2009 Mitsubishi Galant Problems

Severe Issues

Shopping for a used 2009 Mitsubishi Galant? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 16 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions the most reported area.

200810 years2010

Before you buy

This 2009 Mitsubishi Galant has 16 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.

A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.

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16
Complaints
3
Crashes
Fires
4
Injuries
Fatalities
Recalls

2009 Mitsubishi Galant Fuel Economy

✓ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2009 Mitsubishi Galant trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

20
MPG City
1620 range
27
MPG Hwy
2527 range
23
MPG Combined
1923 range
386
g CO₂/mile
Regular Gasoline
⚠️Costs $2,250 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.

2009 Mitsubishi Galant Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated
Stability Control: NoForward Collision Warning: NoLane Departure Warning: No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant has 16 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.

2009 Mitsubishi Galant — key reliability facts
Make
Mitsubishi
Model
Galant
Model year
2009
NHTSA owner complaints
16
Crash-related complaints
3
Safety recall campaigns
0
Top reported component
Airbag Malfunctions
Reliability signal
Severe Issues
EPA MPG combined
23
EPA MPG city / highway
20 / 27
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
Electronic stability control
No

Common problems

Most common 2009 Mitsubishi Galant problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
10
complaints

Airbag Malfunctions

Crash-related:3
Injuries:4
#2
4
complaints

Structural Problems

#3
3
complaints

Wheel Issues

Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Structural Problems, Wheel Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Buyer verdict

Should you buy a used 2009 Mitsubishi Galant?

The 2009 Mitsubishi Galant shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.

Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.

Pre-purchase

What to check before buying a used 2009 Mitsubishi Galant

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect airbag system and verify no warning lights are present.
  • Check for any open recalls related to airbags at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for reported components, especially airbags and structural parts.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on airbags, structure, and wheels.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Inspect airbag system and verify no warning lights are present.
  • Check for any open recalls related to airbags at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for reported components, especially airbags and structural parts.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on airbags, structure, and wheels.

Check the exact car

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2009 Mitsubishi Galant, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.

AI verdict

What the complaint data suggests

Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Based on 16 NHTSA complaints for the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant, issues appear concentrated in airbag malfunctions, which account for the majority of reports. Structural problems and wheel issues are also noted, though with lower frequency. The data is limited and may not represent the full ownership experience.

Key Findings
  • Airbag Malfunctions are the most reported component with 10 complaints.
  • Structural Problems account for 4 complaints.
  • Wheel Issues are reported in 3 complaints.
Top Concerns
  • Airbag Malfunctions are the dominant concern, reported in 10 complaints.
  • Structural Problems are the second most common issue, with 4 complaints.
  • Wheel Issues appear in 3 complaints, indicating potential problems with wheels.
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. The sample size of 16 complaints is small, and confidence level is Low. Complaints may be influenced by reporting bias and do not reflect overall vehicle reliability.

Full breakdown

All 2009 Mitsubishi Galant complaints by category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Airbag Malfunctions103
Structural Problems4
Wheel Issues3
Tire Issues2
Seat Belt Issues1
Uncategorized Issues1
Brake System1
Hydraulic1
Transmission / Drivetrain1

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

In their words

Real owner complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Showing 16 most recent complaints

Airbag MalfunctionsJan 16, 2024

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 …

Airbag MalfunctionsMay 3, 2023

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 …

Airbag MalfunctionsOct 2, 2020

SRS LIGHT LIGHT IS ON AFTER REPLACING AIRBAGS

Airbag Malfunctions CrashFeb 12, 2018

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 …

Airbag MalfunctionsMay 26, 2017

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 …

Airbag MalfunctionsAug 25, 2016

MY SRS LIGHT IS ON

Airbag MalfunctionsJul 9, 2016

MY MITSUBISHI SRA LIGTH CAME ON.

Airbag MalfunctionsJan 11, 2016

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 T…

Structural ProblemsAug 19, 2015

I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 60 MILES PER HOUR ON THE HIGHWAY AROUND 3:00 PM ON A WEEKDAY AND MY SUNROOF JUST SHATTERED INTO THOUSANDS OF PIECES, IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT WHEN IT BROKE. I SWERVED INTO THE NEXT LANE, NOTHING HAPPENED BUT THIS INCIDENT COULD OF BEEN A LOT WORSE. AT THE TIM…

Airbag Malfunctions CrashNov 7, 2014

I WAS COMPLETELY STOPPED, WAITING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN WHEN A CAR BARRELLED UP BEHIND ME AND HIT ME FROM BEHIND. THE IMPACT CAUSED MY CAR TO BE THROWN INTO THE LANE OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC, AND ANOTHER CAR HIT ME HEAD-ON. MY CAR WAS BEING TOSSED AROUND LIKE A TIN CAN. WHEN IT FINAL…

Tire IssuesFeb 27, 2012

I PURCHASED MY CAR BRAND NEW BACK IN DEC OF 2008. NOT EVEN THREE YEARS LATER, THREE (3) OF THE FOUR (4) TIRES HAVE SEVERE CRACKING WHERE THE TREAD MEETS THE SIDEWALL. THE ONLY REASON THE FOURTH TIRE WASN'T DAMAGED THE SAME WAY IS I HAD A NAIL STUCK IN THE SIDEWALL PRIOR THE FIRST…

Brake SystemDec 3, 2011

WHEN GOING IN REVERSE THE CAR MAKES A HORRIBLE LOUD NOISE. THE CAR IS STILL IN FACTORY CONDITION AND NOT USING ANY AFTERMARKET PARTS. DEALER STATES THEY HAVE TORE DOWN THE REAR END OF ANOTHER CAR AND LUBED AND OILED AND SAT FOR OVERNIGHT AND DID THE SAME NOISE. SEEMS TO BE A V…

Structural ProblemsOct 30, 2011

UNDERCARRIAGE OF CAR IS RUSTED. *TR

Airbag Malfunctions CrashOct 18, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI GALANT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL CRASH BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO PRIOR PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAGS. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUF…

Structural ProblemsFeb 10, 2010

RUST UNDER CARRIAGE. *TR

Tire IssuesDec 24, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI GALANT. THE MANUFACTURER OF THE TIRES ARE YOKOHAMA, MODEL NAME RADIAL ALL SEASON TUBELESS, AND THE TIRE SIZE IS P/215/60/R16. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE THE TIRES CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO SLIDE ABNORMALLY. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE …

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant.

Safety recalls

2009 Mitsubishi Galant recalls

0 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant. No recall campaigns are currently listed for this model year in the dataset, but VIN-level recall checks are still essential. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

No recall campaigns on record

No NHTSA recalls were found for this model year. Recalls can be added at any time — confirm open-recall status on the exact VIN or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Across model years

Compare Mitsubishi Galant model years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2009 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

Questions

2009 Mitsubishi Galant buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant reliable?

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 16 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2009 Mitsubishi Galant shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant?

#1: Airbag Malfunctions (10 complaints). #2: Structural Problems (4 complaints). #3: Wheel Issues (3 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant?

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant?

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant, NHTSA complaints include 3 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 16 total complaints. 4 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant have any recalls?

No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.

Should I buy a 2009 Mitsubishi Galant?

The 2009 Mitsubishi Galant shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.

Wider context: See the full Mitsubishi Galant reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Owner Reliability Rating

Rate the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant based on your ownership experience.

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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.

Before you buy

Check the exact vehicle history before you buy

Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.