Drivers lap seat belt will not retract. While extending it to buckle, a noise like a tape measure rapidly closing was heard, then it would not retract. It extends out to its full extent, and is apparently worthless in case of an accident.
The worst 1990 Mitsubishi Galant problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Transmission9
- Engine6
- Seat belts6
- Acceleration2
- Body1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Transmission9
- Engine6
- Seat belts6
- Acceleration2
- Body1
- Electrical1
- Tires1
Recalls 1
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: all wheel drive passenger vehicles. Lockup of the transfer case can occur due to insufficient lubrication.
- Risk
- This condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the vehicles for adequacy of the transfer case oil volume, transfer case oil leakage, and operational degradation of the transfer case mechanism. If oil volume is insufficient, the appropriate amount of oil will be added. If there is transfer case oil leakage, affected components will be replaced. If the transfer case shows operational degradation, the transfer case will be replaced.
Recall number 98V168000 · Recall details
See all 1 recalls for the 1990 Mitsubishi Galant
Defect investigations
Transfer case leakage
The transfer case of the all wheel drive (awd), mitsubishi galant, allegedly leaks oil causing one or more wheels to lockup; or the inability to transmit engine power to the drive wheels.the vehicles have the same transfer case design as the eclipse vehicles which have been recalled for the same alleged defect.
RQ98007
Transfer case lockup
EA98002
Takata seat belt buckle failure
There is no summary currently available
EA95004
Technical service bulletins for the 1990 Mitsubishi Galant 9
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers
- This Technical Service Bulletin updates the door adjustment procedure in the Body Section of the...
- Information regarding cylinder head gaskets for remanufactured short blocks
- Information about improved automatic transaxle end clutch
- Torque converter clutch solenoid resistance - service manual revision
- New valve lash adjuster noise checking and troubleshooting procedures
- Antenna tightening torque
1990 Mitsubishi Galant fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | FWD | 18-20 | 24-27 | 20-22 |
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | 4WD | 18 | 21 | 19 |
What 1990 Mitsubishi Galant owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
When the accelerator pedal was pressed, the vehicle surged forward at a rapid speed.
Harmonic balancer fell apart. This is the second failure of this oem part. I think they are made from old tuna cans.
Consumer has had vehicle for 5 years, and has replaced transmission 3 times.
Drivers side seat belt is not working properly, consumer is having difficulty "latching" the lap belt, sounds as if something is popping on the inside of the latch.
Recall 98v168000/ manufacturer's recall sr-98-003/ transfer case failure. In december consumer took vehicle to dealer for recall repairs. Vehicle seemed to be making loud noises and locking up. Dealer blamed it on wheel bearing, and valve cover that might be leaking. Consumer had a second opinion, and they disagreed with dealer.
I pulled into gas station. Smoke was coming out from under hood. Small fire around fuel line, ignition wires, coil, wire harness containing injector wires. Put out w/ extinguisher. Only 2 wires to 1 injector damaged, fuel line/plug wires damaged, computer failed. Have had alot of large costly problems w/ this car in the past, including damage to differential twice, transaxle/transmission/transfer case. Timing belt failure 18 months ago, caused damage to valves (got a recall notice on this the day b4 the fire). Dealer weatherford has been working on my car since aug 1996 and timing belt recall just came (mailed feb 1 1999) please advise. Thanks! Jkm
Consumer received recall letter. Took vehicle into the dealer, who inspected the vehicle, no problems occurred at the time of inspection , consumer states problem did exist, and has caused other malfunctions to occur. Recall number 98v169001. Please give any further details.
While driving the car locked up and back end came around, would not move. Car was towed to auto shop, where statements made stated that transmission and transfer case were defective, consumer repaired the vehicle at owner's expense, two years later, the recall notice was received, dealer will not refund the funds of the repairs to the consumer.
1,less than 20,000 miles the car needed a head gasket,timing belt and a water pump mind you the car never overheated once. 2,at 30,000 miles the first transmission went. 3,at 59,000+ miles the second transmission went. 4,now the car burns 2 quarts of oil a month. Help,I can't afford to put anymore money into this car it's not worth it.
Compare the 1990 Mitsubishi Galant
Other model years
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Questions about the 1990 Mitsubishi Galant
Is the 1990 Mitsubishi Galant reliable?
Owners have filed 21 complaints about the 1990 Mitsubishi Galant, close to a typical Galant model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1990 Mitsubishi Galant?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 9 complaints. Next is engine (6).
How many recalls does the 1990 Mitsubishi Galant have?
1 recall, covering power train.
Was there a recall on the 1990 Mitsubishi Galant transmission?
Yes, 1 recall: 98V168000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Mitsubishi Galant have bad transmission?
The Mitsubishi Galant model years with the most transmission complaints are 1991 (39 complaints), 1996 (36 complaints) and 1995 (29 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1990 Mitsubishi Galant get?
Official estimates for the 1990 Mitsubishi Galant range from 19 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 18-20 city and 24-27 highway.
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