Head-to-head reliability
Mitsubishi Galant vs FORD F 150
How the Mitsubishi Galant and FORD F 150 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Mitsubishi Galant vs FORD F 150: The Galant averages 31.7 complaints per year with 10 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,131.1 complaints and 145 recalls. The Galant's issues center on windows, structure, and air bags; the F-150's on transmission and electrical problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mitsubishi Galant or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mitsubishi Galant
The Mitsubishi Galant is a midsize sedan with a relatively low complaint volume—about 32 per year over a decade—but the pattern shows recurring issues with windows shattering, sunroofs exploding, air bag dash separation, and brake problems. Owners report these failures happening without warning, sometimes while driving, which can be frightening and expensive. With 10 recalls and 40 crash-related complaints, it's a car that demands a careful pre-purchase inspection.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume—over 1,100 per year—dominated by transmission and electrical problems. Owners describe hard shifts, sudden loss of power, and a slew of warning lights for cameras and collision assist. With 145 recalls and 328 crash-related complaints, it's a complex truck that can be reliable but often needs attention.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mitsubishi Galant | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 317 Better | 11,311 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 10 Better | 145 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 40 Better | 328 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 31.7 Better | 1131.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 37 Better | 287 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 1 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Mitsubishi Galant
- 01VISIBILITY61
- 02STRUCTURE58
- 03AIR BAGS50
- 04SERVICE BRAKES37
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM35
Owners report driver-side windows shattering without cause, sometimes when the car isn't moving, and sunroofs exploding loudly like a gunshot. These failures can cause cuts and distract the driver, so check all glass for cracks or prior replacements.
Complaints include sudden loss of control and abnormal maneuvering while driving, as well as sunroof glass shattering. These issues affect steering and stability, making a test drive on varied roads essential.
Owners describe passenger air bags rising and separating from the dashboard, and in at least one crash, air bags failed to prevent head injuries. This suggests potential deployment or fitment problems that could affect safety in a collision.
Reports include scraping noises, wires protruding near the steering wheel, and repeated brake problems even after dealer visits. Brake issues can compromise stopping distance, so have a mechanic inspect the entire brake system.
“THE DRIVER WINDOW IS BREAKING WITHOUT CAUSE. HAS HAPPENED ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. DID NOT TAKE PICTURE. BUT INSURANCE FIXED THE MOST RECENT SHATTERING INCIDENT--SO IF PICTURE NEEDED CAN OBTAIN IN THE FUTURE. ONCE OCCURRENCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN MOTION. A…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,553
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,071
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,401
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,164
- 05ENGINE847
Many owners report hard or delayed shifts, jerking, and sudden loss of power with the 10-speed automatic transmission. These symptoms can leave you stranded or cause a crash, so a thorough transmission check is critical.
Complaints include loud bangs from the transmission area, popping sounds from the rear suspension, and persistent warnings like 'Front Camera Malfunction' and 'Pre Collision Assist Not Available.' These electrical glitches can disable safety features and are often hard to diagnose.
With over 1,100 complaints, exterior lighting issues are common, though specific failure details aren't provided in the sample. Faulty lights reduce visibility and can lead to accidents or tickets, so test all lights and check for recalls.
Engine-related complaints number in the hundreds, though the sample text doesn't detail them. Given the truck's complexity, engine problems can be costly, so look for signs of rough running, leaks, or warning lights.
“I started noticing hard and delayed shifts from 7th into 8th gear. My RPM's were not increasing when this happened, and then on a very crowded major road I lost all power, vehicle shut off and drifted, then started up and jerked again very hard. This failure…”
“I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2020 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission shifts hard (ie: jerks, clunks) between 4-5 and 5-6 gears, and has on occasion…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Mitsubishi Galant — 10 recalls
The defect: MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 GALANT VEHICLES. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER PIPE ASSEMBLY ON SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE INSUFFICIENT PLATING TO PREVENT CORROSION, IF THE PIPE SHOULD DEVELOP A HOLE DUE TO CORROSION, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR.
The risk: ATF IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD.
The fix: DEALERS WILL HAVE THE AFT OIL COOLER PIPE ASSEMBLY INSPECTED. IF INSUFFICIENT PLATING IS FOUND DURING INSPECTION, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE AFT OIL COOLER PIPE ASSEMBLY WITH NEW PARTS CONTAINING APPROPRIATE ANTI-CORROSION PLATING. THIS S…
The defect: MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING 45,988 MY 2005-2007 ENDEAVOR, GALANT, ECLIPSE COUPE, AND MY 2007 ECLIPSE SPYDER VEHICLES. THE BRACKET THAT IS THE ATTACHMENT POINT FOR THE LEFT REAR FUEL TANK MOUNTING STRAP MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY FORMED DURING A METAL STAMPING PROCESS. THE PROCESS MAY HAVE CAUSED THE META…
The risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE IF THE LEFT REAR FUEL TANK STRAP MOUNTING BRACKET HAS SPLITTING BEYOND A SPECIFIC LIMIT. VEHICLES WITH MODERATE TO SEVERE SPLITTING WILL BE REPAIRED USING A REINFORCEMENT CAP, A SPECIAL STRUCTURAL ADHESIVE, AND…
The defect: MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING 73,000 MY 2004-2006 GALLANT PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING VEHICLE USE, THE IGNITION KEY INTERLOCK CABLE (WHICH IS A COMPONENT OF THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM) MAY ALLOW THE INTERLOCKING CAM TO FALL FORWARD AND ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH WHEN THE GEARS…
The risk: IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT SHIFT TO PARK BEFORE REMOVING THE KEY AND FAILS TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND CORRECT THESE VEHICLES FOR THE REPORTED CONDITION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-888-648-7820.
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKES, THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER, WHICH CONTROLS THE FLUID PRESSURE TO THE VEHICLE'S BRAKES, MAY ALLOW BRAKE FLUID TO BYPASS INTERNALLY DURING STOPPING.
The risk: THIS MAY RESULT IN A PARTIAL LOSS OF BRAKING, INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES, AND COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 3, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.
FORD F 150 — 145 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) is manually rotated from…
The risk: DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C03.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles. The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle's systems such as instrument panel displays and br…
The risk: Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Reduced braking and steering efforts increases the risk of a crash. This condition could also create a resistive short, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the positive battery cable/BMS/PDB joint for excess sealant adhesive and remove any excessive adhesive, reassemble the joint, and retorque the fastener, as necessary, free of charge. The re…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also…
The risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's num…
Buyer analysis
Mitsubishi Galant or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi Galant has far fewer complaints per year (about 32 vs. 1,131 for the F-150), but both have serious safety-related issues. In practice, the Galant may be simpler and cheaper to maintain, while the F-150's high complaint rate means you're more likely to encounter transmission or electrical problems.
Key differences
- The Galant's top complaints are visibility (shattering windows) and structure (sunroof explosions, loss of control), while the F-150's are power train (transmission jerking) and electrical (warning lights, noises).
- The F-150 has 145 recalls versus 10 for the Galant, meaning more potential safety fixes but also more complexity.
- Crash-related complaints are much higher for the F-150 (328 vs. 40), though this may reflect its higher sales volume.
- The Galant's air bag complaints include dash separation, while the F-150's electrical issues can disable driver-assist features.
- Inspect all windows and the sunroof for cracks, chips, or signs of replacement—shattering without cause is a reported pattern.
- Check the passenger air bag area for any separation or lifting from the dashboard, and verify if recalls for air bags or brakes have been performed.
- Test drive at various speeds and watch for hard shifts, jerking, or delayed engagement from the transmission, especially between 4-5, 5-6, and 7-8 gears.
- Start the truck and look for warning messages like 'Front Camera Malfunction' or 'Pre Collision Assist Not Available'—these indicate electrical gremlins.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls have been addressed, especially for the Galant's brakes/air bags and the F-150's transmission/electrical systems.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the Galant's glass, brakes, and air bag dash area, or the F-150's transmission and electrical modules.
- During the test drive, listen for unusual noises (scraping, bangs, popping) and feel for any loss of power or steering anomalies.
- Check that all lights, cameras, and driver-assist features work properly, as these are common complaint areas for both vehicles.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially any transmission fluid changes or brake work, to gauge how well the vehicle was cared for.
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Mitsubishi Galant or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mitsubishi Galant vs FORD F 150
- Mitsubishi Galant total complaints
- 317
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,311
- Mitsubishi Galant total recalls
- 10
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 145
- Mitsubishi Galant avg complaints/year
- 31.7
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1131.1
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Galant
- Mitsubishi Galant top complaint area
- VISIBILITY
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN