2004 Mitsubishi Galant — 3.8L

Compared with the 1999–2003 model years that averaged triple-digit complaints and multiple annual recalls, the 2004 Mitsubishi Galant marks a sharp inflection point: federal complaints dropped to 61 from 139 in 2003, recalls fell to one, and investigations dropped to zero. Across the 2004–2012 generation, the trend is decisively downward, with complaints falling from 61 in 2004 to 26 in 2005 and generally remaining in the single digits or low twenties thereafter, while recalls stayed minimal. That trajectory places 2004 at the front edge of a much cleaner reliability arc, though technical service bulletins did tick up to 94 from 71 in 2003 before receding in subsequent years. The data lists top complaint areas as Structure, Air Bags, Visibility, and Service Brakes, with five crash-related complaints and zero fire complaints, but it does not specify root causes. Given its substantially lower complaint and recall volume relative to the preceding generation and its position at the start of a sustained low-trouble period, 2004 represents a comparatively sound year to buy.