Mitsubishi Galant Fortis: common faults & what to check
Thinking about buying a used Mitsubishi Galant Fortis (1992–2017) in New Zealand? We've documented 28 known faults for this model spanning engine, body & rust, transmission, and fluid leaks. 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.
28
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$450–$1,800
Typical repair
8
Systems covered
Known Mitsubishi Galant Fortis faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
014G63T Spun Rod Bearings at High Mileage or After Modification (Evo VII–IX)
CriticalOccasionalEngine $5,000–$18,000 to fix
The 4G63 turbocharged engine in Evo VII, VIII, and IX variants is susceptible to spun big-end rod bearings when operated at high oil temperatures without adequate maintenance, or when power is increased beyond stock levels. The bearings spin in the connecting rod bore, scoring the crankshaft journal and destroying the rod. Contributing factors include extended oil change intervals, use of non-OEM specification oil, oil starvation during hard cornering when the oil level is low, and high-boost aftermarket tuning. Many NZ Evo examples are modified and have unknown service histories from JDM import. Early signs include a low rumbling knock at idle or on deceleration.
Symptoms to notice
Deep rhythmic knock from lower engine, worst at idle and on deceleration
Oil pressure warning light at idle
Metallic particles or shavings in oil on drain
Sudden onset of engine knock after hard driving
Low oil level at service interval
What to check
Start cold and listen immediately for lower engine knock — bearing knock is loudest when cold. Check oil level, colour, and condition. Remove oil filler cap and check for metallic smell. If possible, check oil pressure with mechanical gauge at idle warm. Ask about oil change frequency and boost levels. Any modification including aftermarket turbo, intercooler, or ECU tune raises risk significantly.
Where to look: Lower engine block — connecting rod bearings on crankshaft journals
Ask the seller
“Has the engine been modified and if so what tune/power level?”
“How frequently was the oil changed and what brand/grade was used?”
“Has the engine ever knocked or had oil pressure issues?”
“Is this a grey import and can you provide any Japanese service history?”
02Electric Power Steering Rack Rattle
MinorCommonElectrical $600–$2,200 to fix
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
Ask the seller
“Has the electric power steering rack rattle been inspected or repaired?”
EngineCritical
Body & RustCritical
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
EngineMajor
BrakesMajor
SuspensionMajor
SuspensionMajor
EngineMajor
CoolingMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
BrakesMajor
SuspensionMinor
Fluid LeaksMinor
EngineMinor
26 more documented faults on the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis
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 28 documented faults for the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis, the recurring problem areas are engine, body & rust, 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?
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We've catalogued 28 known faults for the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis, covering engine, body & rust, and transmission. 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 Fortis?
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Most single repairs on the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis fall between $450–$1,800 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 28 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?
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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 plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.