The Lemon Index
2003
20059th generation
Not enough data. Only 15 complaints in its first 3 years: too few to score.
15 owner complaints, first 3 years 19–23 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2004 Volkswagen Golf 892004 Nissan Maxima 4092004 Toyota Avalon
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
Only 7 complaints listed a mileage: too few to say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recall 08V276000 (electrical) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Mitsubishi sent dealers 94 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “In certain model/model years vehicles, the coils have been found to overheat and possibly melt”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Mitsubishi's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 15 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 2K to 22K miles (4K to 36K km) on the car (7 of all 15 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
Consumer has had sensor in the abs system replaced twice. *** no answer required***
2004 Mitsubishi Galant owner · NHTSA complaint 10142111
More owner reports
2004 Mitsubishi Galant customer has concerns about engine light coming on* the consumer stated the vehicle was reprogrammed on december 30, 2006. The consumer stated the vehicle sounds like it has a bad muffler.
NHTSA complaint 10184800
Problems Mitsubishi told dealers about
Mitsubishi sent dealers 94 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- In certain model/model years vehicles, the coils have been found to overheat and possibly melt
- Engine pinging at low speeds
- Engine bolt location
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 1
- Electrical · recall issued 2008
MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING 73,000 MY 2004-2006 GALLANT PASSENGER VEHICLES.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Every Mitsubishi Galant recall, all years · All Mitsubishi recalls
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,600–$3,950 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.8L 6-cyl.
Every Mitsubishi Galant year. 2004 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2004 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/mitsubishi-galant/?y=2004" title="Mitsubishi Galant reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="307" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/mitsubishi-galant/2004/">Lemon Index</a> (2004 Mitsubishi Galant reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2004 Mitsubishi Galant reliable?
There isn't enough data to score it: owners filed only 15 complaints in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2004 Mitsubishi Galant problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (33%), engine (13%) and doors, locks & latches (7%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2004 Mitsubishi Galant have?
1 safety recall (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2004 Mitsubishi Galant get?
19 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2004 Mitsubishi Galant have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2004 Mitsubishi Galant cost in fuel a year?
About $2,600 to $3,950 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2004 Mitsubishi Galant have?
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.8L 6-cyl.
What Mitsubishi Galant year is better than the 2004?
Nearby, the 2002 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (a bit over half as many complaints as the average car).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works