MotorDeets

2003 Mitsubishi Galant: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant: 2 recalls, 126 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
126owner complaints
15mention a crash
21best combined mpg
2003 Mitsubishi Galant
Photo: RL GNZLZ · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 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.

Fuel system Vehicle recall #03V442000 · 2003 · 17,087 vehicles

What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel return line hose fitting on the electric fuel pump May be restricted, causing excessive fuel pressure to build up in the fuel injection system. Excessive fuel pressure May result in a leak in the fuel return hose.

Why it matters: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

The fix: Dealers will inspect the fuel pump pressure. Those vehicles exhibiting higher than normal fuel pump pressure will receive fuel pump modifications. The recall began December 3, 2003. Owners should contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037 or Mitsubishi caribbean at 1-800-981-0452.

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. 4 mention a fire, 13 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.

Visibility (wipers, glass)45
Body & structure21
Electrical17
Engine & cooling16
Brakes (hydraulic)12
Airbags11
Transmission & drivetrain6
Other / unknown6

What owners describe

The 2003 Mitsubishi Galant has 126 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 23 Galant model years for complaints (1.7× the average Galant year). Complaints peaked in 2007 (28 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 63,750 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (135 complaints, 2 recalls), 2004 (61 complaints, 1 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.4 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive192521Regular
3.0 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive182521Premium

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 2003 Mitsubishi Galant.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

Does the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2003 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 2003 Mitsubishi Galant problems?

Owners have filed 126 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility (wipers, glass) (45), body & structure (21), electrical (17).

What gas mileage does the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant get?

EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2003 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.

Other Galant years

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