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 and sealed properly at the time the engine power failure occurred.
The worst 2003 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.
- Visibility46
- Body21
- Engine18
- Electrical17
- Brakes14
- Airbags11
- Transmission6
- Seats5
- Fuel system4
- Suspension4
- Lights2
- Acceleration1
- Locks1
- Seat belts1
- Tires1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 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
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 03V442000 · Recall details
See all 2 recalls for the 2003 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 2003 Mitsubishi Galant 66
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.
2003 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4‑cyl | FWD | 19 | 25 | 21 |
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | FWD | 18 | 25 | 21 |
What 2003 Mitsubishi Galant owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Check engine light came on and the car quit on me when I was driving it
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.
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 is a huge safety concern as my horn will now not sound at all.
Tl* 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.
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).
April 11, 2014 I was traveling up 85 north to atlanta between 9:30 pm & 10:00pm. Just outside of macon county on mile marker 45 there was a car speeding in the work zone where signs were up saying unleveled road. I exchanged lanes to the right side which was the paved side and came near the bridge and hit a hard bump which made my car hop up and slam down hard. I had to pull over and stop because my tires were smoking. My strut bottomed out and was sitting on my tire making it not drivable because the tires were rubbing against the strut. Two other cars hit the same bump including the state trooper that came to assist me. I called my insurance but the couldn't pinpoint where I was. So I ended up calling the state trooper and had to pay out of the pocket for towing back to montgomery. There were no signs or cones in the road to notify that there was a rough bump in the road. I need help with this cause I spent money on this damage and feel useless because of a bump that disable my only car for work.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi galant. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the heat control module was activated but cold air began to circulate out of the vents. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was awaiting a diagnosis of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
After replacing front/rear brake pads, calipers, and rotors plus applying the proper lubricant brakes not only still squeal but I am having occasional grinding mainly coming from the front disc. Have had them inspected by multiple mechanics. They said everything looked fine. Diagnosis has yet to be determined not only by mechanics but apparently by mitsubishi. This is my only transportation after just having to lease this vehicle to find out this is a very common issue that has not had attention from mitsubishi. I have always owned american made vehicles because of too many fears from foreign manufactures. I chose this vehicle because mitsubishi has great designs. As for producing a recall for this very known problem. It seems like producing this recall would only put mitsubishi further in debt. If honor is what your culture live by, then honor this mistake before many lives are lost.
I started my car in the afternoon, then I turned on my radio 3 minutes later. Then, I smelled like something burnt, that's when I saw smoke came out of the front right passenger seat door. I stopped in a random tire shop to see what was going on. A few minutes later, I saw fire coming out of the loudspeaker on the front right door. A guy from the tire shop helped me to extinguish the fire. After I made sure that it was safe enough for me to drive, I drove my car to my regular auto shop to get it checked. The inside of the door was melted (halfway melted, because the fire was handled early) and blew the fuse.
Compare the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
Other model years
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Questions about the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
Is the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant reliable?
Owners have filed 126 complaints about the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant, 5.3 times a typical Galant model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant year score?
The 2003 Mitsubishi Galant scores 15 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 2003 Mitsubishi Galant?
Windows, wipers and visibility, with 46 complaints, typically around 71,673 miles. Next is body (21).
How many recalls does the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant have?
2 recalls, covering equipment and fuel system, gasoline.
What year does the Mitsubishi Galant have the most visibility problems?
The Mitsubishi Galant model years with the most visibility complaints are 2003 (46 complaints), 2002 (21 complaints) and 1995 (12 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant get?
Official estimates for the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant range from 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 19 city and 25 highway.
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