2009 Mitsubishi Galant
Introduction to the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
The 2009 Mitsubishi Galant is a midsize sedan that was available with a variety of engine and transmission options. The base engine was a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produced 160 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. A more powerful 3.8-liter V6 was also available, which produced 230 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a four-speed automatic, a five-speed manual, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The Galant was praised for its comfortable interior, spacious trunk, and affordable price. However, it was criticized for its lack of performance, poor fuel economy, and bland exterior styling.
Engine
2.4-liter Four-Cylinder
- Intake Valve Carbon Buildup
- Description/Symptoms: Over time, carbon deposits can build up on the intake valves, which can restrict airflow and reduce engine performance. Symptoms include decreased power, hesitation, and rough idling.
- Solution: The intake valves must be cleaned, which can be done by a mechanic.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
- Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The timing chain tensioner can fail, which can allow the timing chain to skip or break. This can cause catastrophic engine damage. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, decreased power, and difficulty starting the vehicle.
- Solution: The timing chain tensioner and timing chain must be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
- Recalls: None Found
3.8-liter V6
- Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The intake manifold gasket can fail, which can cause a vacuum leak. This can lead to a decrease in power, fuel economy, and engine performance. Symptoms include a rough idle, stalling, and difficulty starting the vehicle.
- Solution: The intake manifold gasket must be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
Four-Speed Automatic
- Torque Converter Shudder
- Description/Symptoms: The torque converter can shudder or vibrate, which can be felt when the vehicle is accelerating or shifting gears.
- Solution: The torque converter must be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Shift Solenoid Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The shift solenoids can fail, which can cause the transmission to shift erratically or not shift at all.
- Solution: The shift solenoids must be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Five-Speed Manual
- Synchronizer Wear
- Description/Symptoms: The synchronizers in the transmission can wear out, which can make it difficult to shift gears.
- Solution: The synchronizers must be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
- Belt Wear
- Description/Symptoms: The belt in the CVT can wear out, which can cause the transmission to slip or fail. Symptoms include a loss of power, strange noises, and difficulty shifting gears.
- Solution: The CVT belt must be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Strut Mount Wear
- Description/Symptoms: The strut mounts can wear out, which can cause a clunking or rattling noise when driving over bumps.
- Solution: The strut mounts must be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: The battery can drain prematurely, which can make it difficult to start the vehicle. Symptoms include a weak battery, dimming headlights, and a slow engine crank.
- Solution: The source of the drain must be found and fixed. This can be done by a mechanic.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
- Recalls: None Found
- Starter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The starter can fail, which can make it impossible to start the vehicle. Symptoms include a clicking noise when trying to start the engine, no engine crank, and no lights on the dashboard.
- Solution: The starter must be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
No Issues Found
Interior
- Dashboard Cracking
- Description/Symptoms: The dashboard can crack, which can be unsightly and affect the value of the vehicle.
- Solution: The dashboard must be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Door Lock Actuator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The door lock actuators can fail, which can make it impossible to lock or unlock the doors.
- Solution: The door lock actuators must be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2009 Mitsubishi Galant is a reliable and affordable midsize sedan. However, it does have some potential issues that buyers should be aware of. The most serious issues include intake valve carbon buildup, timing chain tensioner failure, and CVT belt wear. These issues can be costly to repair, so it is important to factor them into the purchase price of the vehicle. Overall, the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant is a good choice for buyers who are looking for a comfortable and affordable sedan. However, buyers should be aware of the potential issues that the vehicle may have before making a purchase.