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 filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it remained in their possession. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.
The worst 2002 Mitsubishi Galant problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes28
- Electrical26
- Visibility21
- Body19
- Airbags17
- Engine13
- Lights7
- Steering5
- Suspension5
- Wheels4
- Fuel system3
- Tires3
- Transmission3
- Seat belts2
- Seats2
Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
Recalls 2
Equipment: other: labels
- What is 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.
- Risk
- This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
- Remedy
- 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 number 04V428000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 02V147000 · Recall details
See all 2 recalls for the 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
Defect investigations
Passenger door fire
In response to this investigation, mitsubishi motors north america (mmna) initiated a special program on july 31, 2009, to extend the warranty coverage on model year (my) 2001-2003 galant vehicle passenger side window switches to 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first.notification of this special coverage program to all registered vehicle owners is scheduled to begin in late-september 2009.owners who have experienced a problem with the power window switch (blown fuse, intermittent operation or power window malfunction) or who spilled liquids or beverages onto the front passenger door window switch will be entitled to have the switch replaced and any related repairs performed at no charge.the agency is aware of 35 alleged front passenger door panel heat, smoke or fire incidents, including three reported minor burns or bruises.there are no reported crashes or fatalities.there are 307 warranty claims of switch malfunctions or short circuits without any reported heat, smoke or fire.mmna inspection and analysis of fire-damaged door panels/switches found evidence of spilled liquids with high sugar content on the power window switches.mmna claims the residue of these liquids LED to a shorting/smoke/ fire condition inside the switch/door panel assembly.a safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will continue to monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.see document file for additional information.
EA08011
Passenger door fire
Complaints allege that a fire erupted in the front passenger door.in mitsubishi's response to odi's march 12, 2008 information request, mitsubishi asserts that the alleged defect may occur when large amounts of liquids, more than 100cc (3.4 oz), like a soft drink were spilled directly over the power window switch area, all at once and at one time.mitsubishi found that as the liquid dries off, electrolytes and carbonized particles accumulate between the terminals in the power window switch and become a conductive material.as a result, the switch may start to heat up and melt or ignite the plastic components.however, mitsubishi also asserts that the alleged defect is very rare and that burning damage will not occur unless liquids enter into the power window switch.odi upgraded this preliminary evaluation to an engineering analysis, ea08-011, to further evaluate this issue.
PE08014
Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Mitsubishi Galant 99
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd...
- This Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the reduction in load...
- This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of...
- This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 2nd...
- This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to explain the difference between normal dew...
- This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers
- This is a message sent to dealers, to inform them that an update for MEDIC will be available.
- This TSB contains troubleshooting steps for diagnosis of various customer complaints relating to the audio...
- This is an index of Tech Talk newsletter articles released in 2012.
2002 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | FWD | 17-18 | 25 | 20-21 |
| 2.4L 4‑cyl | FWD | 18 | 26 | 21 |
What 2002 Mitsubishi Galant owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
Tl* 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 the federal safety agency campaign number: 02v147000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 25,000.
Tl* 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.
Tl* 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*cn updated 06/16/15
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mitsubishi galant. The contact stated that the left turn signal failed to work intermittently. The vehicle was not inspected or diagnosed. The contact was not included in recall the federal safety agency campaign number: 02v147000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.
Tl-the contact owns a 2002 mitsubishi galant. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH there was a loss of steering control and the vehicle crashed into a guard rail. The air bags failed to deploy with the impact. The driver sustained injury to the shoulder and suffered from moderate headaches. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent auto shop. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The failure mileage was unavailable. Js
Transmission went out. There may have been a service bulletin? Not that many miles. *tr updated 12/04/12
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mitsubishi galant. The contact stated that while exiting the vehicle she noticed a burning smell. After returning to the vehicle an hour later there was smoke being emitted from the passenger side front door. The fire was extinguished and the wires were cut to prevent further thermal events. The vehicle was able to be driven to the contact's residence and was not taken to a mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about the issue. The failure and current mileages were 129,250. The VIN was not available.
Instrument panel lights don't come on. Fuses all ok, switches ok, reostat ok. Could be bulbs behind instrument panel - or circuit board. Can't drive at night -can't see the instrument panel. Interior lights ok. Blinker lights ok but won't turn off after making turn. Can't get information from mitsubishi on what it may be.
Compare the 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
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Questions about the 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
Is the 2002 Mitsubishi Galant reliable?
Owners have filed 135 complaints about the 2002 Mitsubishi Galant, 5.6 times a typical Galant model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2002 Mitsubishi Galant year score?
The 2002 Mitsubishi Galant scores 12 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mitsubishi Galant: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Mitsubishi Galant?
Brakes, with 28 complaints, typically around 24,139 miles. Next is electrical (26).
How many recalls does the 2002 Mitsubishi Galant have?
2 recalls, covering equipment and electrical system.
What year does the Mitsubishi Galant have bad brakes?
The Mitsubishi Galant model years with the most brakes complaints are 1999 (96 complaints), 1995 (35 complaints) and 2001 (33 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2002 Mitsubishi Galant get?
Official estimates for the 2002 Mitsubishi Galant range from 20 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 17-18 city and 25 highway.
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