Thinking about buying a used Mitsubishi Galant (1996–2015) in New Zealand? We've documented 13 known faults for this model spanning engine, transmission, fluid leaks, and suspension. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
13
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$650–$1,800
Typical repair
5
Systems covered
Known Mitsubishi Galant faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
014G93/4G64 Timing Belt Failure in Interference Engine
CriticalCommonEngine $500–$8,500 to fix
The 4G93 1.8L and 4G64 2.4L engines fitted to the Galant EA/EC are interference engines where timing belt failure causes immediate piston-to-valve contact and bent valves. Belts are due every 100,000 km or 5 years, but many NZ/AU used imports arrive with unknown belt history. A snapped belt causes immediate engine destruction requiring a full rebuild or replacement, making inspection of belt history critical before purchase.
Symptoms to notice
Engine cranks but will not start (belt has already snapped)
Ticking noise from cambelt area indicating tensioner or idler pulley wear
Coolant or oil leak near timing cover that can saturate and destroy the belt
Visible cracking, fraying, or glazing on belt when cover is removed
What to check
Prioritise timing belt inspection above all other checks. Request documented belt change history with mileage — if unknown, budget for immediate replacement before driving the car. Check water pump condition as it should be replaced at the same service. If a workshop inspection is possible: Remove the upper timing cover and visually inspect the belt for cracking, glazing, or fraying.
Where to look: Front of engine behind plastic timing cover on driver's side
Ask the seller
“Has the timing belt been replaced, and if so at what mileage and when?”
“Was the water pump, tensioner, and idler replaced at the same time?”
“Can you provide service records showing timing belt history?”
02Cracked radiator plastic top tank causing coolant loss
MajorVery commonCooling $400–$900 to fix
The factory radiator uses plastic end tanks that become brittle with age and heat cycling, and the top tank commonly cracks and weeps coolant on the 8th-gen Galant/Legnum. Owners widely report the failure and replace the unit with an all-aluminium radiator as a durable fix, particularly important on the turbo VR-4.
Symptoms to notice
Coolant smell or visible weeping from the top of the radiator
Slowly dropping coolant level and needing top-ups
Rising temperature gauge or overheating under load
Crusty dried coolant residue along the plastic top tank seam
What to check
With the engine cold, inspect the plastic top tank and its seam with the metal core for cracks, staining or dried coolant. Check the coolant level and look for residue in the overflow bottle. Run the engine to temperature and watch the gauge, and check whether an aftermarket aluminium radiator has already been fitted.
Where to look: Radiator top tank (plastic end tank) at the front of the engine bay
Ask the seller
“Has the radiator ever cracked or been replaced, and was it upgraded to aluminium?”
“Does the car ever run hot in traffic or lose coolant?”
“When was the cooling system last flushed and pressure tested?”
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
SuspensionMajor
SuspensionMajor
11 more documented faults on the Mitsubishi Galant
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 13 documented faults for the Mitsubishi Galant, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and fluid leaks. A Mitsubishi Galant 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?
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We've catalogued 13 known faults for the Mitsubishi Galant, covering engine, transmission, and fluid leaks. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Mitsubishi Galant?
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Most single repairs on the Mitsubishi Galant fall between $650–$1,800 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 13 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?
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Yes. A Mitsubishi Galant 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 plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.