1991 Mitsubishi Galant Problems

What owners report

Most complaints for this model year center on the automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive transfer case, with owners describing loss of reverse, harsh downshifts, fluid leaks and, in AWD cars, transfer case lockup. A second recurring theme is failure of the electronic control unit, which owners link to stalling, no-start conditions and hard idling. Reported mileages in the sample are generally high, consistent with an older vehicle.

1. 1
   Transmission and drivetrain

   Transfer case lockup and fluid leaks (AWD)

   • 17 complaints (27%)
   • typically at 7.6 yrs old
   • filed 1998–2002

   Owners of all-wheel-drive cars describe transfer case fluid leaks and, in some cases, the transfer case locking up while driving, which stops the vehicle and in one account locked all four wheels. Several say the transfer case was later found dry or in need of replacement. Some report these problems appearing or returning even after the transfer case campaign work had been performed, and some say a dealer declined or delayed the campaign repair until other transmission leaks were paid for. Reported across a wide range of mileages and ages, including cars well past 100,000 miles; no clear mileage pattern in the sample.

   Recall 98V168000

   What to check: For an AWD car, ask for documentation that the transfer case campaign (98V168000) was completed and check the transfer case fluid level and for leaks. Listen for whining or noise from the transfer case on a test drive.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Transfer case locks up rear wheels, causing a 75 foot skid. The car was towed by flatbed to stohlman 6/1/99. The damage was assessed, and is still at stohlman due to lack of parts from Mitsubishi. I have called to get an estimated completion date from service mgr. Gary beavers, but he will not give me one. I find this highly unacceptable, especially due to the fact that I could have been killed had I been driving at highway speeds when this component failed. …”

   NHTSA complaint #707343, filed 1999-06

   “I was told by a NHTSA conselor that I had to fill out this form to solve my problem. I have a 1991 mitubishiu Galant vr4 . This vehical has an awd drivetraion . To my knowlage all mitubishi vehicals with this feature between 1990 to 1998 were recalled. I personaly know about 40 other 1991 mitubishi Galant owners who had the recall performed. For some reason they (the manufacturer ) refused my VIN # . I have documentation from a previouse dealer that my difirential was damaged and is leaking. This was told to me before I knew about the recall. …”

   NHTSA complaint #717614, filed 2000-01
2. 2
   Electrical system

   Engine control unit (ECU) failure

   • 6 complaints (10%)
   • median 112,545 mi at 12.8 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
   • filed 1999–2004

   Owners report the engine control unit failing, sometimes more than once, leading to stalling while driving, no-start conditions, a check engine light with sensor codes that return after parts are replaced, and hard or erratic idling. In one account the ECU failed and all electrical power in the car shut off; in others a replacement computer did not resolve the stalling or starting trouble. Reported over a broad mileage range, with some failures noted around 95,000 to 120,000 miles; several cars had already had the unit replaced at least once.

   What to check: Ask whether the ECU or engine computer has been replaced and keep records if it has. Have a pre-purchase inspection check for stored fault codes and watch for repeated sensor codes or an intermittent no-start.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I want to file a complain about the ecu failure of my 91 Mitsubishi Galant. I bought this car used three years ago. Recently, the check engine light came on, the error code showed a bad barometric pressure sensor. I replaced it and couldn't fix the problem. A shop replaced it again and the error code was still there. They finally diagnozed a bad ecu. I have heard a lot of complains about the early 90s Mitsubishi Galant ecu and have known at least two other people have the same issue. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10020629, filed 2003-05, 120,090 miles

   “Right boot has self destructed for the third time (the first time was around 35000 & I was told they should be good for at least 60000 - the left one was). Left boot has only had to be replaced 1 time (around 65000)& was not as badly damaged as the right has been every time. I would like to know if other people have been having this same problem & what can be done about it. Computer chip died around 95000 even though I was told it would last longer. Friend's Mitsubishi chip died also but it was at 120000. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10070668, filed 2004-01, 105,000 miles
3. 3
   Transmission and drivetrain

   Automatic transmission shifting and reverse problems

   • 5 complaints (8%)
   • median 199,000 mi at 15.3 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
   • filed 1999–2006

   Owners describe automatic transmissions that fail to shift into third gear, hesitate or feel sluggish, and produce a loud bang when downshifting to first while stopping, sometimes more noticeably when the car is cold. Some report loss of reverse and transmission computer failure. Complaints mention repairs or replacement units that did not resolve the problem. Mostly on cars with high mileage, often above 100,000 miles; one owner linked harsh downshifting to cold start conditions.

   What to check: Test the transmission from cold: check that reverse engages promptly, that upshifts are smooth and that there is no loud bang when coming to a stop. Ask whether the fluid has been serviced and whether the transmission has been rebuilt or replaced.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Purchased a vehicle at eastaboga auto sales. Drove the car for 1 day the transmission started acting up I took it back to where I bought it he told me to drive it a couple of days because he had just put a new motor in it and it had been sitting up for about 8 months to drive it and let everything get broken in.so the next day I went to drive it and it wouldnt move . So it sit in my yard for another day. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10070552, filed 2004-01

   “My transmission computer has failed, even after spending money on a replacement. Ofcourse only after the warranty on the replacement part expired. My transmission itself is also bad. Needs a complete overhaul. Dangerous to drive.”

   NHTSA complaint #703064, filed 1999-02
4. 4
   Engine cooling

   Stalling and sudden engine shutdown

   • 8 complaints (13%)
   • typically at 6.5 yrs old
   • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 1995–2001

   Several owners describe the engine shutting off while driving, sometimes with a clicking noise from the dash or an air vent beforehand, and the engine restarting shortly afterwards or after a wait. Some connect the stalling to electrical or computer faults; one vehicle stalled and was later found on fire. Reported at various ages and mileages; no single mileage range stands out in the sample.

   What to check: Ask whether the car has ever stalled and whether the cause was diagnosed. During a test drive, watch for a rough or hunting idle and for the check engine light.

   An excerpt from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “A clicking noise is heard from the passenger side air conditioner vent, all warning lights come on and the engine shuts down. Engine can be restarted less than a minute later.”

   NHTSA complaint #521320, filed 1997-07

Buying note. On this model year, the transmission and AWD transfer case carry the most owner complaints, so documentation of the transfer case campaign and a careful cold test drive of the transmission matter most. Also confirm the condition of the engine computer and check for stored fault codes before buying.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 32 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.