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.
2003 Mitsubishi Galant engine problems
18 complaints (14% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 75,000. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 18
- of this car's complaints
- 14%
- typical mileage
- 75,000
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Cooling system9
- Engine2
- Exhaust system1
- Engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Mitsubishi Galant engine problems in other years
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
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
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).
Turned heat on and heard a ratteling noise under dash, when heat came on noise stopped. Turned heat on a week later, nothing, only cold air. Independent mechanic says heater core, after replacing thermostat and coolant sensor. Dealership says heater control valve, either way, with seeing how many people are complaining about the same thing, there is clearly a problem at the manufacturing level. Maybe mitsubishi should look at doing something like accepting full responsibility and repairing these cars. With the economy what it is there are few people who are able to afford this expense, myself included. Somebody please help us! Why should the consumer always get the short end of the stick?
2003 galant es. V-6 motor. Had to replace heater control valve due to no heat. Clicking noise from time to time then nothing as well as no heat. No sooner did I replace that and then heat selector quit working. Can not change from vents to defrost. Mechanic said heater box warped and cost about 2500.00 to fix this. Now pulling into the driveway, the radiator burst open on the front side. About a 4 inch opening just to the right side of cap if you are facing the car. Mechanic has said all of this is very common in these cars and mitsubishi should have done something to take care of these problems as every galant made has had same issues..
The car had around 65,000 miles on it, and all the sudden the heat stopped working. Air would blow, but it would be cold air. We replaced the thermostat, as a mechanic told me to try that, and see if it helped, but the heat was still not coming out. Eventually, as it was getting really cold, we took it to the mechanic, and it cost $498.30 to fix! He said the water shut valve needed to be replaced.
Water leaks into the interior cab on the passenger side of car from the air conditioning unit located under the glove compartment. When making a left turn, the water pours inside cab causing water to pool under the carpet. Also wets the wires and has caused the radio to short out so far.
Clicking noise from the vents when switching temperature gauge from cold to hot. No hot air coming from vents. Fan continues to blow cold air while car is at operating temperature. Not the first time it has happened. Heat was restored after a few months just in time before the winter last year. It has happened again this fall and cold air continues to blow as winter approaches.
I have a 2003 mitsubishi galant purchased new with 12 miles. I have kept up maintenance on my car and have a manufacturer and extended warranty (bought from the dealer) both covering my car up to 100,00 miles. My car has 91,000 miles. I was driving down the freeway and noticed that my foot was on the gas pedal but the car was slowing down. I immediately began exiting the freeway to the right to at least try to reach the emergency lane before the car died on the freeway. While getting over smoke started coming out the hood entering the car through the air vents, by the time I crossed 4 lanes; my car looked like it was going to blow up. I jumped out the car due to fear once I was able to drift to the side. I had it towed to an auto mechanic shop where they told me my engine and transmission were blown. I had my car towed to a mitsubishi dealership for repairs and was informed (after a week of getting the run around from mitsubishi, the dealer, and the extended warranty company) that none of the maintenance would be covered. So, I the consumer have to pay an out of pocket expense of $3500. I was told by mitsubishi that it was a problem with the radiator, (temperature gauge was stuck) which caused the engine and transmission to go out and since the radiator is not covered by the manufacturer or the extended warranty then none of the repairs were covered. It took the dealer 2 weeks to start work on my car.
I have a 2003 mitsubishi galant purchased new with 12 miles. I have kept up maintenance on my car and have a manufacturer and extended warranty (bought from the dealer) both covering my car up to 100,00 miles. My car has 91,000 miles. I was driving down the freeway and noticed that my foot was on the gas pedal but the car was slowing down. I immediately began exiting the freeway to the right to atleast try to reach the emergency lane before the car died on the freeway. While getting over smoke started coming out the hood entering the car through the air vents, by the time I crossed 4 lanes; my car looked like it was going to blow up. I jumped out the car due to fear once I was able to drift to the side. I had it towed to an auto mechanic shop where they told me my engine and transmission were blown. I had my car towed to a mitsubishi dealership for repairs and was informed (after a week of getting the run around from mitsubishi, the dealer, and the extended warranty company) that none of the maintenance would be covered. So, I the consumer have to pay an out of pocket expense of $3500. I was told by mitsubishi that it was a problem with the radiator, (temperature gauge was stuck) which caused the engine and transmission to go out and since the radiator is not covered by the manufacturer or the extended warranty then none of the repairs were covered. It took the dealer 2 weeks to start work on my car.
Questions about the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant engine
Does the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant have engine problems?
Owners have filed 18 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant, 14% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2003 Mitsubishi Galant engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 75,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant engine?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Mitsubishi Galant have bad engine?
The Mitsubishi Galant model years with the most engine complaints are 2001 (24 complaints), 2003 (18 complaints) and 2000 (17 complaints).
Other 2003 Mitsubishi Galant problems
Visibility 46Body 21Electrical 17Brakes 14Airbags 11Transmission 6Seats 5Fuel system 4Suspension 4Lights 2Acceleration 1Locks 1Seat belts 1Tires 1
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