The vehicle dossier US · 2002

2002 Mitsubishi
GALANTProblems & recalls

135 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Other components appears in 28 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 135 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Other components28 reports
Brakes28 reports
Electrical system26 reports
Visibility21 reports
Body & structure19 reports
Air bags17 reports
Engine13 reports
Suspension5 reports
Steering5 reports
Transmission & drivetrain3 reports
Fuel system3 reports
See original component labels
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM13
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE13
STRUCTURE:BODY11
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL10
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING8
UNKNOWN OR OTHER7
STRUCTURE7
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC7
AIR BAGS7
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM5
STEERING4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD4
SUSPENSION3
TIRES3
WHEELS3
EQUIPMENT3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL3
EXTERIOR LIGHTING2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC2
SEATS2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING2
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL2
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER1
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT1
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP1
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS1
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:STABILIZER BAR1
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS1
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:FOG LIGHTS1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE1
SUSPENSION:FRONT1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN1
VISIBILITY1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION1
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS1
INTERIOR LIGHTING1
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS1
POWER TRAIN1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Aug 3, 2022
Mileage, where supplied

64,895 miles is the median among 77 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 30,000–98,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

3 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

May 11, 2009 Safety recallEXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSCampaign 09E025000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 09E025000 at NHTSA
Sep 1, 2004 Safety recallEQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELSCampaign 04V428000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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 EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH OR APRIL 2005. THE NOTIFICATION TO THE NATIVA OWNERS IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL OR MAY 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN AT 1-787-251-8715.

Read campaign 04V428000 at NHTSA
May 29, 2002 Safety recallELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOODCampaign 02V147000

Reported concern

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, ROUTING OF THE VEHICLE'S FRONT HARNESS CAN ALLOW IT TO COME IN CONTACT WITH A ROUGH EDGE, ALLOWING ABRASION. THIS COULD RESULT IN GROUNDED CIRCUITS.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTOR, ELIMINATING ANY HARNESS CONTACT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 8, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.

Read campaign 02V147000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

99 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Jul 21, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDEALER LETTERThis is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.NHTSA ID 10240443

This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.

Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10240443 at NHTSA
Apr 24, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB-23-00-004This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.NHTSA ID 10235609

This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.

Components: STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10235609 at NHTSA
Apr 24, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB-23-00-001This 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 than 1.5 percent of the vehicl…NHTSA ID 10235608

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 than 1.5 percent of the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or 100 lbs.

Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10235608 at NHTSA
Apr 21, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDEALER LETTERThis is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 2nd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.NHTSA ID 10235606

This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 2nd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.

Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10235606 at NHTSA
Apr 7, 2022 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB-22-54-003This 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 defective/broken part.NHTSA ID 10211530

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 defective/broken part.

Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING · UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10211530 at NHTSA
Nov 26, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTT253This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.NHTSA ID 10169006

This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.

Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10169006 at NHTSA
Jul 30, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB-19-00-008This 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.NHTSA ID 10163703

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.

Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10163703 at NHTSA
Feb 27, 2018 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMEDICUpdate517This is a message sent to dealers, to inform them that an update for MEDIC will be available.NHTSA ID 10130468

This is a message sent to dealers, to inform them that an update for MEDIC will be available.

Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10130468 at NHTSA
Feb 26, 2018 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTT237This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.NHTSA ID 10130469

This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.

Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10130469 at NHTSA
Aug 28, 2015 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTT218This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.NHTSA ID 10170074

This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · EXTERIOR LIGHTING · POWER TRAIN · VISIBILITY · WHEELS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10170074 at NHTSA
Jul 29, 2015 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB-15-54-004This TSB contains troubleshooting steps for diagnosis of various customer complaints relating to the audio system speakers in Mitsubishi vehicles equipped with original equipment audio components.NHTSA ID 10170070

This TSB contains troubleshooting steps for diagnosis of various customer complaints relating to the audio system speakers in Mitsubishi vehicles equipped with original equipment audio components.

Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10170070 at NHTSA
Jul 22, 2015 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTT217This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.NHTSA ID 10170071

This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE · POWER TRAIN · SEATS · SUSPENSION. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10170071 at NHTSA
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Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

Opened Jul 1, 2008 ClosedPASSENGER DOOR FIREEA08011

IN RESPONSE TO THIS INVESTIGATION, MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA (MMNA) INITIATED A SPECIAL PROGRAM ON JULY 31, 2009, TO EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001-2003 GALANT VEHICLE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW SWITCHES TO 10 YEARS OR 120,000 MILES, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.NOTIFICATION OF THIS SPECIAL COVERAGE PROGRAM TO ALL REGISTERED VEHICLE OWNERS IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN LATE-SEPTEMBER 2009.OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH (BLOWN FUSE, INTERMITTENT OPERATION OR POWER WINDOW MALFUNCTION) OR WHO SPILLED LIQUIDS OR BEVERAGES ONTO THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WINDOW SWITCH WILL BE ENTITLED TO HAVE THE SWITCH REPLACED AND ANY RELATED REPAIRS PERFORMED AT NO CHARGE.THE AGENCY IS AWARE OF 35 ALLEGED FRONT PASSENGER DOOR PANEL HEAT, SMOKE OR FIRE INCIDENTS, INCLUDING THREE REPORTED MINOR BURNS OR BRUISES.THERE ARE NO REPORTED CRASHES OR FATALITIES.THERE ARE 307 WARRANTY CLAIMS OF SWITCH MALFUNCTIONS OR SHORT CIRCUITS WITHOUT ANY REPORTED HEAT, SMOKE OR FIRE.MMNA INSPECTION AND ANALYSIS OF FIRE-DAMAGED DOOR PANELS/SWITCHES FOUND EVIDENCE OF SPILLED LIQUIDS WITH HIGH SUGAR CONTENT ON THE POWER WINDOW SWITCHES.MMNA CLAIMS THE RESIDUE OF THESE LIQUIDS LED TO A SHORTING/SMOKE/ FIRE CONDITION INSIDE THE SWITCH/DOOR PANEL ASSEMBLY.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

Recorded closure: Aug 21, 2009

Find investigation EA08011
Opened Mar 4, 2008 ClosedPASSENGER DOOR FIREPE08014

COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT A FIRE ERUPTED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR.IN MITSUBISHI'S RESPONSE TO ODI'S MARCH 12, 2008 INFORMATION REQUEST, MITSUBISHI ASSERTS THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT MAY OCCUR WHEN LARGE AMOUNTS OF LIQUIDS, MORE THAN 100CC (3.4 OZ), LIKE A SOFT DRINK WERE SPILLED DIRECTLY OVER THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH AREA, ALL AT ONCE AND AT ONE TIME.MITSUBISHI FOUND THAT AS THE LIQUID DRIES OFF, ELECTROLYTES AND CARBONIZED PARTICLES ACCUMULATE BETWEEN THE TERMINALS IN THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH AND BECOME A CONDUCTIVE MATERIAL.AS A RESULT, THE SWITCH MAY START TO HEAT UP AND MELT OR IGNITE THE PLASTIC COMPONENTS.HOWEVER, MITSUBISHI ALSO ASSERTS THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT IS VERY RARE AND THAT BURNING DAMAGE WILL NOT OCCUR UNLESS LIQUIDS ENTER INTO THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH.ODI UPGRADED THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS, EA08-011, TO FURTHER EVALUATE THIS ISSUE.

Recorded closure: Jul 1, 2008

Find investigation PE08014

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