Mitsubishi Galant wagon: common faults & what to check
Thinking about buying a used Mitsubishi Galant wagon (1996–2003) in New Zealand? We've documented 6 known faults for this model spanning engine, suspension, 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.
6
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$350–$1,100
Typical repair
4
Systems covered
Known Mitsubishi Galant wagon faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01Timing Belt Failure — Interference Engine (6A12 V6 / 4G93T)
CriticalCommonEngine $600–$6,500 to fix
Both the 6A12 V6 and 4G93T engines fitted to the Legnum EC5W are interference designs; belt failure causes immediate piston-to-valve contact resulting in bent valves and cylinder head damage. Japanese-market imports frequently arrive with unknown or unverifiable service history. The 4G93T turbo variant runs higher thermal and belt loads, further shortening belt life from heat cycling. The service interval is 90,000 km or 5 years, whichever comes first.
Symptoms to notice
Engine stops suddenly with no restart
Loud mechanical bang at moment of belt failure
Engine cranks freely but will not start post-failure
No compression on multiple cylinders after failure
Rattling from timing cover area on worn tensioner bearing
What to check
Demand a dated timing belt replacement record — a sticker on the radiator shroud or stamp in the service book. If no records exist, budget for immediate belt, tensioner, and water pump replacement before driving. Inspect the timing cover for oil contamination that can degrade the belt prematurely.
Where to look: Front of engine block behind plastic timing cover, passenger side
Ask the seller
“Has the timing belt been replaced and do you have written records?”
“Were the water pump and tensioner replaced at the same time?”
“What is the odometer reading since the last belt change?”
02Front Lower Wishbone Inner Bush Collapse
MajorVery commonSuspension $350–$900 to fix
The Legnum EC front double-wishbone suspension uses pressed rubber-to-steel vulcanised inner pivot bushes on the lower control arms. These bushes are subject to progressive degradation from age hardening, ozone cracking, UV exposure, and the continuous compressive cycling loads imposed by the relatively heavy 6A13TT drivetrain. As the rubber compound hardens and fractures, the bushing loses its ability to control arm pivot geometry precisely, allowing fore-and-aft movement of the lower arm that shifts camber and caster dynamically during braking and cornering. NZ/AU imports of this generation are typically 20-28 years old at time of sale, making inner bush collapse nearly universal. Many examples have had aftermarket polyurethane bushes substituted, which can transmit significant NVH into the cabin if the incorrect hardness grade or inadequate grease is used during fitment.
Symptoms to notice
Clunking from front suspension over bumps, during braking or when pulling away
Vague, wandering or imprecise steering feel at highway speeds
Uneven tyre wear, particularly pronounced on the inner shoulder
Vehicle pulls to one side under firm braking
WOF failure on suspension play check
What to check
Visually inspect the inner bush for rubber extrusion beyond the steel shell, visible cracking, or gaps between rubber and shell. If a workshop inspection is possible: With the vehicle on a hoist at normal ride height, grasp each front lower control arm firmly and apply fore-and-aft force — any perceptible movement in the inner pivot bush constitutes a failure. Apply a pry bar between the arm and subframe to quantify play against workshop manual specification.
Where to look: Front suspension subframe — the inner pivot point of the front lower control arm where it bolts to the front subframe crossmember via a through-bolt
Ask the seller
“Has the front suspension been inspected or serviced recently?”
“Does the car wander or pull under firm braking?”
“Has a wheel alignment been done recently and did it achieve correct settings?”
EngineCritical
SuspensionCritical
TransmissionMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
4 more documented faults on the Mitsubishi Galant wagon
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 6 documented faults for the Mitsubishi Galant wagon, the recurring problem areas are engine, suspension, and transmission. A Mitsubishi Galant wagon 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 wagon?
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We've catalogued 6 known faults for the Mitsubishi Galant wagon, covering engine, suspension, 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 wagon?
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Most single repairs on the Mitsubishi Galant wagon fall between $350–$1,100 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 6 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 wagon?
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Yes. A Mitsubishi Galant wagon 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.