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CriticalCommonEngine

Mitsubishi Galant: 4G93/4G64 Timing Belt Failure in Interference Engine

4G93/4G64 Timing Belt Failure in Interference Engine is a common engine fault on the Mitsubishi Galant on the 1996–2012 cars, and we rate it critical. Putting it right costs $500 to $8,500 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 13 documented faults on the Mitsubishi Galant.

Vehicle
Mitsubishi Galant
Engine
4G93 / 4G64
Years
1996–2012
Fuel
petrol
System
Engine

This page covers the Mitsubishi Galant as a model. Some faults only affect particular engines or build years — enter a plate below to narrow the list to one car.

All Mitsubishi Galant faults13 documented faults on this model

What you are looking at

No photograph available

We do not hold a verified photograph of the Timing belt yet. We would rather show none than show a picture of a different part.

What goes wrong

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.

What you would 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

How to check it

Where to look. Front of engine behind plastic timing cover on driver's side

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.

Parts involved: Timing belt.

What it costs to put right

$500 to $8,500 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

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?”

Now check the Mitsubishi Galant you are actually looking at

Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car has been looked after: its odometer history and whether the reading has ever gone backwards, whether there is still money owing on it, whether it has been reported stolen, how many owners it has had and what it is really worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate for the free details, or get the full history and a market valuation from $13.49.

Not sure what you would be paying for? See what a full KickTyres check includes.

Where this comes from

The failure described above is documented in published sources — owner forums, technical service bulletins, recall notices and workshop write-ups — held in our fault database. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them, and it is a starting point for an inspection rather than a manufacturer statement.

Mitsubishi Galant buyer questions

Is 4g93/4g64 timing belt failure in interference engine serious on a Mitsubishi Galant?

We rate it critical and common on the Mitsubishi Galant. 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.

How much does it cost to fix on a Mitsubishi Galant?

$500 to $8,500 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.

Which Mitsubishi Galant years are affected?

Our research records this fault on the 1996–2012 Mitsubishi Galant. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.

How do I check for it before I buy?

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. Look here: Front of engine behind plastic timing cover on driver's side