1996 Mitsubishi Galant

Introduction:

The 1996 Mitsubishi Galant is a midsize sedan that comes with two engine options: a 2.4-liter inline-four and a 3.0-liter V6. The 2.4-liter engine produces 140 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.0-liter engine produces 192 horsepower and 208 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a standard 4-speed automatic transmission. The Galant has a reputation for being reliable and fuel-efficient, but it has also been plagued by a number of issues over the years.

Engine

2.4-liter Inline-Four

• Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include overheating, coolant leaks, and poor engine performance. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
• Timing belt failure: The timing belt can fail, causing the engine to stall. Symptoms include a sudden loss of power, a loud noise from the engine, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the timing belt. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+

3.0-liter V6

• Valve cover gasket leak: The valve cover gasket can leak, causing oil to leak onto the engine. Symptoms include an oil leak, a burning smell, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the valve cover gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Rear main seal leak: The rear main seal can leak, causing oil to leak from the back of the engine. Symptoms include an oil leak, a burning smell, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the rear main seal. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+

Transmission

• 4-speed automatic transmission: The 4-speed automatic transmission can fail, causing the vehicle to lose power or stall. Symptoms include slipping gears, a whining noise, and a check engine light. The solution is to rebuild or replace the transmission. Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+

Suspension

• Strut failure: The struts can fail, causing the vehicle to ride rough and handle poorly. Symptoms include a rough ride, poor handling, and a rattling noise. The solution is to replace the struts. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
• Ball joint failure: The ball joints can fail, causing the vehicle to wander or pull to one side. Symptoms include a clunking noise, a loose steering wheel, and a pulling sensation. The solution is to replace the ball joints. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Electrical

• Alternator failure: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to discharge and the vehicle to stall. Symptoms include a flickering dashboard, dimming lights, and a dead battery. The solution is to replace the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Starter failure: The starter can fail, preventing the engine from starting. Symptoms include a clicking noise, a grinding noise, and a no-start condition. The solution is to replace the starter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Exterior

• Rust: The Galant is prone to rust, especially in the rocker panels and quarter panels. Symptoms include bubbling paint, rust spots, and holes in the bodywork. The solution is to repair or replace the rusted panels. Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the severity of the rust
• Paint peeling: The paint on the Galant can peel, especially on the hood and roof. Symptoms include peeling paint, faded paint, and a dull finish. The solution is to repaint the affected areas. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+

Interior

• Dashboard cracking: The dashboard on the Galant can crack, especially in hot climates. Symptoms include cracks in the dashboard, a peeling dashboard, and a warped dashboard. The solution is to replace the dashboard. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Window switch failure: The window switches on the Galant can fail, causing the windows to stop working. Symptoms include inoperative windows, intermittent window operation, and a blown fuse. The solution is to replace the window switches. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
• Seat belt retractor failure: The seat belt retractor on the Galant can fail, causing the seat belt to become stuck or inoperable. Symptoms include a stuck seat belt, a loose seat belt, and a torn seat belt. The solution is to replace the seat belt retractor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Summary:

The 1996 Mitsubishi Galant is a reliable and fuel-efficient vehicle, but it has been plagued by a number of issues over the years. The most common issues include intake manifold gasket failure, valve cover gasket leaks, and transmission failure. The severity of these issues varies, but they can be costly to repair.