RoadVitals

1996 Mitsubishi Galant

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
136
Latest Apr 26, 2012
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Jul 26, 2007
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
31
23 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 136 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1996 Mitsubishi Galant, most frequently naming the transmission, brakes and airbags categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 49 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
07E055000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Jul 26, 2007
222 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN AIRTEX FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLIES, P/N E7081H, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WALL OF THE FLARED FITTING OF THE FUEL PUMP IS NOT THICK ENOUGH TO PREVENT THE MATING THREADED FITTINGS FROM BOTTOMING OUT BEFORE AN ADEQUATE SEAL IS ACHIEVED. THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN LEAKAGE OF FUEL AT THE CONNECTION OF THE VEHICLE FUEL LINE AND THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLY.
The risk: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The remedy: AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AIRTEX AUTOMOTIVE AT 800-880-3056.
AIRTEX PRODUCTSManufacturer number FP072007-1View on NHTSA.gov
00V421001

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

Dec 18, 2000
567,432 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE RUBBER BOOTS ON THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, DIRT AND WATER CAN INTRUDE. ALSO, MMC HAS ADDED THE POTENTIAL OF LEAKING MOISTURE, WHICH CAN CAUSE THE BALL STUD TO CORRODE.
The risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT TO SEPARATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH. THIS CAMPAIGN SUPERCEDES MMC'S PREVIOUS SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN, SEE 99V-066.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT FOR WEAR. BALL JOINTS THAT EXHIBIT WEAR BEYOND THE ESTABLISHED TOLERANCE WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEWLY DESIGNED LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS. BALL JOINTS THAT ARE WITHIN THE ESTABLISHED TOLERANCE WILL BE CLEANED AND A SPECIAL SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED TO PREVENT INTRUSION OF MOISTURE.
MITSUBISHI AMERICAView on NHTSA.gov
00V237000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Aug 25, 2000
10,000 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CRACKS CAN OCCUR IN THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK DUE TO AN IMPROPER SPOT WELD ON THE BAFFLE PLATE TO THE TOP PORTION OF THE FUEL TANK.
The risk: A CRACK IN THE FUEL TANK COULD ALLOW FUEL OR FUMES TO ESCAPE. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE UPPER SURFACE OF THE FUEL TANK FOR ANY SIGNS OF CRACKING. IF NO CRACKING OR LEAKING IS FOUND, DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SEALING PROTECTOR PLATE. IF ANY CRACKING OR LEAKAGE IS FOUND, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY.
MITSUBISHI AMERICAView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

RQ00015ClosedRecall Query

LOWER CONTRTOL ARM BALL JOINT

Opened Aug 2, 2000
Closed Apr 20, 2001

There is no summary currently available

SUSPENSIONLed to recall 00V421001

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 136
Body & structure
Filed Apr 26, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MITSUBISHI GALANT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WAS BEING PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE WHEN SHE WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE FRAME WAS CORRODED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE DESTROYED AND WAS NO LONGER SAFE TO OPERATE. THE DAMAGE WAS BEYOND REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 179,000.

NHTSA ID
10456584
Incident
Apr 2, 2012
Mileage
179,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Aug 30, 2010

I CURRENTLY BOUGHT THE 1996 MITSUBISHI GALANT FOR MY WIFE AND 11 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER. THE DEALER TOLD ME I NEEDED A FRONT END ALIGNMENT TO GET THE PULL AND SHAKE OUT OF MY FRONT END. I TOOK IT TO AN ALIGNMENT SHOP AND THE ASE MASTER TECH. TOLD ME MY CONTROL ARMS WERE BENT DUE TO CORROSION OF THE BALL JOINT, HE THEN TOLD ME THERE WAS A RECALL ON THESE VEHICLES AND IF I DON'T GET THE PROBLEM FIXED IT COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING. I DON'T THINK IT WOULD BE SAFE FOR MY WIFE TO LOSE STEERING WITH OUR INFANT DAUGHTER SO NOW I GOT BIGGER PROBLEMS THEN A TWENTY FIVE DOLLAR FRONT END ALIGNMENT. I'M UPSET AT THE DEALER FOR NOT INFORMING ME WITH THESE RECALLS NOT THE MANUFACTURE FOR MAKING THE BAD PART. PLEASE HELP BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10352659
Incident
Jul 24, 2010
Body & structure
Filed May 13, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MITSUBISHI GALANT. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE A FLAT TIRE, THE JACK WENT STRAIGHT THROUGH THE FRAME WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING LIFTED. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A SHOP AND THEY INFORMED HIM THAT THERE WAS EXCESSIVE RUST IN THE REAR SUBFRAME. THE CONTACT SOLD THE VEHICLE RATHER THAN HAVE IT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

NHTSA ID
10227632
Incident
May 1, 2007
Mileage
150,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Dec 4, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MITSUBISHI GALANT. THE REAR WHEEL ASSEMBLY IS ATTACHED TO THE SUBFRAME, WHICH IS ATTACHED TO THE BODY. THE ENTIRE PART IS EXTREMELY RUSTED AND PREVENTED THE CONTACT FROM JACKING THE VEHICLE AND CHANGING THE TIRE. THE DEALER NOTIFIED THE CONTACT OF THIS FAILURE. THE FAILURE IS NOTICEABLE WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 162,000. UPDATED 01-11-08. *KB UPDATED 12/31/07 *TR

NHTSA ID
10210794
Incident
Jun 1, 2007
Mileage
130,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Nov 17, 2007

THE REAR UNDERCARRIAGE OF MY 1996 MITSUBISHI GALANT HAS SEVERE RUST DAMAGE TO THE POINT THAT YOU CANNOT EVEN JACK UP THE CAR AS THE JACK PENETRATES THEY SUB FRAME. THE STRUT FROM THE RIGHT REAR ALSO CAME LOOSE FROM THE TOWER. THE REAR WHEELS THAT ARE ATTACHED TO THE SUB FRAME ARE EXTREMELY UNSAFE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10209229
Incident
Jan 1, 2007
Mileage
100,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Feb 6, 2007

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MITSUBISHI GALANT. DURING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE CHECKS THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED RUST ON THE FRAME UNDER THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF EACH REAR WHEEL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 157000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155000. *AK UPDATED 2/27/2007 - *NM

NHTSA ID
10181799
Incident
Aug 1, 2006
Mileage
155,000 mi
Transmission
Filed Jun 5, 2005

TRANSMISSION FLUID DIPSTICK IMPOSSIBLE TO READ, NOTIFIED DEALER, DEALER SAID THAT'S JUST HOW IT IS DESIGNED. I'M WORRIED BECAUSE TRANMISSIONS ARE A COMMON FAILURE ON THIS GENERATION OF MITSUBISHI GALANT. CAN THIS BE CORRECTED BY A DIPSTICK REDESIGN?

NHTSA ID
10124238
Incident
May 20, 2005
Mileage
84,388 mi
Transmission
Filed Mar 21, 2005

THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION OF MY 1996 MITSUBISHI GALANT SLIPS OUT OF GEAR AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND REENGAGES. CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IS LOST WHEN THIS HAPPENS.*AK

NHTSA ID
10114404
Incident
Mar 21, 2005
Mileage
129,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

TSB-22-54-003

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to explain the difference between normal dew condensation, which is a natural phenomenon, and water penetration caused by improper sealing or a defective/broken part.

TT253

EQUIPMENT

This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.

TSB-19-00-008

EQUIPMENT

This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin supersedes TSB-18-00-003, issued April, 2018, to add updated information for Carrying Capacity Reduced Label.

TT237

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.

TT218

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; EXTERIOR LIGHTING; POWER TRAIN; VISIBILITY; WHEELS

This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.

TSB-15-54-004

EQUIPMENT

This TSB contains troubleshooting steps for diagnosis of various customer complaints relating to the audio system speakers in Mitsubishi vehicles equipped with original equipment audio components.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mitsubishi Galant by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2012900—
2011300—
2010910—
2009160043.1
2008600—
2007241044.0
2006241044.0
2005263045.6
2004611038.7
20031263259.4
20021353262.0
20011518166.5
20001367057.5
19992156057.0
1998532045.1
1997802051.5
1996Viewing1364161.5
19952096161.4
19941984262.6
1993900—
1992391247.0
1991631346.4
1990211345.7
1989191152.1
1988701—
1987921—
1986421—
1985010—
1984000—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.