1997 Mitsubishi Galant Reliability ReportKeepScore 68/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid
Quick Facts · 1997 Mitsubishi Galant
- Scores 5 points below the strongest nearby year — the 1998 Mitsubishi Galant earns a 73.
- The system most likely to surface first: automatic transmission (major severity).
- Has 2 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint.
1997 Mitsubishi Galant: Buy or Avoid?
The 1997 Mitsubishi Galant offers a comfortable ride and a generally robust engine, making it a viable budget-friendly option for those willing to address its weaknesses. However, persistent automatic transmission issues and significant rust potential demand careful inspection and a commitment to proactive maintenance to ensure a dependable ownership experience.
Biggest Strengths
- Durable 4-cylinder engine (if maintained)
- Comfortable and compliant ride quality
- Good fuel economy for its era (I4 models)
1997 Mitsubishi Galant — Known Trouble Spots
The systems that break first on the 1997 Mitsubishi Galant. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
Safety Recalls on the 1997 Mitsubishi Galant
2 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
What breaks on the 1997 Mitsubishi Galant?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Mitsubishi Galant — Year-by-Year Comparison
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Mitsubishi Galant. Click any year for its full report.
Competing 1997s Worth a Look
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 1997 Mitsubishi Galant
Parts and accessories matched to your 1997 Mitsubishi Galant
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Frequently Asked Questions
Just bought a 1997 Mitsubishi Galant? Keep it that way.
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