2002 Mitsubishi Galant Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 16%of 135 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 76,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the visibility of the 2002 Mitsubishi Galant, 16% of the 135 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 76,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“As seen several times on this complaint page my Mitsubishi Galant 2002 models heater has gone out do to what I do not know. I also had a clicking noise when I would turn the dial from cold to hot. Then finally about 6 months ago it just stopped and since have not heat to come back on!”
NHTSA complaint #10172703, filed 2006-11, 89,000 miles“About three years ago I got this clicking noise behind my dash and my heat quit working. Well if it would click again it would work. Well it finally quit working all together and after doing some research Mitsubishi seems to be putting bad heat control motors in their cars. My car 2002 and it started this in 2004. As much as I've paid for this car this is unacceptable. This is not a cheap part to have fixed as I have found from my research. …”
NHTSA complaint #10208201, filed 2007-11, 98,000 miles“Clicking noise when turning the air from hot to cold or cold to hot. Clicking noise stopped and heat no longer works. I have no defrost/defog which causes problems with visibility. I am taking the car in for repairs this week. Paint faded and corroded on the hood, trunk, roof, quarter panels, and door panels in 2004. I took it to the dealership and was told they couldn't do anything about it. I have recently taken it to a body shop and had it repainted.”
NHTSA complaint #10206396, filed 2007-10, 28,000 miles“I bought the car, an 02 Mitsubishi Galant from a private owner who pointed out to me the knocking sound in the dash when switching from cold to hot air. A friend of mine has the same car and the same problem. Yesterday mine stopped knocking and blowing any hot air at all. It sounds online like many people has been mistreated by the dealership in regard to this matter. Now I don't know what to do, because I have to have at least defrost in my commuter car! Please review this chronic problem with this model.”
NHTSA complaint #10226602, filed 2008-05, 104,000 miles“I purchased my 2002 Galant in august 05. When I first turned the dial to heat, it made a clicking sound and then started blowing warm air. I noticed that every time I turned the heating/cooling dial it made the clicking sound. In april 2006, the clicking sound quit and so did the heat. I took the car to a mechanic and was told it was the heater core. I purchased a heater core from the nearest Mitsubishi dealer approximately 50 miles away only for the clicking sound to come back once and to find out the heater core is not the problem. The dealer will not take the $200. …”
NHTSA complaint #10159828, filed 2006-06, 77,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10170074Aug 28, 2015This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170087Dec 7, 2012This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10032588Oct 1, 2009Mitsubishi service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Front passenger door window switch warranty extension. Extending the warranty for the front passenger…
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 | 11% |
| 2007 | 1 | 4% |
| 2006 | 3 | 13% |
| 2005 | 1 | 4% |
| 2004 | 11 | 18% |
| 2003 | 46 | 37% |
| 2002 | 21 | 16% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 6 | 4% |
| 1999 | 5 | 2% |
| 1998 | 2 | 4% |
| 1997 | 2 | 3% |
| 1996 | 8 | 6% |
| 1995 | 12 | 6% |
| 1994 | 10 | 5% |
| 1991 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
28 complaintsElectrical system
26 complaintsBody and structure
19 complaintsAir bags
17 complaintsEngine cooling
13 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology