1995 Mitsubishi Galant
Introduction:
The 1995 Mitsubishi Galant is a midsize sedan that offered a range of engine and transmission options. The standard engine was a 2.0-liter inline-four producing 135 horsepower and 126 lb-ft of torque. Optional engines included a 2.5-liter V6 producing 167 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 210 horsepower and 215 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Galant was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and handling, but criticized for its lack of power from the base engine.
Engine
2.0-liter Inline-Four
- Timing Belt Failure:
- Description/Symptoms: The timing belt can fail, resulting in catastrophic engine damage. Symptoms include difficulty starting, loss of power, and a knocking noise from the engine.
- Solution: Replace the timing belt, tensioner, and water pump.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Head Gasket Failure:
- Description/Symptoms: The head gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak and mix. Symptoms include overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, and low coolant levels.
- Solution: Replace the head gasket.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
2.5-liter V6
- EGR Valve Failure:
- Description/Symptoms: The EGR valve can fail, causing increased emissions and poor engine performance. Symptoms include rough idle, decreased fuel economy, and a check engine light.
- Solution: Replace the EGR valve.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
- Intake Manifold Gasket Leak:
- Description/Symptoms: The intake manifold gasket can leak, causing a loss of power, rough idle, and poor fuel economy. Symptoms may also include a hissing noise from the engine.
- Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
2.0-liter Turbocharged Inline-Four
- Turbocharger Failure:
- Description/Symptoms: The turbocharger can fail, resulting in a loss of power and increased oil consumption. Symptoms include blue smoke from the exhaust, loud noises from the turbo, and a check engine light.
- Solution: Replace the turbocharger.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
5-Speed Manual
- No Issues Found
4-Speed Automatic
- Transmission Slipping:
- Description/Symptoms: The transmission may slip or refuse to engage certain gears. Symptoms include difficulty shifting, delayed engagement, and a burning smell.
- Solution: Replace the transmission fluid, filter, and solenoids. In severe cases, a rebuild or replacement of the transmission may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
CVT
- Control Module Failure:
- Description/Symptoms: The CVT control module can fail, causing the transmission to shift erratically or fail to engage. Symptoms include sudden acceleration, hesitation, and a check engine light.
- Solution: Replace the CVT control module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Strut Failure:
- Description/Symptoms: The struts can fail, causing a loss of stability, excessive body roll, and poor handling. Symptoms include uneven tire wear, a bouncing ride, and clunking noises.
- Solution: Replace the struts and springs.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Sway Bar Link Failure:
- Description/Symptoms: The sway bar links can fail, resulting in reduced stability and poor handling. Symptoms include clunking noises, excessive body roll, and uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replace the sway bar links.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Alternator Failure:
- Description/Symptoms: The alternator can fail, causing a loss of power to the electrical system. Symptoms include dim headlights, a dead battery, and a check battery light.
- Solution: Replace the alternator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Starter Failure:
- Description/Symptoms: The starter can fail, preventing the engine from starting. Symptoms include no response when turning the key, clicking noises, or grinding noises.
- Solution: Replace the starter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Body Panel Rust:
- Description/Symptoms: The body panels, particularly around the wheel wells and rocker panels, can rust over time. Symptoms include bubbling paint, rust spots, and holes in the panels.
- Solution: Rust repair, including sanding, filling, and painting.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Climate Control Failure:
- Description/Symptoms: The climate control system may fail to heat or cool properly. Symptoms include inconsistent temperature, noisy operation, and a lack of airflow.
- Solution: Diagnose and repair the faulty component, such as the blower motor, heater core, or actuator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Power Window Failure:
- Description/Symptoms: The power window motor or switch may fail, causing the window to become stuck or inoperable. Symptoms include a clicking noise, slow operation, or a complete lack of movement.
- Solution: Replace the faulty motor or switch.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary:
The 1995 Mitsubishi Galant is a reliable vehicle overall, but it does have some potential issues that owners should be aware of. The most common issues include timing belt failure (2.0-liter inline-four), transmission slipping (4-speed automatic), and strut failure. While these issues can be costly to repair, the Galant is generally affordable to maintain and operate.