2000 Mitsubishi Galant

2000 Mitsubishi Galant

Overview

The 2000 Mitsubishi Galant, a mid-size sedan, offered a blend of comfort and practicality for its era. While generally considered a decent vehicle, like any car from this period, it has certain areas that have shown more propensity for issues over time. This analysis focuses on documented technical reliability concerns, excluding routine maintenance and normal wear and tear. Owners can use this data to anticipate potential repair needs and understand common failure points across its various engine and transmission configurations.

---

Engine

2.4L 4-Cylinder (4G64)

Head Gasket Failure

• Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, white smoke from exhaust, milky oil.
• Solution: Replacement of the head gasket and inspection of cylinder head for warping.
• Cost: $800 - $1500

Timing Belt Failure

• Symptoms: Sudden engine shutdown, no start, potential internal engine damage if belt breaks.
• Solution: Replacement of timing belt, tensioner, and idler pulleys. Water pump replacement often recommended concurrently.
• Cost: $500 - $900

3.0L V6 (6G72)

Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets)

• Symptoms: Visible oil on engine exterior, burning oil smell, low oil level.
• Solution: Replacement of valve cover gaskets.
• Cost: $250 - $500

Spark Plug Blow-Out

• Symptoms: Misfiring, rough idle, loss of power, ticking noise from engine.
• Solution: Repair or replacement of spark plug threads, installation of new spark plugs.
• Cost: $300 - $700

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic (F4A51)

Slipping Gears / Delayed Engagement

• Symptoms: Transmission hesitates to shift, slips out of gear, or engages slowly.
• Solution: Transmission fluid and filter change, solenoid replacement, or full transmission rebuild.
• Cost: $300 - $2500+

Torque Converter Issues

• Symptoms: Shuddering at low speeds, slipping, whining noise.
• Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
• Cost: $700 - $1400

5-Speed Manual

Clutch Wear

• Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty shifting, burning smell.
• Solution: Replacement of clutch kit (disc, pressure plate, release bearing).
• Cost: $600 - $1100

Suspension

Standard Chassis

Worn Ball Joints and Bushings

• Symptoms: Clunking noises over bumps, poor handling, uneven tire wear.
• Solution: Replacement of worn ball joints and suspension bushings.
• Cost: $400 - $800

Strut Mount Bearing Failure

• Symptoms: Popping or creaking noise when turning the steering wheel.
• Solution: Replacement of strut mount bearings.
• Cost: $200 - $400

Electrical

General Electrical System

Alternator Failure

• Symptoms: Dimming headlights, battery warning light illuminated, difficulty starting.
• Solution: Replacement of the alternator.
• Cost: $400 - $700

Power Window Motor Failure

• Symptoms: Window not moving up or down, clicking noise from door panel.
• Solution: Replacement of the power window motor and regulator.
• Cost: $250 - $500

Exterior

Body and Trim

Rust on Wheel Arches and Rocker Panels

• Symptoms: Visible corrosion and bubbling paint on lower body panels.
• Solution: Rust repair and repainting.
• Cost: $300 - $1000+

Interior

Cabin Components

HVAC Blower Motor Resistor Failure

• Symptoms: Fan only works on highest setting or not at all.
• Solution: Replacement of the blower motor resistor.
• Cost: $100 - $250

Dashboard Warning Lights (Intermittent)

• Symptoms: Various warning lights illuminating without apparent cause.
• Solution: Diagnosis and repair of faulty sensors or wiring harness issues.
• Cost: $200 - $600

---

Summary Verdict

The 2000 Mitsubishi Galant presents a mixed reliability profile. The 2.4L engine is generally robust but can suffer from head gasket and timing belt issues, while the V6 is more prone to oil leaks and spark plug problems. Automatic transmissions can develop slipping issues or torque converter problems, and manual clutches will eventually need replacement. Suspension components like ball joints and bushings are common wear items. Electrical issues, particularly with the alternator and power windows, are not uncommon. Exterior rust can be a concern on lower body panels. Interiorly, HVAC blower resistors and intermittent dashboard lights are noted issues. Overall, while not plagued by widespread catastrophic failures, owners should be aware of these potential repair areas and budget accordingly for maintenance and repairs.