2003 Mitsubishi Galant Problems
- Complaints
- 126filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 63,750miles, 76 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl FWD · 19 city / 25 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write about the cabin heating system — a clicking or rattling noise from the dash followed by no heat or defrost, which several complaints tie to the heater control motor or valve. Faded, oxidized paint on the hood, roof and trunk is the next most common theme, especially on black cars, and a smaller group of complaints covers brake noise, doors and seats, and electrical symptoms such as a horn that sounds on its own. Reports are spread widely in mileage, from a few thousand miles to well over 150,000.
- Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
No heat or defrost; clicking from the dash
- 38 complaints (30%)
- median 70,836 mi at 5.3 yrs old (24 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $499 (median of 6 quotes)
- filed 2005–2014
Complaints describe a clicking, rattling or grinding noise behind the dash when the temperature knob is moved, after which the heater blows only cold air and the defroster stops clearing the glass. In several reports the noise stops and the heat goes with it. Owners say mechanics identified the heater control motor or valve, the water shut valve, or the heater core, with quoted repair costs ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars; some had the motor replaced and the problem returned. Mostly reported between roughly 36,000 and 95,000 miles, often noticed when the weather first turns cold.
What to check: Turn the temperature knob from cold to hot with the engine warm and listen for clicking or rattling from the dash, then confirm hot air reaches the vents and the windshield defrosts. Ask whether the heater control motor or valve has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10255359, filed 2009-01, 65,500 miles“It started with a clicking noise when I turned the temperature control knob from cold to hot. Now the heater only blows cold air. This happened in a matter of 2 days. The windshield fogged up creating a very dangerous situation. I live in a town where nobody wants to work on a Mitsubishi. Looks like I'll drive 100 miles to get it fixed. How many more have to break before Mitsubishi fixes their problem?”
NHTSA complaint #10213828, filed 2008-01, 79,000 miles - Body and structure
Paint fading and clear-coat failure
- 18 complaints (14%)
- median 60,000 mi at 5.7 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- filed 2007–2012
Owners describe the paint on the hood, roof and trunk turning chalky white or gray and spreading, most often on black cars, sometimes within a couple of years of purchase. Some report cracking or peeling down to the metal, and a body shop is said to have attributed it to the clear coat. Dealers reportedly declined coverage as out of warranty. Reported from roughly 36,000 to 87,000 miles, with some owners noting it began early in the car's life.
What to check: Inspect horizontal surfaces — hood, roof, trunk lid — in daylight for dull, chalky or peeling clear coat, and check for color differences between panels.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I am an owner of a 2003 Mitsubishi Galant (black). My paint started fading/oxidizing about a year ago. I went to the dealership, they took pictures and had me submit my maintenance records and jump through a bunch of hoops just to tell me my vehicle was out of warranty and they weren't going to do anything to help me!”
NHTSA complaint #10274939, filed 2009-06, 36,000 miles“I own a 2003 mitzubishi Galant. The exterior paint started fading approximately one year after I purchased the vehicle and now the entire hood, roof, and trunk area have oxidized and faded to the metal. The car only has 40,000 miles on it! There was clearly negligence on the part of the manufacturer in completing the paint process. I have checked with other owners of this year and make vehicle and have found that they have the same complaint. …”
NHTSA complaint #10275502, filed 2009-07, 47,000 miles - Electrical system
Electrical oddities: horn, wipers, window wiring
- 8 complaints (6%)
- median 48,000 mi at 4.4 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2003–2015
Owners report the horn sounding on its own while parked, the radio staying on with the key removed, and wipers that keep running until the headlights are switched off. One complaint describes smoke and melted window wiring and door-lock parts at the passenger door, with the fuse not blowing. Replacing the horn and relay is said to have fixed the horn only briefly in one case. Mostly reported between about 48,000 and 71,500 miles.
What to check: With the engine off, check that the horn, radio and wipers behave normally and that no fuse has been pulled; ask whether the front passenger window switch has been replaced or covered under the extended warranty described in the service bulletin.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have a 2003 Mitsubishi Galant es. It has 69000 miles. As of right now the problem with my car hasn't caused an accident but I am afraid in the future it might. It started with the radio staying on even after the key is pulled, then it went to that if I used the wipers and the headlights at the same time, the wipers wouldn't shut off until I shut the headlights off. …”
NHTSA complaint #10156947, filed 2006-05, 48,000 miles“I purchased a used 2003 Mitsubishi Galant from a large used-car dealership. On the next day, the horn sounded off spontaneously while sitting in the driveway overnight and would not turn off, requiring me to pull the fuse in order to stop the sound. The used car dealership discussed the issue with a Mitsubishi dealer, who advised them to replace the horn and the horn relay. They did so, but the horn once again went off spontaneously while sitting in the driveway just over a week later. …”
NHTSA complaint #10166204, filed 2006-08, 24,800 miles
Buying note. Check the heater and defroster operation carefully on a cold start and look closely at the paint on the roof, hood and trunk, since these are the two most frequent themes in owner complaints. Also test the seat latches, brakes and basic electrical functions, and ask for service records for any heater or window-switch work.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 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.
NHTSA recorded 126 consumer complaints for the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant. 76 of the complaints include a mileage, and 34% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 63,750 miles. Of all complaints, 15 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 13 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 38 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Body and structure21 17%
- Electrical system17 13%
- Engine cooling16 13%
- Brakes14 11%
- Air bags11 8.7%
- Other or unknown6 4.8%
- Seats5 4.0%
- Equipment4 3.2%
Also reported: Fuel system (4), Suspension (4), Engine (2), Exterior lighting (2), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seat belts (1), Tires (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “I have a 2003 Mitsubishi Galant and already the heater is gone in it, I have searched the internet and learned that many others that have this vehicle has the same problem I think Mitsubishi should pay for this defect since we paid money out of a-- to replace thermostat,water hoses,etc and the problem still exist the heater only blows out cold air.”
NHTSA complaint #10153713, filed 2006-03, 94,123 milesBody and structure: “I have a 2003 black mitusbishi Galant es. The problem with it is the paint...the top of my hood is disgustingly white and faded, also the roof of the car, and the top of the trunk. The fade is spreading and I don't know what to do. My car is not the only one..I searched for this problem online and found that there are thousands of complaints about Mitsubishi paint. There has to be a recall for this. It's embarrassing driving around with the paint that hideous.”
NHTSA complaint #10342181, filed 2010-07, 80,000 milesElectrical system: “The problem started about a year ago. The constant rattling sound behind the dashboard when you first turn on the heat. After about 10-15 secs it stops. Then eventually the rattling sound stops completely when you turn on the heat and so does the heat and the defroster. I lost heat the first time back around december of 2008. It came back on within two weeks and stayed on during the winter. Around the first of may, I lost heat again and it has not been back on since.”
NHTSA complaint #10272409, filed 2009-05, 80,000 milesEngine cooling: “Clicks for 10-20 seconds when I switch from AC to heater and back every time. Twice while driving I switched from AC to heater and heard no clicking, but also got no heat (still blowing cold air). Started happening after about 5,0000, and has been ongoing for a few months.”
NHTSA complaint #10193782, filed 2007-06, 50,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
34% of the 76 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 42,000 and 86,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galant · sedan (side air bags) | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
| Galant · sedan | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2003 Mitsubishi Galant version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galant FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Galant FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,900 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 04V428000Sep 1, 2004Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Mitsubishi Galant 1999–2003, Eclipse 1998–2005, Montero 1998–2004 +9 more
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…
- 03V442000Nov 4, 2003Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: Mitsubishi Galant 2003, Eclipse Spyder 2003–2004, Eclipse 2003–2004
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.
Recall details for the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 38 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10240443Jul 21, 2023Equipment. This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
- 10235609Apr 24, 2023Body and structure. This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.
- 10235608Apr 24, 2023Equipment. This Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the reduction in load carrying capacity be affixed to vehicles when the total net weight of accessories is more…
- 10235606Apr 21, 2023Equipment. This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 2nd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
- 10211530Apr 7, 2022Other or unknown, Exterior lighting. This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to explain the difference between normal dew condensation, which is a natural phenomenon, and water penetration caused by improper sealing or a…
- 10169006Nov 26, 2019Equipment. This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10163703Jul 30, 2019Equipment. This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin supersedes TSB-18-00-003, issued April, 2018, to add updated information for Carrying Capacity Reduced Label.
- 10130468Feb 27, 2018Equipment. This is a message sent to dealers, to inform them that an update for MEDIC will be available.
- 10130469Feb 26, 2018Equipment. This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170074Aug 28, 2015Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Engine cooling…. This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
Other model years of the Mitsubishi Galant
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 9 | 47,000 | 0 | — | 24 | — | Not enough data |
| 2010 | 9 | 95,672 | 1 | — | 24 | — | Not enough data |
| 2009 | 16 | 68,000 | 0 | — | 23 | — | Rising |
| 2008 | 6 | 80,000 | 0 | — | 23 | — | Not enough data |
| 2007 | 24 | 66,750 | 1 | — | 23 | — | Rising |
| 2006 | 24 | 65,000 | 1 | — | 23 | — | Falling |
| 2005 | 26 | 31,000 | 3 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2004 | 61 | 72,500 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 126 | 63,750 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 135 | 64,895 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 151 | 60,000 | 7 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 136 | 83,000 | 6 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 215 | 80,000 | 5 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 53 | 100,705 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 80 | 87,944 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1996 | 136 | 98,600 | 3 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 209 | 119,500 | 5 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 198 | 109,500 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 9 | 172,000 | 0 | — | 21 | — | Not enough data |
| 1992 | 39 | 112,314 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 63 | 112,545 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 21 | 143,000 | 1 | — | 21 | — | Stable |
| 1989 | 19 | — | 1 | — | 22 | — | Stable |
| 1988 | 7 | — | 0 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1987 | 9 | — | 1 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
All Mitsubishi Galant model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant?
Owners of this model year most often write about the cabin heating system — a clicking or rattling noise from the dash followed by no heat or defrost, which several complaints tie to the heater control motor or valve. The issues reported most often: No heat or defrost; clicking from the dash; Paint fading and clear-coat failure; Electrical oddities: horn, wipers, window wiring.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant have?
NHTSA recorded 126 consumer complaints for the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant is reported most often?
Visibility is named most often, in 46 complaints (37% of the total), followed by body and structure with 21.
Has the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant get?
The EPA rates the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant (Galant, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 19 city and 25 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant reported?
Among the 76 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 63,750 miles and the middle half falls between 42,000 and 86,000 miles; 34% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.