2004-2012 Galant Rear Spoiler: Paint Match, Installation & Buying Guide
Avoid costly paint mistakes and installation headaches with this guide to buying and fitting a factory or aftermarket spoiler on your ninth-generation Mitsubishi Galant.
- Verifying your car's paint code is the most important step to avoid a costly repaint.
- Installation can be simple with adhesive tape or complex if drilling is required; check if your trunk is pre-drilled.
- A non-functional third brake light is a safety hazard and will fail inspections; always check its condition on a used spoiler.
- Used OEM spoilers often provide the best value, but inspect them carefully for cracks around mounting points and clear coat failure.
Symptoms of a Damaged or Failing Rear Spoiler
Since a spoiler is a static body part, "failure" symptoms are almost always visual or related to its integrated components. Here’s what to look for:
- Cosmetic Damage: The most common issues are cosmetic. Over time, sun exposure and weather can cause the clear coat to peel and the paint to fade or oxidize. Physical damage from impacts can cause cracks, deep scratches, or gouges in the plastic or fiberglass.
- Loose Spoiler: You might hear rattling or vibrating noises from the trunk area, especially at higher speeds. A visual inspection may show the spoiler is loose to the touch. This is often caused by failing mounting hardware, broken clips, or deteriorating adhesive tape.
- Third Brake Light Failure: If your spoiler has an integrated third brake light, the bulbs or LEDs can burn out. This is a safety concern and can cause you to fail a vehicle inspection. In some cases, the wiring that runs through the trunk lid to the light can become frayed or disconnected, causing the light to work intermittently or not at all.
- Water Leaks: If the spoiler is bolted through the trunk lid, failed or improperly installed gaskets around the mounting bolts can allow water to leak into the trunk.
Buying a Used 2004-2012 Galant Spoiler: What to Check
A used OEM spoiler is often the most cost-effective way to add or replace this part, but careful inspection is key. Cheap aftermarket spoilers may not fit as well or be made from lower-quality materials. Here is a detailed checklist for buyers:
Pro Tip: Ask the seller for your vehicle's paint code. A used spoiler that is already the correct color can save you hundreds of dollars in painting costs.
- Structural Integrity: Flex the spoiler gently to check for hidden cracks, especially around the mounting points where bolts or studs are located. Stress fractures are common here.
- Surface Condition: Look for deep scratches, peeling clear coat, and severe paint fade. Minor scuffs can be buffed out, but clear coat failure or deep gouges will require a full repaint, which can be expensive.
- Mounting Hardware: Check that all mounting studs are intact, straight, and not stripped. If it's a tape-on style, ensure the mounting surfaces are flat and not warped. Replacing broken studs can be difficult or impossible.
- Third Brake Light Functionality: If the spoiler includes a third brake light, ask the seller to test it if possible. Check the lens for cracks or hazing and inspect the wiring pigtail for any cuts or damage.
- Verify the Style: The ninth-generation Galant had a few different spoiler styles, including a lower-profile lip spoiler and a more traditional raised spoiler. Ensure the one you're buying is the style you want and matches the mounting footprint on your trunk if you are replacing an existing one.
Known Issues, Recalls, and Service Bulletins
As of this writing, there are no specific recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) issued by Mitsubishi or the NHTSA for the rear spoiler on the 2004-2012 Mitsubishi Galant. Any issues, such as paint peeling or loose fittings, are generally considered cosmetic wear and tear rather than a manufacturing defect. The existing recalls for this generation of Galant pertain to issues like the fuel tank, ignition switch interlock, and automatic transmission oil cooler pipe.
Installation Guide and Difficulty
Installation difficulty varies greatly depending on whether your trunk lid is already drilled for a factory spoiler.
- Difficulty Rating (pre-drilled): 2 out of 5
- Difficulty Rating (no-drill/adhesive): 2 out of 5
- Difficulty Rating (requires drilling): 4 out of 5
Replacing an Existing Spoiler (Bolt-On)
If your car already has a factory spoiler, replacement is straightforward. The spoiler is typically held on by two or four 10mm bolts accessible from inside the trunk lid. You will need to remove the trunk liner, disconnect the third brake light wiring harness, unbolt the old spoiler, clean the surface, and bolt the new one in place using new gaskets to prevent leaks.
Installing a Spoiler with Adhesive Tape
Many aftermarket lip spoilers are designed for a "no-drill" installation using high-strength 3M automotive adhesive tape. Success depends entirely on surface preparation.
- Test Fit: Position the spoiler and use masking tape to mark its exact location.
- Clean Surface: Thoroughly clean the trunk surface with isopropyl alcohol to remove all wax, oil, and residue. A clean surface is critical for a strong bond.
- Apply Adhesion Promoter (Recommended): Wiping the mounting area with a 3M adhesion promoter creates a much stronger, more permanent bond.
- Install: Peel the backing from the tape, carefully align the spoiler with your marks, and press down firmly for several minutes. Ideal installation temperature is between 68-86°F (20-30°C).
Warning: If you are drilling into a trunk lid that did not come with a spoiler from the factory, measure multiple times before drilling. An incorrectly drilled hole is very difficult to fix. Professional installation is recommended if you are not comfortable with this step.
Cost Comparison: New vs. Used Galant Spoilers
The cost for a rear spoiler can vary significantly based on the source and whether it comes painted.
| Part Type | Estimated Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New OEM | $450 - $600+ | Often unpainted or only available in specific colors. Can be hard to find. |
| New Aftermarket | $100 - $250 | Can be purchased unpainted (primed) or pre-painted to match your vehicle's color code. Fitment may not be as precise as OEM. |
| Used OEM | $75 - $200 | Best value if found in good condition and in the correct color. Availability varies. |
| Shop Labor (Installation) | $80 - $200 | For simple bolt-on or adhesive installation. |
| Shop Labor (Drill, Install & Paint) | $300 - $550+ | Includes painting the spoiler ($150-$350) and labor for drilling and fitting. | 🎬 Watch this guide to spoiler installation costs
OEM Part Numbers
These are some of the known OEM part numbers for the 2004-2012 Mitsubishi Galant rear spoiler. Part numbers can vary by year, color, and style. Always verify fitment with the seller.
- MR987373XA
- MZ313195 (Specifically noted for Red, color code P06)
- MZ314081
- MZ314355
- MZ313190 (For 2005-2006 models)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I have to drill my trunk to install a spoiler?
Not always. If you are installing a factory-style spoiler on a car that didn't have one, you will likely need to drill holes. However, many aftermarket lip-style spoilers are designed to be installed using only high-strength double-sided tape, requiring no drilling.
How do I find my car's paint code to match a spoiler?
The paint code for a Mitsubishi Galant is typically found on the vehicle identification plate located either in the engine bay on the firewall or on the driver's side door jamb. Matching this code is the best way to ensure a pre-painted spoiler will match your car's factory finish.
Can I fix a peeling clear coat on my spoiler?
No. Once the clear coat begins to peel or fail, the spoiler must be sanded down, reprimed, and repainted for a proper, long-lasting repair. Simply spraying new clear coat over the peeling areas will not work.
Is a spoiler purely for looks on a Galant?
While the primary benefit on a family sedan like the Galant is aesthetic, the spoiler does have a minor aerodynamic function. It helps to smooth airflow off the back of the car at highway speeds, which can slightly increase stability. Its most important non-cosmetic function is housing the third brake light for safety.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: MR987373XA MZ313195 MZ314081 MZ314355 MZ313190
Material: Typically blow-molded ABS plastic. Mounting: Bolt-on (requires drilling) or adhesive tape. Some models feature an integrated LED or halogen third brake light.
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Mitsubishi Galant:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- Symptoms of a Damaged or Failing Rear Spoiler
- Buying a Used 2004-2012 Galant Spoiler: What to Check
- Known Issues, Recalls, and Service Bulletins
- Installation Guide and Difficulty
- Replacing an Existing Spoiler (Bolt-On)
- Installing a Spoiler with Adhesive Tape
- Cost Comparison: New vs. Used Galant Spoilers
- OEM Part Numbers
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 🎟️ Get 5% Off