Mitsubishi Galant Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Mitsubishi Galant options? We analyzed 10 model years (2003–2012) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Mitsubishi Galant has 317 owner complaints and 10 safety recalls across model years 2003–2012. The most reported issue area is VISIBILITY. 2003 drew the most complaints; 2011 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Mitsubishi
- Model
- Galant
- Model years analyzed
- 2003–2012 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 317
- Safety recall campaigns
- 10
- Crash-related complaints
- 40
- Fire-related complaints
- 6
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2003 (139 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2011 (3 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- VISIBILITY
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Mitsubishi Galant: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe MITSUBISHI GALANT has 317 NHTSA complaints and 10 recalls on record. 40 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 317 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 10 federal recall campaigns
- 40 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
10 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2003–2012. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 317 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
317 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
My airbags released while driving on the highway. My safety was definitely at risk. My vehicle was inspected by the police on site and my car will also be inspected by the adjuster on my insurance claim. There were no prior warning signs on the car prior to the situation and I was told the vehicle was in great condition when I purchased it second hand.
The contact owns a 2010 Mitsubishi Galant. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the vehicle was maneuvering abnormally and experienced a brief loss of control. The contact stated that while attempting to turn or slow the vehicle, the front end briefly swayed from left to right, then pulled in one direction. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with both the control arms and the crossmember. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V279000 (Structure, Suspension) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 179,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MITSUBISHI GALANT. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT EXCEED 20 MPH. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND HAD IT TOWED BACK HOME. THE CONTACT CALLED OAKLAND MITSUBISHI (2428 WEBSTER ST, OAKLAND, CA 94612, (510) 267-0688), BUT HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER YET. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,607.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MITSUBISHI GALANT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MITSUBISHI GALANT. WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND BACK THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THERE WAS NO POLICE REPORT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE DETAILS OF THE REPAIRS WERE UNKNOWN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
HAD TROUBLE CHANGING GEARS FROM PARK TO DRIVE FELT LIKE IT WAS GETTING STUCK AND I HAD TO JERK IT TO BE ABLE TO SWITCH GEARS. ONCE I WAS ABLE TO SWITCH THE GEAR INTO DRIVE AND STARTED DRIVING THE NUTRUAL LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH AND MY CAR WOULD NOT PICK UP SPEED. I LATER FOUND OUT THAT MY SNAP RING/WAVE SPRING HAD BROKE AND THE METAL PIECES WENT INTO THE FILTER CLOGGING IT UP AND DAMAGING THE PIPE CAUSING ME TO NEED A NEW/REBUILT TRANSMISSION. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS COMMON FOR THE GALANTS. *TR
Read 14 more owner reports
MITSUBISHI UPDATES THEIR MAPS FOR THE GALANT EVERY 1.5 YEARS, HOWEVER THE MAPS USED TO UPDATE ARE OLD MAPS. FOR EXAMPLE, THE APRIL 2013 VERSION HAS MAPS FROM 2011. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MITSUBISHI GALANT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH AND CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY NOR DID THE SEAT BELT RESTRAIN PROPERLY. THE CONTACT WAS THROWN FORWARD ABRUPTLY AND SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MITSUBISHI GALANT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER ACCELERATING FROM A STOP LIGHT AND ATTEMPTING A RIGHT TURN, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT HAND AS A RESULT. THE POLICE WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT WAS LATER TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR THE ERRONEOUS AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 46,883. UPDATED 12/21/12*LJ UPDATED 1/4/2013 *JS
ON A LONG COMMUTE, I BEGAN HEARING A SCAPING SOUNDS AS I MANEUVERED THE STEERING WHEEL. AS TIME PASEED IT BECAME LOUDER AND I NOTICED A WIRE STICKING OUT BETWEEN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE MOUNT. IT CONTINUED TO BECOME MORE AND MORE UNDONE.I ALSO NOTICED MY SRS LIGHT IS ON. THE LIGHT FOR THE ANTI SKID PROTECTION WAS SHOWING BOTH ON AND OFF, THEN EVENTUALLY WENT OUT COMPLETELY. FINALLY TOWARDS THE END OF MY DRIVE I WAS MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN AND IT ACCELERATED FOR ONE SECOND ABSENT OF MY COMMAND TO DO SO.
THERE WAS A POLICE CHASE, THE CAR THAT WAS BEEN CHASED HIT ANOTHER CAR THE BOTH CARS HIT MY CAR, MY CAR WAS IS TOTAL. NON OF THE 8 AIR BAG DEPLOYED EVEN THOUGH THE IMPACT HARD BOTH FROM THE FRONT & SIDE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI GALANT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO HIM FROM THE REAR. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT DID NOT RETAIN ITS PASSENGER. AS A RESULT, A PASSENGER SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SUFFERED INJURIES AND SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 13,008.
The contact owns a 2009 Mitsubishi Galant. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the front driver's side air bag deployed inadvertently and struck the contact’s face and chest. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact immediately slammed on the brake pedal and then pulled into a parking spot. The contact stated there was no collision before the air bag deployment. The contact stated that she sustained pain in the face and on the chest but did not seek medical assistance. The dealer was contacted and advised the contact to cut the air bag off the steering wheel and to take the vehicle to their location. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive because the seat belt was inoperable after the air bag had been deployed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Shannon bell private dealer is selling this car with a unrepairable cv axel. I purchased it and di my home work he rolled the miles back. He's falsely advertising it as clean tie and 190 something miles. That's even less then when I had it. Air bag lights are on and he unplugged the wires along with seatbelt so the lights don't show.
SRS LIGHT LIGHT IS ON AFTER REPLACING AIRBAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 MITSUBISHI GALANT. WHILE THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND WAS DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, HE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HIS HEAD AND THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED BRUISES. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT REQUIRED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. ADDITIONALLY, ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2017, WHILE DRIVING UNKNOWN SPEEDS AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, A VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED SOFT TISSUE AND SPLEEN INJURIES, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO OZARK CHEVROLET (LOCATED AT 1020 N 18TH ST, OZARK, MO 65721) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUSPENSION AND BODY NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO AN ATTORNEY. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI GALANT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG COMPARTMENT WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DON HARRING MITSUBISHI DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE AIR BAG COMPARTMENT NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,923.
MY SRS LIGHT IS ON
MY MITSUBISHI SRA LIGTH CAME ON.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI GALANT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS NO COLLISION. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE STREET. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THE DIAGNOSIS WAS THAT THE VEHICLE DISPLAYED A FRONT BUMPER DAMAGE THEREFORE THE SENSOR WAS DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Showing 20 of 317 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Mitsubishi Galant
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Mitsubishi Galant, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Mitsubishi Galant has 317 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Mitsubishi Galant has 10 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 40 of the Mitsubishi Galant's 317 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Mitsubishi Galant vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Mitsubishi Galant vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Mitsubishi Galant has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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By state
Check a Mitsubishi Galant by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Mitsubishi Galant.
Research more
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Mitsubishi Galant reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Mitsubishi Galant reliable?
Poor. The Mitsubishi Galant has 317 NHTSA owner complaints and 10 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is VISIBILITY. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Mitsubishi Galant years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2003 (139 complaints), 2004 (61 complaints), 2005 (26 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Mitsubishi Galant problems?
Top reported issues: VISIBILITY (61 complaints); STRUCTURE (58 complaints); AIR BAGS (50 complaints).
Does the Mitsubishi Galant have recalls?
Yes — 10 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Mitsubishi Galant. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.