Yes. Most Mitsubishi Galant models, especially those sold in North America and other major markets since the late 1970s, include a catalytic converter as part of the exhaust system to meet emissions standards. There are exceptions for very early models or markets with different regulations, but modern Galants rely on catalytic converters.
The Mitsubishi Galant is a long-running nameplate that spanned decades and several generations, produced for multiple markets with evolving emissions rules. This article explains how catalytic converters fit into the Galant lineup and how to verify their presence on a specific vehicle.
Role of catalytic converters in the Galant
In gasoline-powered Galants, the catalytic converter reduces pollutants such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides before exhaust gases leave the vehicle. The exact setup—how many converters and where they’re located—depends on the engine option and the market, but the use of a cat is a standard feature in modern Galants to comply with emission standards.
Generational presence and market variations
Because emissions regulations changed over time, the presence and layout of catalytic converters in the Galant have varied by era and region. The following outlines typical patterns you’re likely to encounter across generations.
Early years and potential exceptions
Early Galant models from the pre-emissions era, and those designed for markets with looser rules, sometimes lacked a catalytic converter. In the United States, catalytic converters were mandated for new cars beginning in 1975, so U.S.-market Galants from the mid-1970s onward typically include one.
Standardization in the late 20th century
From the 1980s into the 1990s, the Galant lineup generally used at least one catalytic converter as part of the exhaust system to meet increasingly strict emissions standards in the United States, Europe and other regions.
Modern Galants
In the 2000s through the final years of production in many markets (including the 2012 model year in several regions), catalytic converters remained a standard component, with layouts that may include a primary cat near the exhaust manifold and sometimes a secondary cat depending on the engine and generation.
Note: Engine type (four-cylinder vs. V6) and the market can affect exact placement and the number of catalytic converters. For specifics about your exact vehicle, check the owner's manual or your vehicle’s service records.
Overview by era and market: While the general trend is toward standard catalytic converters across Galant generations, exact configurations vary. The following list summarizes the typical pattern by era.
Evidence by era and market
- 1969–1974: Early Galants in some markets may have no catalytic converter; U.S.-market models in this window generally did not require a cat due to pre-EPA rules.
- 1975–1989: Catalytic converters become widespread on Galants sold in the U.S. and many other regions to meet new emission standards.
- 1990–2012: Most Galants in major markets include at least one catalytic converter, with variations in layout based on engine and model year.
Era-based guidance is a practical reference, but the exact configuration for a given car should be verified via official documentation or a qualified technician.
How to confirm the catalytic converter on your Galant
Before verifying in person, understand that some Galants have aftermarket exhaust modifications that alter the cat’s appearance or location. The steps below help you confirm the factory-installed catalytic converter on a specific vehicle.
Key checks and methods you can use
- Inspect under the car along the exhaust path for a metal canister-shaped unit between the engine and the muffler—that is the catalytic converter.
- Look for heat shields around the undercarriage portion of the exhaust and note the presence of oxygen sensors on the pipe leading to and away from the cat; configurations vary by year and engine.
- Consult the owner's manual or service records for the exact emissions equipment installed for your model year and market.
- If the vehicle is 1996 or newer, use an OBD-II scan tool to check for cat-related codes (such as P0420 or P0430), which can indicate a failing catalytic converter.
If you can’t locate a catalytic converter or suspect an aftermarket modification, contact a Mitsubishi dealer or a trusted mechanic to confirm the original layout and the cat’s condition.
Summary
Across its many generations, the Mitsubishi Galant typically includes a catalytic converter as part of its exhaust system to meet emissions requirements. While very early or market-specific versions may have lacked a cat, modern Galants almost always rely on catalytic converters. For a specific vehicle, verify with the owner's manual, service records, or a qualified technician to confirm the exact emissions equipment and current condition.