2002 Mitsubishi Galant recalls and problems

The 2002 Mitsubishi Galant has 2 safety recalls and 135 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mitsubishi dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

135

Crashes / fires

21 / 10

Injuries / deaths

19 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Mitsubishi Galant vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Mitsubishi Galant recalls

Recall 04V-428: Equipment

Reported Sep 1, 2004 · 100,432 vehicles affected · MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN

Problem: 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.

Risk: This does not meet the requirements of the standard.

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 expected to begin during march or april 2005. The notification to the nativa owners is expected to begin during april or may 2005. Owners should contact mitsubishi caribbean at 1-787-251-8715.

Recall 02V-147: Electrical System

Reported May 29, 2002 · 3,378 vehicles affected · MITSUBISHI AMERICA

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, routing of the vehicle's front harness can allow it to come in contact with a rough edge, allowing abrasion. This could result in grounded circuits.

Risk: There could be a loss of stop or turn signal lamp operation or engine hesitation.

Fix: Dealers will install a protector, eliminating any harness contact. Owner notification began july 8, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.

2002 Mitsubishi Galant problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	30
Electrical System	27
Visibility	22
Structure	19
Air Bags	17
Engine and Engine Cooling	13
Unknown or Other	7
Exterior Lighting	6
Equipment	5
Suspension	5
Steering	5
Wheels	4

Most reported parts

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 14
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Heater Core — 13
Structure › Body — 11
Air Bags › Frontal — 10
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 5
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads — 4
Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood — 4
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 3

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 64,895 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Mitsubishi Galant complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · at 131,000 miles · reported Aug 3, 2022

The contact owns a 2002 Mitsubishi Galant. The contact stated that while his son was being chased by another motorist at 40 MPH, he lost control of the vehicle as he attempted to brake. The vehicle veered off the road and initially hit a garbage can that ricocheted and broke another vehicle's taillight. The vehicle continued to move forward before it hit both an electrical box and a tree which stopped the vehicle's momentum. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. His son was treated at the scene for the soreness to his chest and back and for other minor cuts and bruises. A police report was…

Exterior Lighting · at 80,000 miles · reported Jul 22, 2019

I've had this 2002 mitsubishi galant for a number of years and have always had a problem with the lights. They don't shine bright enough to clearly see the road ahead. It is a constant problem. I thought it was just a problem with my car, but it seems like other people have had the same problem.

Electrical System · at 25,000 miles · reported Apr 13, 2016

The contact owns a 2002 mitsubishi galant. While driving at various speeds, the low beam headlights and the signal lamp failed to operate when activated. The failure recurred constantly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuse failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 02v147000 (Electrical system). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 25,000.

Air Bags · reported May 26, 2015

The contact owned a 2002 mitsubishi galant. While driving approximately 25 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the front driver side of the contact's vehicle at approximately 55 MPH. The contact's vehicle went airborne and landed on all four wheels. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact suffered a neck injury that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

Electrical System · at 186,000 miles · reported Apr 30, 2015

The contact owns a 2002 mitsubishi galant. The contact stated that the cruise control light illuminated on the instrument panel without it being manually activated. The vehicle was not diagnosed and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 186,000. Updated 6/11/15 updated 06/16/15

Other Mitsubishi Galant years

2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 200320022001 2000

Compare all Mitsubishi Galant years · All Mitsubishi models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Mitsubishi Galant have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Mitsubishi Galant: 04V-428 (equipment), 02V-147 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Mitsubishi Galant?

Owners report service brakes, hydraulic problems most often (30 reports), followed by electrical system (27). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 64,895 miles.

Are Mitsubishi recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mitsubishi dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.