Galant (2003)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
Every complaint of any kind (brakes, airbags, electrical and the rest) whose VIN names the engine, across all model years. The score above counts only engine, transmission and drivetrain complaints, so its figures for the same engine are smaller. Fire, injury and death figures count complaints that report one.
2.4-I4-Gas
2.4L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Mitsubishi Galant Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
3.0-V6-Gas
3.0L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Mitsubishi Galant, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
On a used 2003 Mitsubishi Galant, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the body and structure (22), the engine (18) and the electrical system (16). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-09. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 22 owner complaints on the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant about the body and structure.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 18 owner complaints on the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant about the engine, all engines combined.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 16 owner complaints on the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant about the electrical system.
- With the engine cold, check the coolant level and color, then watch the temperature gauge on the drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 16 owner complaints on the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant about the cooling system, all engines combined.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 14 owner complaints on the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant about the brakes.
Recalls (3)
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
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.
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.
All Generations
Alternatives in Midsize Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2003-2003 Mitsubishi Galant complaints?
Owners have filed 125 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003-2003 Mitsubishi Galant. The systems they name most often are the body and trim, the engine and the electrical system.
Is the 2003-2003 Mitsubishi Galant a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 125 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003-2003 Mitsubishi Galant. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003-2003 Mitsubishi Galant have?
NHTSA has 125 owner complaints on file for the 2003-2003 Mitsubishi Galant as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2003-2003 Mitsubishi Galant?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls covering some 2003-2003 Mitsubishi Galant vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Mitsubishi Galant?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the body and trim, the engine and the electrical system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the Galant have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 125 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-18.