1989 Mitsubishi Galant recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Seat belts
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat belts may not hold you in a crash. THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
What could happen: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECU…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1989 GALANT.
- Book a repair at any authorized Mitsubishi dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 95V103004.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Summary: THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
Consequence: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
Notes: SYSTEM: INTERIOR; SEAT BELTS; BELT BUCKLES. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH SAFETY BELTS MADE BY TAKATA CORPORATION. NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, PLEASE CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1989 Mitsubishi Galant owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Seat belts (8), Transmission / drivetrain (4), Vehicle Speed Control (2), Brakes (1), Hydraulic (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
06/16/2003 · Brakes
WHILE APPLYING BRAKES PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR.*AK
06/16/2003 · Wheels / tires
WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 55MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITH PRIOR WARNING LEFT REAR WHEEL FELL OFF. *AK
06/28/2000 · Transmission / drivetrain · crash
CONSUMER PARKED VEHICLE, SHE TURNED IT OFF, AND TOOK KEYS OUT. KEYS WERE NOT INSIDE OF THE CAR, AND CONSUMER WALKED ALWAY, THINKING EVERYTHING WAS IN ORDER. HOWEVER, VEHICLE ROLLED BACK, AND HIT TWO OTHER VEHICLES. *AK *ML
06/23/2000 · Unknown Or Other · crash
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
02/10/2000 · Transmission / drivetrain
CONSUMER HAS REPLACED TRANSMISSION TWICE IN VEHICLE. NLM
10/06/1998 · Vehicle Speed Control
ENGINE WILL INCREASE THE GAS, WHEN STEPPING ON THE BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN, THE VEHICLE REVVED UP AND INCREASED SPEED, DEALER IS NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. *AK *JB
04/30/1998 · Electrical system · fire
ELECTRICAL FAILURE CAUSED FIRE.
01/06/1997 · Body / structure
AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS FAILED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS.