Model year guide

1997 Mitsubishi Galant

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1997 Mitsubishi Galant is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 4 on record.

1997 Mitsubishi Galant — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1997 Mitsubishi Galant at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints89
Combined22 mpg

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

1997 Mitsubishi Galant recalls 2

Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint NHTSA Campaign #00V421001 · 18/12/2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE RUBBER BOOTS ON THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, DIRT AND WATER CAN INTRUDE. ALSO, MMC HAS ADDED THE POTENTIAL OF LEAKING MOISTURE, WHICH CAN CAUSE THE BALL STUD TO CORRODE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT FOR WEAR. BALL JOINTS THAT EXHIBIT WEAR BEYOND THE ESTABLISHED TOLERANCE WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEWLY DESIGNED LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS. BALL JOINTS THAT ARE WITHIN THE ESTABLISHED TOLERANCE WILL BE CLEANED AND A SPECIAL SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED …

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump NHTSA Campaign #07E055000 · 26/07/2007

CERTAIN AIRTEX FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLIES, P/N E7081H, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WALL OF THE FLARED FITTING OF THE FUEL PUMP IS NOT THICK ENOUGH TO PREVENT THE MATING THREADED FITTINGS FROM BOTTOMING OUT BEFORE AN ADEQUATE SEAL IS ACHIEVED. THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN LEAKAGE OF FUEL AT THE CONNECTION OF THE VEHICLE FUEL LINE AND THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLY.

Fix: AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AIRTEX AUTOMOTIVE AT 800-880-3056.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

1997 Mitsubishi Galant common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 89 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Latches/locks/linkages
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Equipment
Test all accessories — sunroof, climate, seats, electronics — for proper operation.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.

1997 Mitsubishi Galant MPG & running costs

Combined22 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway26 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,850

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1997 Mitsubishi Galant costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,250
Fuel only$14,250
Per mile$0.19

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1997 Mitsubishi Galant trims & engines on record

Trims
ES
Engines
2.4L

1997 Mitsubishi Galant vehicles on record

Other Mitsubishi Galant model years

1997 Mitsubishi Galant — frequently asked questions

Does the 1997 Mitsubishi Galant have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 1997 Mitsubishi Galant. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Mitsubishi Galant?

Based on 89 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are suspension, power train, latches/locks/linkages.

What gas mileage does the 1997 Mitsubishi Galant get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 1997 Mitsubishi Galant at about 22 mpg combined (19 city / 26 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.