2012 Mitsubishi Galant Problems

Severe Issues

Shopping for a used 2012 Mitsubishi Galant? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 9 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Wheel Issues the most reported area.

201110 yearsnewer

Before you buy

This 2012 Mitsubishi Galant has 9 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Wheel Issues.

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.

NMVTIS official data Instant results No signup for the preview

Free preview · Full report from $12.95.

9
Complaints
1
Crashes
Fires
1
Injuries
Fatalities
Recalls

2012 Mitsubishi Galant Fuel Economy

✓ EPA Official Data

EPA official fuel economy rating for the 2012 Mitsubishi Galant.

21
MPG City
29
MPG Hwy
24
MPG Combined
370
g CO₂/mile
Regular Gasoline
⚠️Costs $1,750 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.

2012 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

10.7% rollover risk

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Rollover

4/5

10.7% probability

Stability Control: StandardForward 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 2012 Mitsubishi Galant has 9 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Wheel Issues. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.

2012 Mitsubishi Galant — key reliability facts
Make
Mitsubishi
Model
Galant
Model year
2012
NHTSA owner complaints
9
Crash-related complaints
1
Safety recall campaigns
0
Top reported component
Wheel Issues
Reliability signal
Severe Issues
EPA MPG combined
24
EPA MPG city / highway
21 / 29
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
NHTSA rollover rating
4/5 stars
Electronic stability control
Standard

Common problems

Most common 2012 Mitsubishi Galant problems

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

#1
3
complaints

Wheel Issues

Crash-related:1
#2
2
complaints

Engine Problems

#3
1
complaints

Airbag Malfunctions

Injuries:1

Complaint patterns center on Wheel Issues, Engine Problems, Airbag Malfunctions. 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 2012 Mitsubishi Galant?

The 2012 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 2012 Mitsubishi Galant

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect wheels and tires for signs of premature wear or damage.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for engine and wheel-related repairs.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Inspect wheels and tires for signs of premature wear or damage.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for engine and wheel-related repairs.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.

Check the exact car

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

Before buying a used 2012 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 9 NHTSA complaints for the 2012 Mitsubishi Galant, issues appear concentrated in wheel and engine components. There is one crash-related complaint, but no recalls were issued for this model year. The low complaint volume limits confidence in identifying widespread problems.

Key Findings
  • Wheel Issues account for the highest number of complaints (3 out of 9).
  • Engine Problems are the second most reported component (2 complaints).
  • Only one crash-related complaint was reported.
Top Concerns
  • Wheel Issues
  • Engine Problems
  • Airbag Malfunctions
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. The low number of complaints (9) and single model year analyzed may not represent the full ownership experience.

Full breakdown

All 2012 Mitsubishi Galant complaints by category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Mitsubishi Galant. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Wheel Issues31
Engine Problems2
Airbag Malfunctions1
Electrical Faults1
Visibility1
Uncategorized Issues1
Transmission / Drivetrain1
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1

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 2012 Mitsubishi Galant. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Showing 9 most recent complaints

Airbag MalfunctionsMay 16, 2025

The contact owns a 2012 Mitsubishi Galant. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's and passenger's side air bags unexpectedly deployed, cracking the windshield and injuring his arm. No warning light was illuminated. Medical atte…

Wheel Issues CrashFeb 8, 2023

Lug nuts on these tires begin to loosen them selves within 1000 miles. My lug nuts will randomly fall off and need replaced. I can always tell my tires about to fall off when you use the break and they sound like they are going out.

Electrical FaultsMay 14, 2020

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. ANOTHER OCCURRENC…

Uncategorized IssuesOct 18, 2017

WHEN I ACCELERATE THERE IS A ELECTRIC RAZOR TYPE SOUND BUT STOPS WHEN I REACH CRUISING SPEED. THIS ONLY HAPPENS WHEN WE GET TO HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I HAD A TIRE REPLACED IN SEPTEMBER 2017.

Transmission / DrivetrainFeb 26, 2016

I PULLED UP TO A TRAFFIC LIGHT WITH 1 CAR AHEAD, I STOPPED WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES. THE CAR STARTED REVVING UP AND I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO HIT THE CAR IN FRONT

Wheel IssuesNov 24, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MITSUBISHI GALLANT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL VIBRATION ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE HAD THE TIRES RE-BALANCED APPR…

Engine ProblemsJun 22, 2015

I HAVE A 2012 MISH. GALANTE AND ON MULTIPLE TIMES MY CAR HAS STALLED OUT WITH EXCELERATION FRON A DEAD STOP WHILE TRYING TO CROSS THROUGH INTERSECTION AND MAKING TURN. LAST TIME IN SHOP WAS A PROXY 3 2015 WHERE THEY COULD NOT FIND NOTHING WRONG.

Engine ProblemsSep 5, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MITSUBISHI GALANT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER ACCELERATING AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, HOWEVER THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUF…

Wheel IssuesSep 25, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MITSUBISHI GALANT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A TUMBLING SOUND FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT ONE OF THE LUG NUTS WAS M…

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Mitsubishi Galant.

Safety recalls

2012 Mitsubishi Galant recalls

0 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 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 2012 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

2012 Mitsubishi Galant buying FAQ

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

Is the 2012 Mitsubishi Galant reliable?

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 9 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2012 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 2012 Mitsubishi Galant?

#1: Wheel Issues (3 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (2 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (1 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Mitsubishi Galant?

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

How safe is the 2012 Mitsubishi Galant?

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2012 Mitsubishi Galant, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 9 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2012 Mitsubishi Galant have any recalls?

No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2012 Mitsubishi Galant in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.

Should I buy a 2012 Mitsubishi Galant?

The 2012 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 Wheel Issues 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 2012 Mitsubishi Galant based on your ownership experience.

Add your rating:

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.