Model year guide

2003 Mitsubishi Galant

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Mitsubishi Galant is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 42 on record.

2003 Mitsubishi Galant — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2003 Mitsubishi Galant at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints139
Combined21 mpg
Typical price$1,297

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

2003 Mitsubishi Galant recalls 3

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump NHTSA Campaign #03V442000 · 04/11/2003

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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL PUMP PRESSURE. THOSE VEHICLES EXHIBITING HIGHER THAN NORMAL FUEL PUMP PRESSURE WILL RECEIVE FUEL PUMP MODIFICATIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN DECEMBER 3, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037 OR MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN AT 1-800-981-0452.

Equipment:other:labels NHTSA Campaign #04V428000 · 01/09/2004

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.

Fix: MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN WILL MAIL A CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION LETTER CONTAINING A WRITTEN DESCRIPTION AND A GRAPHIC OF THE BI-LINGUAL DASHBOARD AIR BAG WARNING LABEL. IN ADDITION, ALL CURRENT 2000-2004 NATIVA OWNERS WILL ALSO RECEIVE REPLACEMENT AIR BAG ALERT LABELS FOR THE SUN VISORS. THIS RECALL IS EX…

Exterior Lighting:headlights NHTSA Campaign #09E025000 · 11/05/2009

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.

Fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

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.

2003 Mitsubishi Galant common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 139 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
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.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.

2003 Mitsubishi Galant safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant 4-DR. w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2003 Mitsubishi Galant MPG & running costs

Combined21 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,167

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

What's a 2003 Mitsubishi Galant worth?

Low
$600
Typical price
$1,297
High
$2,400

From 36 comparable 2003 Mitsubishi Galant listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2003 Mitsubishi Galant costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$15,835
Depreciation (5 yrs)$150
Total$15,985
Per mile$0.21

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($1,297) with the same model 3 model-years older ($1,200), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2003 Mitsubishi Galant trims & engines on record

Trims
ES · ES V6
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl · 3.0L 6-cyl

2003 Mitsubishi Galant vehicles on record

Other Mitsubishi Galant model years

2003 Mitsubishi Galant — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2003 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 2003 Mitsubishi Galant?

Based on 139 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, air bags, engine.

What is the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant crash-test ratings of frontal 4★, side 5★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant at about 21 mpg combined (19 city / 25 highway).

How much is a 2003 Mitsubishi Galant worth?

Comparable 2003 Mitsubishi Galant listings run roughly $600–$2,400, typically around $1,297 (from 36 vehicles).

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