NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 61 owner complaints for the 2004 Mitsubishi Galant. Most complaints involve structure (16) and visibility (8). The EPA rates it 19–23 mpg combined.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Galant model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 144 |
| 1997 | 86 |
| 1998 | 57 |
| 1999 | 218 |
| 2000 | 139 |
| 2001 | 161 |
| 2002 | 142 |
| 2003 | 139 |
| 2004 | 61 |
| 2005 | 26 |
| 2006 | 24 |
| 2007 | 24 |
| 2008 | 6 |
| 2009 | 16 |
| 2010 | 9 |
| 2011 | 3 |
| 2012 | 9 |
“DRIVERS INSIDE DOOR PANEL LOOSE; PANEL RE-ATTACHED WITH CLIPS BY COOL SPRING MITSUBISHI SECOND INCIDENT JULY 25, 2008; DRIVERS INSIDE DOOR LOOSE AGAIN, RE-ATTACHED WITH CLIPS BY HALLMARK MITSUBISHI THIRD INCIDENT SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 DRIVERS INSIDE DOOR PANEL LOOSE, COULD NOT RE-ATTACHED WITH CLIPS; NEED TO ORDER NEW INSIDE DOOR PANEL. PANEL ORDERED AND RE-INSTALLED BY (NTB) NATIONAL TIRE AND BATTERY FOURTH INCIDENT, JULY 2014, PASSENGER INSIDE DOOR PANEL LOOSE; NTB AND FIRESTONE COULD NOT FIX, NEED PANEL REPLACED. I HAVE RECEIPT FOR ALL THESE INCIDENTS. I CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY THE DOOR PANELS WILL NOT STAY ATTACHED ON THIS CAR. MITSUBISHI SHOULD REIMBURSE ME FOR ALL THE EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH PREVIOUS REPAIR OF THESE PANELS AND FIX THE PANEL FOR THE REAR DOOR. I ALSO NEED ASSURANCE AND PROOF THAT THEY WILL REPAIR AT NO COST ANY FUTURE PANELS THAT COME LOOSE AS LONG AS I OWN THIS CAR. THIS IS RIDICULOUS THAT YOU CANNOT GET OUT OF YOUR CAR BECAUSE THE PANEL CATCHES. *TR”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MITSUBISHI GALANT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDOW BECAME INOPERABLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDOW NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. AS A RESULT, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE WINDOWS FAILED TO OPEN OR CLOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
“After spending money on drained battery and ruined alternator the mechanic noticed the security system being at fault . Pep Boys did not offer refund of almost $500.00”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galant Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
| Galant Auto (S4), 6 cyl, 3.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 19 | $4,050 | 468 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Nov 7, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 61 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (16), visibility (8), air bags (6). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2004 Mitsubishi Galant at 19–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).