification mailing will be phased over a five-month period starting March 26, through July 23, 2001.
Equipment Vehicle recall #04V428000 · 2004 · 100,432 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 208, 'occupant crash protection.' the bilingual english/spanish removable air bag warning labels affixed to the dash and to the sunvisor do not meet the size requirements of the standard.
Why it matters: This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
The fix: Mitsubishi caribbean will mail a customer notification letter containing a written description and a graphic of the bi-lingual dashboard air bag warning label. In addition, all current 2000-2004 nativa owners will also receive replacement air bag alert labels for the sun visors. This recall is…
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: Dope, Inc. is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 10 mention a fire, 17 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (89): the most common themes are noise or vibration (40), brake failure / soft pedal (7).
- Suspension (26): the most common themes are noise or vibration (15), steering problems (8).
- Electrical (20): the most common themes are electrical failure (11), fire / smoke (8), won't start (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (16): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (4), noise or vibration (3), leaks (2).
The 1999 Mitsubishi Galant has 215 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 23 Galant model years for complaints (2.8× the average Galant year). Complaints peaked in 2000 (59 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 80,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1998 (53 complaints, 1 recalls), 2000 (136 complaints, 6 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1999 Mitsubishi Galant.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1999 Mitsubishi Galant have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 1999 Mitsubishi Galant, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1999 Mitsubishi Galant problems?
Owners have filed 215 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (89), suspension (26), electrical (20).
What gas mileage does the 1999 Mitsubishi Galant get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (2.4 L, Manual 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1999 Mitsubishi Galant repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.