2003 Mitsubishi Galant recalls and problems

The 2003 Mitsubishi Galant has 2 safety recalls and 126 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mitsubishi dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
126
Crashes / fires
15 / 4
Injuries / deaths
13 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Mitsubishi Galant vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 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 03V-442: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Nov 4, 2003 · 17,087 vehicles affected · MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

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.

2003 Mitsubishi Galant problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Visibility45
Electrical System21
Structure21
Engine and Engine Cooling17
Service Brakes, Hydraulic12
Air Bags11
Power Train6
Unknown or Other6
Seats5
Equipment4
Suspension4
Fuel System, Gasoline3

Most reported parts

  • Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Heater Core — 21
  • Structure › Body — 11
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 9
  • Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 8
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 5
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 5
  • Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Windshield › Electrical Heating Element — 4
  • Electrical System › Horn — 4

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 64,000 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 2003 Mitsubishi Galant complaints

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

Electrical System · reported Mar 27, 2022
Check engine light suddenly came on and the vehicle lost all engine power and driving capabilities while driving at a low speed, turning a corner. There had been no other issues or indication of a failure of any kind. The car was pulled over on the roadside out of traffic and was able to be restarted with no problem. It was taken to a nearby auto parts store where they performed a free diagnostic check. The result that came back was generally regarding a vacuum issue in fuel system or lines. The gas cap lid and door were checked for proper closure and it was established they had been closed…
Unknown or Other · at 95,000 miles · reported Sep 27, 2015
Frequent clogging of A/C drain and drainage into driver side foot hold. The service department is unable to clean drain tube at this point. The car is not parked under or near trees.
Electrical System · at 111,126 miles · reported Apr 24, 2015
The horn which is part of the airbag stayed on when I used my keyless entry remote to lock the car. I had to hit the horn button in the steering wheel to make it stop. The horn once again became stuck the next day when I honked my horn on the freeway to prevent a car from colliding with me as they tried to switch lanes. I could not get the horn to shut off this time and had to pull over to pull out the fuse. I plugged in the fuse when I arrived home and the horn came right back on. I then used a rubber mallet to tap around the horn button and steering wheel which finally stopped the horn. This…
Electrical System · at 87,000 miles · reported Aug 4, 2014
The contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi galant. The contact stated that while traveling at approximately 40 MPH, the defroster failed to activate. The contact attempted to use the temperature controls and suddenly there was an abnormal noise. The failure occurred when the defroster, A/C, or heater was activated. As a result, the contact's visibility was impaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 87,000.
Fuel System, Gasoline · at 177,759 miles · reported May 2, 2014
Air bags didn't come out when accident occurred, there is smoke coming from exhaust not something is eating the gas up there is leakage coming from engine, oil, and radiator (Unknown areas).

Other Mitsubishi Galant years

Compare all Mitsubishi Galant years · All Mitsubishi models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant: 04V-428 (equipment), 03V-442 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant?

Owners report visibility problems most often (45 reports), followed by electrical system (21). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 64,000 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.