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Mitsubishi1992–2017 Critical issues documented

Mitsubishi Galant Fortis: common faults & what to check

Thinking about buying a used Mitsubishi Galant Fortis (1992–2017) in Australia? We've documented 18 known faults for this model spanning body & rust, engine, transmission, and suspension. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Every one is listed below with its symptoms and repair cost, and each has its own page with where to look and what to ask the seller. Free, no account needed.

Check this exact Mitsubishi Galant Fortis

  • Money owing
  • Written off
  • Accident claims
  • Odometer history

An Australian plate goes to the A$17.90 Vehicle Check: money owing, write-off, stolen and rego. Full History adds past kms, accident claims and market value from A$24.99. The free fault check for this model needs the generation and engine, pick them below.

18

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

≈A$410–1,100

Typical repair

7

Systems covered

Which Mitsubishi Galant Fortis are you looking at?

6 generation variants documented. Pick the shape you recognise: the faults, the servicing and the timeline below all narrow to it. Free, no account needed.

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

Start your free check on this Mitsubishi Galant Fortis

No plate needed. You get the risk score, the buyer's checklist and the guided inspection for the exact car you picked above — not the whole nameplate.

Mitsubishi Galant FortisEngine not picked yet

Pick the engine above first: the Galant Fortis came with 6, and without it the report has to show all of their faults. Pick the engine

Free. The paid plate check is separate, and stays optional.

Can't confirm for this car

Mitsubishi Galant Fortis

Nothing has been narrowed yet, so nothing below is a claim about a particular car. Pick a year and an engine to see which faults apply.

Tell us the engine, or check the engine code on the car, before relying on this.

matched on no vehicle context

What to look out for

The checks worth doing on a Mitsubishi Galant Fortis before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

  • Serious issue

    Listen carefully on cold start for a metallic rattling from the top of the engine.

    See why

    4B11T Timing Chain Tensioner Wear at High Mileage (Evo X)

    Unlike the belt-driven 4G63, the 4B11T uses a timing chain. The chain tensioner and guide rails are subject to wear at high mileage, particularly on vehicles that have had infrequent oil changes or that have been used on track. A worn tensioner causes the chain to develop slack, producing a rattling noise on cold start that may clear once oil pressure builds. If chain slack is not addressed, the chain can jump a tooth or fail entirely, causing catastrophic valve and piston damage. This failure becomes more prevalent above 150,000 km.

    What you would notice

    • Cold-start rattle from top of engine that clears after 5–10 seconds
    • Persistent chain rattle at idle that does not clear
    • Rough idle or misfires if chain has jumped a tooth
    • Check engine light with camshaft position timing codes
    • Engine knock or catastrophic failure if chain breaks

    Typically ≈A$1,380–4,600 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    Check oil level and colour on dipstick.

    See why

    4B11 Oil Pump Drive Gear Wear

    The 4B11 2.0L engine uses a chain-driven oil pump whose drive gear teeth wear prematurely, particularly on vehicles with infrequent oil changes or those that have been run low on oil. As the gear degrades, oil pressure drops progressively until the warning light illuminates. At that point bearing surfaces and crankshaft journals can be damaged within seconds of continued running. The failure mode is sudden rather than gradual and often results in total engine loss requiring replacement.

    What you would notice

    • Oil pressure warning light illuminates at idle or under load
    • Ticking or knocking from lower engine block
    • Oil pressure gauge reading low
    • Engine seizure in unaddressed cases

    Typically ≈A$740–4,140 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Check CVT fluid level and colour — should be clean pink or light red, not brown or dark.

    See why

    CVT pulley shaft bearing clicking noise (CJ Lancer CVT, built before October 2010)

    The Lancer CJ with automatic transmission uses Mitsubishi's INVECS-III CVT featuring a steel push-belt running between two variable-diameter pulleys. The CVT fluid degrades relatively quickly under load and must be replaced every 40,000km; failure to do so causes belt slippage, accelerated pulley wear, and transmission overheating. Once belt slip begins the wear is self-accelerating and the unit typically enters limp-home mode or fails entirely. Rebuilt CVT units are scarce in the Australian market, making replacement with a used unit the most common repair path, though donor unit reliability is also uncertain.

    What you would notice

    • Transmission slipping or surging during acceleration
    • Delayed or hesitant response when throttle is applied
    • Transmission warning light on dashboard
    • Burning smell from under the vehicle after hard driving

    Typically ≈A$2,760–7,360 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Check CVT fluid condition and level — fluid should be pink/red and clean, not brown or burnt-smelling.

    See why

    Jet-CVT Shudder and Judder Under Load

    The Invecs-III Jet-CVT fitted to standard Lancer models develops a shudder or vibration felt through the drivetrain under light throttle acceleration, particularly between 30–80 km/h. Caused by torque converter lock-up clutch slip and deteriorated CVT fluid losing its friction-modifier properties. Can escalate to full CVT slipping and overheating if fluid is not changed at the correct interval. Mitsubishi issued revised fluid specifications and reduced service intervals to address this. Full CVT replacement is required if the unit is allowed to run dry or overheat.

    What you would notice

    • Vibration or shudder felt through body at light throttle 30–80 km/h
    • Judder when pulling away from rest
    • Delayed engagement from Park or Neutral
    • Transmission warning light illuminated
    • CVT overheating fault codes

    Typically ≈A$320–5,060 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    With front wheels raised, grasp the wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock and check for vertical play in the upper ball joint.

    See why

    Front Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Wear (Evo VII–IX)

    The front upper control arm ball joints on Evo VII–IX wear prematurely under the combination of high lateral cornering forces and the high-caster suspension geometry. Worn upper ball joints produce vague steering, increased positive camber on the affected side, and knocking over bumps. Failure of the ball joint is a critical safety risk as the joint can separate under load, causing sudden loss of steering. Aftermarket pillow ball replacements are available and are commonly used in performance applications but require more frequent inspection.

    What you would notice

    • Knocking or clunking from front suspension over bumps
    • Vague or loose steering feel
    • Uneven tyre wear — excessive wear on outer shoulder
    • Positive camber visible on one or both front wheels
    • Steering pulling to one side

    Typically ≈A$370–1,010 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    With vehicle safely raised, grip the lower arm at its inner pivot point and apply fore-aft and lateral force.

    See why

    Front Lower Arm Inner Bush Failure & Steering Shimmy

    The front lower control arm inner pivot bushes on the CJ Lancer and CZ4A Galant Fortis degrade prematurely due to the original rubber compound hardening and cracking under Australian road and climate conditions. Failure allows the lower arm to deflect longitudinally and laterally under braking and cornering loads, producing vague steering feel, highway shimmy between 90 and 110 km/h, and wander on cambered roads. The bush deflection moves geometry beyond alignment compensation limits, causing accelerated front tyre edge wear. Both lower arms typically require simultaneous bush replacement to permit correct caster and camber alignment.

    What you would notice

    • Steering shimmy or vibration between 90 and 110 km/h on motorway
    • Vague or wandering steering requiring constant correction
    • Uneven or feathered tyre wear on front inner or outer edge
    • Clunk from front suspension over road joints or undulations
    • Vehicle pulling under braking

    Typically ≈A$410–920 to put right.

All 18 documented issues

Everything researched for the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis. Tap an area to open it.

4 rated critical
Depends on which engine this Mitsubishi Galant Fortis has: 18 issuesEach of these is documented for one particular engine. Pick the year and engine above to see which of them apply.
Engine, transmission & cooling10

014B11T Timing Chain Tensioner Wear at High Mileage (Evo X)

Listen carefully on cold start for a metallic rattling from the top of the engine.petrol2007–2016Engine
OccasionalEngine ≈A$1,380–4,600 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Unlike the belt-driven 4G63, the 4B11T uses a timing chain. The chain tensioner and guide rails are subject to wear at high mileage, particularly on vehicles that have had infrequent oil changes or that have been used on track. A worn tensioner causes the chain to develop slack, producing a rattling noise on cold start that may clear once oil pressure builds. If chain slack is not addressed, the chain can jump a tooth or fail entirely, causing catastrophic valve and piston damage. This failure becomes more prevalent above 150,000 km.

The front of a dual overhead camshaft engine with the timing cover removed, exposing the timing chain and sprockets.Example of the part — not this vehicle

The front of a twin-cam engine with the timing cover off — chain, sprockets and guides.

Logansenf · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Cold-start rattle from top of engine that clears after 5–10 seconds
  • Persistent chain rattle at idle that does not clear
  • Rough idle or misfires if chain has jumped a tooth
  • Check engine light with camshaft position timing codes
  • Engine knock or catastrophic failure if chain breaks

What to check

Listen carefully on cold start for a metallic rattling from the top of the engine. If rattle is present, do not dismiss it as normal warm-up noise — it indicates tensioner wear. Retrieve fault codes — timing position codes P0016/P0017 or similar indicate chain slack. Ask about oil change frequency; infrequent changes accelerate tensioner wear.

Where to look: Front and top of engine block, inside timing chain cover

Parts involved: Timing chain.

Ask the seller

  • “Does the engine rattle on cold start and does it clear quickly?”
  • “How frequently was the oil changed and what type was used?”
  • “Has a check engine light appeared with any timing or camshaft codes?”

024B11 Oil Pump Drive Gear Wear

Check oil level and colour on dipstick.petrol2007–2017Engine
OccasionalEngine ≈A$740–4,140 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 4B11 2.0L engine uses a chain-driven oil pump whose drive gear teeth wear prematurely, particularly on vehicles with infrequent oil changes or those that have been run low on oil. As the gear degrades, oil pressure drops progressively until the warning light illuminates. At that point bearing surfaces and crankshaft journals can be damaged within seconds of continued running. The failure mode is sudden rather than gradual and often results in total engine loss requiring replacement.

Symptoms to notice

  • Oil pressure warning light illuminates at idle or under load
  • Ticking or knocking from lower engine block
  • Oil pressure gauge reading low
  • Engine seizure in unaddressed cases

What to check

  1. Check oil level and colour on dipstick.
  2. Inspect oil filler cap for sludge or creamy residue.
  3. Request full logbook service history to verify oil changes at or under 10,000km intervals.
  4. With engine warm and idling, listen for any lower-block ticking.
  5. Check for any history of oil pressure warning light events.

Where to look: Front of engine block, oil pump assembly behind timing cover

Ask the seller

  • “Can you provide the full logbook or service receipts showing oil change dates and mileages?”
  • “Has the oil pressure warning light ever illuminated while driving?”
  • “Has the engine ever been run with low oil or overheated?”

03Timing chain stretch from overdue oil changes (2.0 4B11)

The 2.0 4B11 uses a timing chain that can stretch when oil changes are overdue.petrol2007–2017Engine
CommonEngine ≈A$550–3,220 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 2.0 4B11 uses a timing chain that can stretch when oil changes are overdue. Neglected oil changes allow sludge to block the tensioner's oil feed, causing the tensioner to lose pressure and the chain to slacken. A slack chain produces a characteristic cold-start rattle that disappears as oil pressure builds. If left unaddressed the chain can skip a tooth or jump timing, causing valve-to-piston contact and catastrophic internal engine damage. Risk escalates significantly beyond 120,000km without tensioner inspection.

The front of a dual overhead camshaft engine with the timing cover removed, exposing the timing chain and sprockets.Example of the part — not this vehicle

The front of a twin-cam engine with the timing cover off — chain, sprockets and guides.

Logansenf · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Rattling or clattering from front of engine on cold startup
  • Rattle persisting for more than 5 seconds after start
  • Check engine light with camshaft position codes
  • Rough running or misfires if chain has jumped

What to check

  1. Start engine from cold and listen immediately for a chain rattle from the front of the engine — it should not persist beyond 2–3 seconds on a healthy example.
  2. Remove oil filler cap and inspect inside the cam cover for sludge buildup.
  3. Check dipstick oil colour; black sludgy oil indicates neglect.
  4. Ask to see service receipts proving oil changes at factory intervals.

Where to look: Front of engine, timing chain cover on driver's side

Parts involved: Timing chain.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the timing chain or tensioner ever been inspected or replaced?”
  • “Does the engine make any rattling noise when first started cold?”
  • “Can you show oil change receipts for the vehicle's full history?”

04CVT pulley shaft bearing clicking noise (CJ Lancer CVT, built before October 2010)

Check CVT fluid level and colour — should be clean pink or light red, not brown or dark.petrol2007–2010Transmission
CommonTransmission ≈A$2,760–7,360 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Lancer CJ with automatic transmission uses Mitsubishi's INVECS-III CVT featuring a steel push-belt running between two variable-diameter pulleys. The CVT fluid degrades relatively quickly under load and must be replaced every 40,000km; failure to do so causes belt slippage, accelerated pulley wear, and transmission overheating. Once belt slip begins the wear is self-accelerating and the unit typically enters limp-home mode or fails entirely. Rebuilt CVT units are scarce in the Australian market, making replacement with a used unit the most common repair path, though donor unit reliability is also uncertain.

Symptoms to notice

  • Transmission slipping or surging during acceleration
  • Delayed or hesitant response when throttle is applied
  • Transmission warning light on dashboard
  • Burning smell from under the vehicle after hard driving

What to check

Check CVT fluid level and colour — should be clean pink or light red, not brown or dark. Ask for CVT fluid change receipts. During test drive, accelerate firmly from 20 km/h to 80 km/h and feel for smooth progressive response with no surging, hesitation, or revs flaring. If a workshop inspection is possible: Connect an OBD-II scanner to check for stored transmission fault codes before purchase.

Where to look: Transmission tunnel, CVT unit mounted behind engine

Parts involved: CVT belt and pulleys.

Ask the seller

  • “When was the CVT fluid last changed and do you have a receipt?”
  • “Has the transmission ever slipped, surged, or shown a warning light?”
  • “Has the transmission ever been serviced by a Mitsubishi dealer or specialist?”

05Jet-CVT Shudder and Judder Under Load

Check CVT fluid condition and level — fluid should be pink/red and clean, not brown or burnt-smelling.petrol2003–2017TransmissionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

064B10 MIVEC Cam Oil Passage Sludge & P0011

Scan for P0011 and P0021 codes.petrol2007–2017Engine
OccasionalEngine ≈A$550–3,220 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 4B10 1.8L MIVEC engine is susceptible to oil sludge accumulation in the Variable Valve Timing oil control solenoid passages and camshaft sprocket oil feed galleries when oil change intervals exceed 5,000 km or conventional mineral oil is used. Sludge restricts oil flow to the cam phaser, triggering P0011 (Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced Bank 1) and P0021. Progressive oil starvation leads to intake camshaft lobe and follower wear, particularly on the variable timing lobe profiles. In severe cases, camshaft lobe scoring occurs without further warning beyond the initial DTC illumination.

Symptoms to notice

  • P0011 or P0021 camshaft timing fault code stored
  • Rough idle or hesitation during warm-up phase
  • VVT solenoid ticking or buzzing at idle under load
  • Reduced power above 3000 rpm due to VVT malfunction
  • Noisy valve train after prolonged idling

What to check

  1. Scan for P0011 and P0021 codes.
  2. Remove oil filler cap and inspect rocker cover interior for sludge deposits with a torch.
  3. Confirm oil change history shows intervals of 5,000 km or under with full synthetic 5W-30.
  4. Check oil pressure at idle.
  5. If a workshop inspection is possible: Remove and inspect VVT solenoid screen filter for blockage.

Where to look: Top of engine, intake camshaft phaser unit, VVT oil control solenoid, camshaft bearing journals

Ask the seller

  • “What has been the oil change interval and type of oil used throughout ownership?”
  • “Has a P0011 or any camshaft timing fault code ever been present?”
  • “Has the VVT solenoid or cam phaser ever been replaced or the passages flushed?”

07Diesel EGR Valve Carbon Sticking & Rough Idle

Scan for P0401, P0402, P0404, and P0405 EGR codes.diesel2007–2017Engine
OccasionalEngine ≈A$410–1,380 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 2.0 DI-D diesel variant of the Lancer CJ suffers from Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve sticking in the partially open or closed position due to carbon deposit accumulation on the valve pintle and seat from short-trip urban use. A sticking-open EGR valve introduces excess exhaust gas into the intake at idle, causing rough idle, diesel knock, and misfires. A sticking-closed valve triggers P0401 insufficient flow faults and raises NOx output. The EGR cooler passages on this engine are also prone to carbonisation from low-load operation, compounding the restriction. Symptoms worsen progressively and MIL illumination typically precedes drivability deterioration.

Symptoms to notice

  • Rough idle or diesel knock at normal operating temperature
  • P0401 EGR flow insufficient or P0404 EGR control circuit fault code
  • Black or grey smoke from exhaust at light throttle
  • Hesitation or stumble pulling away from idle
  • Check engine light with EGR-related DTCs stored

What to check

  1. Scan for P0401, P0402, P0404, and P0405 EGR codes.
  2. Remove EGR valve and inspect pintle and seat for carbon binding.
  3. Test valve movement manually and with 12V applied to actuator.
  4. Inspect EGR cooler inlet tube for carbonisation restricting flow.
  5. Check intake manifold for soot accumulation indicating recirculation override.

Where to look: EGR valve on exhaust manifold, EGR cooler, intake manifold EGR inlet port

Parts involved: EGR valve.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the EGR valve ever been cleaned, reconditioned, or replaced?”
  • “Are there any stored engine fault codes currently or in recent history?”
  • “Has the vehicle been used predominantly for short urban trips?”

084G18 Timing Belt Stretch and Water Pump Bearing Failure

Remove timing belt upper cover and check belt for glazing, cracking, or fraying.petrol2003–2012EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

094B11 MIVEC Oil Control Valve Sludge Failure

Connect a scanner and check for MIVEC or VVT fault codes.petrol2007–2015Engine
CommonEngine ≈A$280–830 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The CY4A Galant Fortis 4B11 2.0 MIVEC variable valve timing oil control valves clog with sludge from infrequent or low-quality oil changes, causing the MIVEC system to fail and illuminating a check engine light with MIVEC fault codes. The 4B11 requires oil changes every 5000km with the correct specification to prevent sludge accumulation in the narrow OCV passages.

Symptoms to notice

  • Check engine light with MIVEC or VVT-related fault codes at startup
  • Rough idle on cold start that improves once the engine reaches operating temperature

What to check

Connect a scanner and check for MIVEC or VVT fault codes. Rough idle on cold start that improves after warm-up indicates MIVEC solenoid sludge. Ask about oil change history — intervals beyond 7500km increase sludge risk significantly.

Where to look: 4B11 MIVEC oil control valve solenoids on each cam, top of engine

Ask the seller

  • “Has the 4b11 mivec oil control valve been inspected or repaired?”

10Throttle Body Carbon Fouling

Inspect throttle body bore for grey-black carbon deposits.petrol2007–2015Engine
CommonEngine ≈A$70–280 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

4B11 throttle body butterfly and bore accumulate carbon causing rough idle and hesitation.

Symptoms to notice

  • Rough idle and hesitation from rest at light throttle
  • Occasional stalling when releasing throttle in traffic

What to check

  1. Inspect throttle body bore for grey-black carbon deposits.
  2. Note rough idle and hesitation.

Where to look: Throttle body on intake manifold

Ask the seller

  • “Has the throttle body carbon fouling been inspected or repaired?”
Electrical1

01Electric Power Steering Rack Rattle

Drive over rough surfaces at low speed and listen for rattle from the steering rack area.2007–2015Electrical
CommonElectrical ≈A$550–2,020 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

EPS rack develops internal rattle at low speeds over rough surfaces.

Symptoms to notice

  • Knocking or rattling from steering rack at low speeds
  • Vibration through steering wheel during slow manoeuvring

What to check

Drive over rough surfaces at low speed and listen for rattle from the steering rack area.

Where to look: Electric power steering rack assembly

Parts involved: Steering rack.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the electric power steering rack rattle been inspected or repaired?”
Body, brakes, suspension & interior6

01Corrosion on Japanese-import Lancers — subframe, arches and underbody

1992–2003Body & RustRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

02Front Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Wear (Evo VII–IX)

With front wheels raised, grasp the wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock and check for vertical play in the upper ball joint.petrol2001–2007SuspensionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

03Front Lower Arm Inner Bush Failure & Steering Shimmy

With vehicle safely raised, grip the lower arm at its inner pivot point and apply fore-aft and lateral force.2007–2017Suspension
CommonSuspension ≈A$410–920 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The front lower control arm inner pivot bushes on the CJ Lancer and CZ4A Galant Fortis degrade prematurely due to the original rubber compound hardening and cracking under Australian road and climate conditions. Failure allows the lower arm to deflect longitudinally and laterally under braking and cornering loads, producing vague steering feel, highway shimmy between 90 and 110 km/h, and wander on cambered roads. The bush deflection moves geometry beyond alignment compensation limits, causing accelerated front tyre edge wear. Both lower arms typically require simultaneous bush replacement to permit correct caster and camber alignment.

The front wheel of a car splayed outward with the lower control arm hanging down after a ball joint separation.Example of the part — not this vehicle

A separated lower ball joint: the control arm has dropped and the wheel has splayed out under the guard.

Elfix · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Steering shimmy or vibration between 90 and 110 km/h on motorway
  • Vague or wandering steering requiring constant correction
  • Uneven or feathered tyre wear on front inner or outer edge
  • Clunk from front suspension over road joints or undulations
  • Vehicle pulling under braking

What to check

  1. With vehicle safely raised, grip the lower arm at its inner pivot point and apply fore-aft and lateral force.
  2. Any movement beyond minimal indicates bush failure.
  3. Inspect visually for split, extruded, or cracked rubber.
  4. Check front tyre wear pattern for edge scalloping.
  5. Test drive at 90 to 110 km/h for shimmy.
  6. Review most recent wheel alignment record.

Where to look: Front lower control arm inner pivot bush, subframe mounting bracket, both sides

Parts involved: Ball joint.

Ask the seller

  • “Have the front lower control arm inner bushes been replaced?”
  • “Is there any shimmy or vibration at highway speeds?”
  • “When was the wheel alignment last checked and what readings were recorded?”

04Front Lower Arm Ball Joint Wear

Inspect the boot for splitting.2007–2015Suspension
CommonSuspension ≈A$320–740 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Front lower arm ball joints wear causing clunking and handling imprecision.

The front wheel of a car splayed outward with the lower control arm hanging down after a ball joint separation.Example of the part — not this vehicle

A separated lower ball joint: the control arm has dropped and the wheel has splayed out under the guard.

Elfix · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Clunking from front suspension over bumps
  • Imprecise handling feel when cornering

What to check

Inspect the boot for splitting. If a workshop inspection is possible: With vehicle raised, lever the lower arm and check for ball joint play.

Where to look: Front lower suspension control arms

Parts involved: Ball joint.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the front lower arm ball joint been inspected or repaired?”

05Brake Caliper Guide Pin Seizure

Check for pulling under braking.2007–2015Brakes
CommonBrakes ≈A$180–550 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Front and rear brake caliper guide pins seize from corrosion causing uneven pad wear.

Symptoms to notice

  • Vehicle pulling to one side under braking
  • One disc hotter than the other after moderate use

What to check

  1. Check for pulling under braking.
  2. Feel for uneven wheel heat.
  3. Inspect guide pins.

Where to look: Front and rear brake calipers

Parts involved: Brake disc and pads.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the brake caliper guide pin seizure been inspected or repaired?”

06Rear Multi-Link Bush Collapse

Inspect rear suspension arm bushes for cracking.2007–2015Suspension
CommonSuspension ≈A$370–1,100 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Rear multi-link suspension arm bushes harden and collapse causing rear knocking.

Symptoms to notice

  • Knocking from rear suspension over rough surfaces
  • Imprecise rear handling feel

What to check

  1. Inspect rear suspension arm bushes for cracking.
  2. Push arms — any movement indicates collapsed bushes.

Where to look: Rear multi-link suspension arm bushes

Ask the seller

  • “Has the rear multi-link bush collapse been inspected or repaired?”
Fluid leaks1

01Power Steering Hose and Rack Seal Leaks

Inspect high-pressure hose full length including crimped ends for weeping or staining.petrol2003–2015Fluid Leaks
CommonFluid Leaks ≈A$170–600 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Standard Lancers with hydraulic power steering develop leaks at the high-pressure hose crimped ends and at the rack pinion seals. The high-pressure hose is routed close to the exhaust and heat causes the rubber to harden and crack at the metal crimp fittings. Rack seals also deteriorate with age, producing slow weeps that contaminate the subframe and inner CV boots. Power steering fluid loss causes increasing steering effort and can lead to pump damage if ignored.

Symptoms to notice

  • Power steering fluid puddle under front of vehicle
  • Stiff or heavy steering, particularly at low speed
  • Whining or groaning from power steering pump
  • Visible oily residue on power steering rack or subframe
  • Burning smell from fluid dripping on exhaust

What to check

  1. Inspect high-pressure hose full length including crimped ends for weeping or staining.
  2. Check rack boots for oily contamination — squeeze boots to check for internal fluid.
  3. Check fluid reservoir level and condition.
  4. Look for staining on front subframe below the rack.

Where to look: Engine bay — high-pressure hose from pump to rack; rack pinion seals at each end of steering rack

Parts involved: Steering rack.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the power steering ever been topped up between services?”
  • “Has any power steering work been done, including hose or rack replacement?”
  • “Is there any heaviness in the steering at low speed?”

Mitsubishi Galant Fortis faults in detail

Each of these has its own page: the symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller and what the repair costs. Free, no account needed.

4G18 Timing Belt Stretch and Water Pump Bearing FailureMajor · EngineCorrosion on Japanese-import Lancers — subframe, arches and underbodyCritical · Body & RustFront Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Wear (Evo VII–IX)Major · SuspensionJet-CVT Shudder and Judder Under LoadMajor · Transmission

Other Mitsubishi models

Mitsubishi Outlander47 documented faultsMitsubishi Pajero40 documented faultsMitsubishi Lancer39 documented faultsMitsubishi Pajero Sport15 documented faultsMitsubishi Galant13 documented faultsMitsubishi Challenger12 documented faults

Mitsubishi Galant Fortis buyer questions

Is the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 18 documented faults for the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis, the recurring problem areas are body & rust, engine, and transmission. A Mitsubishi Galant Fortis with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.

What are the most common problems with a used Mitsubishi Galant Fortis?

We've catalogued 18 known faults for the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis, covering body & rust, engine, and transmission. All 18 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a Mitsubishi Galant Fortis?

Most single repairs on the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis fall between ≈A$410–1,100 at independent-workshop rates (an approximate guide in Australian dollars). Some of the 18 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.

Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Mitsubishi Galant Fortis?

Yes. A Mitsubishi Galant Fortis inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection with AI photo analysis from A$28.90, far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page. For a big purchase, a mechanic's pre-purchase inspection on the car you settle on is still worth it.