1991 Mitsubishi Galant
Introduction
The 1991 Mitsubishi Galant is a mid-size sedan that was offered with a variety of engine and transmission options. The base engine was a 2.0-liter inline-four that produced 135 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque. A 2.4-liter V6 that produced 164 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque was also available. Both engines were available with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.
The Galant was praised for its roomy interior, comfortable ride, and well-equipped cabin. However, it was also criticized for its bland styling and lackluster performance.
Engine
2.0-liter Inline-Four
- Blown Head Gasket
- Description/Symptoms: Overheating engine, loss of coolant, white smoke from exhaust
- Solution: Replace head gasket
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Vacuum leaks, rough idle, decreased fuel economy
- Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
- Recalls: None Found
- Timing Belt Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine will not start or runs erratically
- Solution: Replace timing belt and tensioner
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
- Recalls: None Found
2.4-liter V6
- Intake Valve Sticking
- Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, lack of power, decreased fuel economy
- Solution: Clean or replace intake valves
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Leaks from Rear Main Seal
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leak from rear of engine
- Solution: Replace rear main seal
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
Five-Speed Manual Transmission
- Clutch Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping clutch
- Solution: Replace clutch assembly
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
- Recalls: None Found
- Transmission Mount Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Vibration and noise while driving
- Solution: Replace transmission mount
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
- Recalls: None Found
Four-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Transmission Slipping
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping gears
- Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Transmission shuddering, loss of power
- Solution: Replace torque converter
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Front Struts Leaking
- Description/Symptoms: Poor handling, clunking noises
- Solution: Replace front struts
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800 per strut
- Recalls: None Found
- Rear Shock Absorbers Leaking
- Description/Symptoms: Poor handling, vibration while driving
- Solution: Replace rear shock absorbers
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per shock
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Alternator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, electrical components not working
- Solution: Replace alternator
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Corrosion
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting, electrical problems
- Solution: Clean battery terminals
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
- Recalls: None Found
- Wiring Harness Problems
- Description/Symptoms: Electrical shorts, intermittent electrical problems
- Solution: Repair or replace wiring harness
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust on Body Panels
- Description/Symptoms: Rust spots on body panels, especially around wheel wells and door jambs
- Solution: Rust repair or replacement
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Sunroof Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Water leaks into interior
- Solution: Replace sunroof seal
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Dashboard Cracks
- Description/Symptoms: Cracks on dashboard surface
- Solution: Replace dashboard
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
- Recalls: None Found
- Door Panel Discoloration
- Description/Symptoms: Fading or discoloration of door panels
- Solution: Replace door panels
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 per door
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 1991 Mitsubishi Galant is a reliable and practical mid-size sedan. However, it is not without its issues. The most common problems include blown head gaskets, intake manifold gasket failures, and transmission slipping. While these issues can be expensive to fix, they are not as common as some of the problems found in other vehicles from this era. Overall, the Galant is a good choice for someone who is looking for a reliable and affordable sedan.