1990 Mitsubishi Galant problems

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1990 Mitsubishi Galant

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Common 1990 Mitsubishi Galant problems

Based on the information gathered from the sources provided, here is a list of common problems with the Mitsubishi Galant 1990 based on complaints from owners:

  • Throttle Body Clogging:
    • The throttle body in the Mitsubishi Galant can get clogged up, leading to a lack of power at higher speeds and unresponsive acceleration. Symptoms of this issue may include engine misfiring and reduced performance. Cleaning the throttle body with carb cleaner is recommended to resolve this problem.
  • Gears Slipping:
    • Another common problem is the gears slipping, particularly in reverse. To address this issue, replacing the rear housing and reverse clutch assembly is necessary to rectify the slipping gears.
  • Ball Joint Failure:
    • Owners have reported a knocking noise from the suspension when driving over speed bumps or rough surfaces, indicating a failed ball joint. Replacing the ball joint is essential to eliminate this noise and ensure proper suspension function.
  • Oil Leak from Driveshaft Seal:
    • An oil leak from the driveshaft seal at the back of the engine is a typical issue in the Mitsubishi Galant. If oil leakage is noticed on the floor, checking and replacing the driveshaft seal is recommended to address this problem.
  • Engine Management Warning Light:
    • The engine management warning light may illuminate on the dashboard due to a faulty engine sensor, commonly the crankshaft position sensor. Replacing the sensor is necessary to resolve this issue and prevent further complications.

These common problems reported by owners of the Mitsubishi Galant 1990 highlight various issues that can affect the performance, safety, and overall driving experience of the vehicle. Addressing these problems promptly through proper maintenance and repairs is crucial to ensure the longevity and reliability of the car.

1990 Mitsubishi Galant engine

Is a Mitsubishi Galant a reliable car?

The Mitsubishi Galant Reliability Rating is 4.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 2nd out of 24 for midsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $448 which means it has excellent ownership costs.

Is Mitsubishi Galant a fast car?

The Mitsubishi Galant was available both as a sedan and a hatchback. However, it was relaunched in 1993 with sleek restyling. The hatch version was available with 2.5-liter, 6-cylinder gas unit generating 170 HP combined with a 5-speed transmission and all-wheel drive. The top speed of the car was nearly 134 mph.

What is the star rating of the Mitsubishi Galant?

five-star

Galant has achieved across-the-board five-star ratings in the federal government's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offset-frontal and side-impact crash tests.

When did Mitsubishi stop making Galant?

2012

The Mitsubishi Galant (Japanese: 三菱・ギャラン, Mitsubishi Gyaran) is an automobile which was produced by Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi from 1969 until 2012.

1990 Mitsubishi Galant car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mitsubishi Galant problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Power train problems
  • Seat belts problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Vehicle speed control problems
  • Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Mitsubishi Galant vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1990 Mitsubishi Galant complaints

The NHTSA has received 24 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Mitsubishi Galant.

2003-09-04

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-09-01
  • VIN: JA3CR46V2LZ
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: 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.*AK
2003-04-08

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS PRESSED, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD AT A RAPID SPEED. *JB
2002-08-18

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-08-10
  • VIN: JA3CX56R1LZ
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: HARMONIC BALANCER FELL APART. THIS IS THE SECOND FAILURE OF THIS OEM PART. I THINK THEY ARE MADE FROM OLD TUNA CANS.*AK
2002-07-31

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-07-01
  • VIN: JA3CR46V7LZ
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: CONSUMER HAS HAD VEHICLE FOR 5 YEARS, AND HAS REPLACED TRANSMISSION 3 TIMES. *AK
2002-01-24

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JA3CX56RXLZ
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: 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. *JG
2002-01-24

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JA3CX56RXLZ
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: 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. *JG
2001-02-14

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-12-01
  • VIN: JA3CX56R7LZ
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: 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.*AK
1999-02-16

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-02-04
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JA3CX56R0LZ
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: 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
1999-01-20

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JA3CX56R4LZ
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: 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. *AK
1998-11-10

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-12-01
  • VIN: JA3CX56R5LZ
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: 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. *AK
1998-10-27

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-07-10
  • VIN: JA3CR56V5LZ
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: 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.
1998-08-25

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-04-01
  • VIN: JA3XB47S8LY
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: SEAT BELT DOES NOT OPEN AFTER ENGAGEMENT. SOMETIMES DOES NOT ENGAGE AT ALL. REQUIRES SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. *AK
1998-08-22

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: TRYING TO FIND OUT IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS ENGINE. HAVE NOTED SEVERAL OTHER MITSUBISHI VEHICLES OF THE SAME YEAR WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. HAS THERE BEEN A RECALL FOR EMISSIONS FROM THIS ENGINE?
1998-07-20

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JA3CX56R8LZ
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSFER CASE LEAKED FLUID PRIOR TO RECALL, RECALL REPAIRS REFUSED DUE TO MAKE AND MODEL/YEAR 98V069000 AND 98V069001.
1998-07-07

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-07-01
  • VIN: JA3CX56R5LZ
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSFER CASE FAILED AND LOCKED UP, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE IS OUTSIDE THE SCOPE OF 98V069000 BUT HAS THE SAME DRIVETRAIN.
1997-09-04

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-08-15
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 30 MPH AND THE TRANSMISISON LOCKED UP LOCKING UP THE FRONT WHEELS. CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE FRONT TIRES WERE BOUNCING. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER HAS YET TO CORRECTED THE PROBELM. *AK
1996-12-12

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-11-22
  • VIN: JA3CR56R3LZ
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: TIMING BELT FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL/DIE. *AK
1996-06-07

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVER'S AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS FAIL TO ENGAGE, STICKING/STOPPING MIDWAY W/NOISE. LUBRICATION TEMPORARY FIXES PROBLEMS ONLY BY HOURS. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
1995-06-07

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-05-27
  • VIN: JA3CR46V7LZ
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: A-FRAME OF CAR SNAPPED IN HALF DUE TO METAL STRESS CRACKS WHILE DRIVING. TT
1995-03-15

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-10-01
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: FRONT DRIVER SIDE RETRACTOR IS NOT RETRACTING IT JAM . TT
1995-03-08

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVER'S SEATBELT BUCKLES INOPERATIVE, MUST PRESS RELEASE BUTTON TO INSERT MALE INTO FEMALE PORTION. TT
1995-01-09

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-07-01
  • VIN: JA3CR56V4LZ
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: VEHICLE ACCELERATES WHEN PUT IN REVERSE AND FOOT REMOVED FROM BRAKE.
1995-01-09

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-07-01
  • VIN: JA3CR56V4LZ
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSMISSION SLIPS FROM 3RD GEAR INTO 1ST GEAR UPON ACCELERATION/RAPID DECELLERATION. *AK
1995-01-09

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-07-01
  • VIN: JA3CR56V4LZ
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION.

1990 Mitsubishi Galant recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1990 Mitsubishi Galant.

1998-07-22
  • Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA
  • Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
  • Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ALL WHEEL DRIVE PASSENGER VEHICLES. LOCKUP OF THE TRANSFER CASE CAN OCCUR DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION.
  • Consequence: 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.

Positive 1990 Mitsubishi Galant car reviews

  1. Jerrold Schiller 2024-11-02

    I am saying goodbye to my Galant (getting a new car) but I want to take a moment to give it the credit it deserves. It's definitely one of the best cars I've ever owned. If Mitsubishi still made a snappy 5-speed that handles the way my '90 did, I would definitely buy it.

  2. Ray Yost 2024-07-09

    I'm so glad I bought this car! I had fallen on hard times and had to sell my Forerunner and 300SD Benz, but this turned out to be the best automobile purchase I have ever made. The car drives like a dream and is exceptionally comfortable. It's also incredibly reliable - all that's required is the usual oil change. Even the A/C is still extremely cold! Although I'm planning on getting a bimmer soon, I'll be keeping this little gem until it can no longer run, out of sheer respect.

  3. Lester Jacobs 2024-07-01

    I bought this car in March of 02' and just sold it on Jan 6, 2003. It was the most reliable and dependable car I've ever owned. I purchased it with 170k miles and it purred like a kitten until I sold it at 192k. Even with that kind of mileage, I never had to replace more than the oil and a battery! I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone with a couple of thousand dollars.

  4. Rafael Nicolas 2024-05-03

    You've owned 14 cars over a period of 24 years and this one is by far the best. It's very intelligently designed and has given you no major problems. Even after 160,000 miles, it's still running smoothly with only typical maintenance so far. Compared to most other cars of its class, it's smooth and quiet, making it feel like you're going slower than you actually are. Driving it feels really good and it's comfortable too. Maybe you just got a particularly good one, but looking at the ratings, it seems like they're all this good. If you find a used one in good shape, don't pass it up! You honestly love this car.

  5. Luciano Purdy 2024-02-29

    What a great story! It's amazing how long this car has lasted you, especially since you bought it when you were still in high school. It sounds like it has been a reliable and trustworthy companion for you over the years. The car's spaciousness and smooth ride are definitely impressive features. It's understandable that you're feeling a bit sad about getting a new car, but it's exciting to think about all the new adventures you'll have in it!

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1990 Mitsubishi Galant problems:

1990 Mitsubishi Galant Overdrive Issue - Q&A with Mitsubishi Tech ...
1990 Mitsubishi Galant Overdrive Issue - Q&A with Mitsubishi Tech ...
https://www.justanswer.com/mitsubishi/58wpi-1990-mitsubishi-galant-overdrive-od-engine-just-revs-gears.html

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Cyber Scriber's guide to Galant & Legnum common problems | OzVR4
Cyber Scriber's guide to Galant & Legnum common problems | OzVR4
https://www.ozvr4.com/threads/cyber-scribers-guide-to-galant-legnum-common-problems.6799/

Aug 2, 2009 ... 1990 Mitsubishi GTO Formerly: 1996 Galant VR-4. Aug 3, 2009 · #6. lol bruce thanks - just noticed carsten fixed up my OP on that topic too LOL i ...

2003 Mitsubishi Galant Problems and Complaints - 12 Issues
2003 Mitsubishi Galant Problems and Complaints - 12 Issues
https://repairpal.com/2003-mitsubishi-galant/problems

... known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2003 Mitsubishi Galant ... common issues based on car owner complaints ... 1990 Mitsubishi Galant problems.

Mitsubishi Galant: Common Problems and Solutions | BreakerYard ...
Mitsubishi Galant: Common Problems and Solutions | BreakerYard ...
https://www.breakeryard.com/car-parts/mitsubishi/galant/common-problems

Gears slipping · Ball joint failure · Oil leak · Engine management warning light · Lack of power/misfiring · Reading these common Mitsubishi Galant problems should ...

Other years of Mitsubishi Galant

mitsubishi galant 1991 photo
Galant 1991
Mitsubishi

73

1

11

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
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mitsubishi galant 1992 photo
Galant 1992
Mitsubishi

41

1

17

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mitsubishi galant 1993 photo
Galant 1993
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9

0

20

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mitsubishi galant 1994 photo
Galant 1994
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263

4

7

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  • 4
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mitsubishi galant 1995 photo
Galant 1995
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249

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17

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
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  • 1
mitsubishi galant 1996 photo
Galant 1996
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171

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1990 Mitsubishi Galant photo