2001 Mitsubishi Galant Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2001 Mitsubishi Galant has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Front brake rotor warping and steering wheel vibration.” Mitsubishi publishes short, conservative intervals: oil every 7,500 miles normal / 3,750 severe, and — unlike many rivals — an explicit CVT fluid replacement schedule rather than a 'lifetime fill' claim. Read the severe-service column honestly: stop-and-go city trips, short hops, and hot climates all qualify, and they describe how most Mirages actually live. The 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty stays intact only with documented on-schedule service.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2001 Mitsubishi Galant.

Reported to NHTSA

Front brake rotor warping and steering wheel vibration

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

31 NHTSA complaints · 2001-10 → 2014-05

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MITSUBISHI GALANT. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING SEVERE VIBRATIONS ON THE FRONT END OF THE DRIVER SIDE. THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE ROTORS WERE EXTREMELY WARPED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10213645
“FRONT BRAKE ROTORS BECOME WARPED EVERY 5,000 TO 8,000...THIS IS THE THIRD SET OF ROTORS I HAVE GONE THROUGH SINCE 2002. THERE IS HEAVY VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN BRAKING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10068383

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Clearcoat paint fading and turning white

STRUCTURE

10 NHTSA complaints · 2005-07 → 2009-08

“THE PAINT ON MY BLACK 2001 MITSUBISHI GALANT HAS TURNED WHITE ALL AROUND MY HOOD AND TRUNK AND THE ROOF MY CAR IS HAS OXIDIZE AND RUST”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10269869
“THE CLEARCOAT ON MY CAR IS DEFECTIVE AND THE HOOD, ROOF AND TRUNK HAVE TURNED COMPLETELY WHITE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10274912
“THE PAINT ON MY BLACK 2001 MITSUBISHI GALANT HAS TURNED WHITE ALL AROUND MY SUNROOF AND IS BEGINNING TO START ON MY HOOD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10225405

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bags fail to deploy in frontal or head-on collision

AIR BAGS

25 NHTSA complaints · 2001-02 → 2014-01

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MITSUBISHI GALANT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO A DIRT HILL, DESTROYING THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10562190
“I WAS DRIVING 35-40 MPH AND A CAR STOPPED SHORT IN FRONT OF ME AND I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES AND COLLIDED INTO THE REAR OF THEIR CAR. THE HOOD AND FRONT END OF THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY SMASHED IN. THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10206472
“WHILE DRIVING AT 65MPH AND INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON IMPACT. VEHICLE TOTALLED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #8013159

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall linked to crankshaft position sensor

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

18 NHTSA complaints · 2001-01 → 2009-04

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MITSUBISHI GALANT. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE SPEED WOULD DECREASE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, IT WOULD ONLY REMAIN ON FOR A FEW MINUTES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10267278
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MITSUBISHI GALANT. WHILE DRIVING 65-70 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10238861
“RECALL 00V299001/CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. CONSUMER HAS BEEN TRYING TO SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT TO HAVE VEHICLE REPAIRED UNDER RECALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #878808

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Automatic transmission failure and fluid leak

POWER TRAIN

20 NHTSA complaints · 2001-03 → 2020-01

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MITSUBISHI GALANT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE THE TRANSMISSION HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT OPERATE IN THE DRIVE AND REVERSE POSITION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11296677
“DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, TRANSMISSION DIED...DRIVE/REVERSE NO LONGER WORK. NEW TRANSMISSION REQUIRED AT A COST OF OVER $6,000 FROM MITSUBISHI DEALER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10175301
“WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10107203

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear suspension component failure

SUSPENSION

8 NHTSA complaints · 2002-03 → 2006-06

“VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING JUST BELOW 60 MPH WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE REAR SUSPENSION DROPPED TO THE GROUND AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SPIN OFF THE ROAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10115043
“WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH VEHICLE SWERVED TO THE RIGHT, AND DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THEN, DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE REAR RIGHT TIRE AND RIM SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10115038
“ME AND MY WIFE WERE DRIVING ABOUT 45 MILES AN HOUR WHEN THE REAR END OF MY CAR STARTED SLIDING I TRY TO CORRECT THE FISH TALE BUT THE DRIVER REAR TIRE AND RIM FOLDED UNDER THE CAR WHICH CAUSE THE CAR TO FLIP SEVERAL TIMES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10018575

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Horn sounds spontaneously or fails to sound

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

7 NHTSA complaints · 2002-10 → 2014-10

“I HAVE HAD REPEATED INCIDENTS WHERE MY HORN WILL SOUND DURING THE NIGHT, AND IF I WAS USING IT AS A WARNING TO ANOTHER DRIVER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10649656
“MY HORN CONTINUES BLOW AND WILL NOT STOP. I REPLACED THE HORN RELAY BUT IT CONTINUES TO BLOW AND THE ONLY WAY TO STOP IT IS TO UNPLUG THE HONE FUSE OR RELAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10154608
“WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO BLOW HORN TO AVOID A COLLISION. THE HORN DID NOT WORK. VEHICLE WAS CHECKED BY DEALER WHO COULD NOT DETERMINE CAUSE OF FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #8021838

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden unintended acceleration from a stop

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

5 NHTSA complaints · 2001-03 → 2015-03

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MITSUBISHI GALANT. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. ONCE THE VEHICLE REACHED A STOP THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10352837
“WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO A HIGH RATE, CAUSING IT TO HIT A WALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10067181
“WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND UPON SHIFTING GEAR INTO DRIVE ENGINE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CAUSED VEHICLE TO HIT A WALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #884041

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace every 7,500 miles normal / 3,750 severe. Mirage's 1.2L three-cylinder holds barely over 3 quarts — small sumps punish stretched intervals. 0W-20 on most recent models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

CVT Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Mitsubishi schedules CVT fluid replacement — commonly every 60,000 miles normal / 30,000 severe (check your year's table). Use only the specified CVT fluid (J4/CVTF-J4 family); generic ATF destroys the belt-and-pulley unit.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate with every oil change. Light Mirages are easy on tires but the economy-focused OEM rubber wears fast when neglected.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors/drums, and lines at each service — Mirage G4 retains rear drums, which need periodic adjustment checks.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 2-3 years per the schedule. Cheap job, big ABS-unit insurance.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Iridium plugs commonly every 60,000 miles on the Mirage's 3A92 and Lancer's 4B11 — verify your year's table, as some engines list up to 105,000.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Mitsubishi's schedule replaces the engine air filter every 15,000 miles — shorter than most brands, and a 5-minute DIY on the Mirage.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Drive Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles and replace on cracking. The Mirage's single serpentine belt also drives the A/C — a failure strands the car's accessories at once.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace every 15,000 miles, behind the glovebox. Often skipped at quick-lube visits — worth checking if airflow feels weak.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement

Every 60,000 mi

First change around 60,000 miles, then roughly every 30,000-45,000 per the schedule. Mitsubishi long-life coolant or equivalent OAT for your year.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Small-battery economy cars have little reserve — the first cold snap finds a weak one.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

217 crashes 1990–2024

How the 217 occupant deaths break down

125

driver deaths

89

passenger deaths

3

not recorded by seat

217

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2001 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

42

complaints mentioning a crash

16

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2001 Mitsubishi Galant reflects Mitsubishi's published service intervals. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.