Galant (8th)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
Every complaint of any kind (brakes, airbags, electrical and the rest) whose VIN names the engine, across all model years. The score above counts only engine, transmission and drivetrain complaints, so its figures for the same engine are smaller. Fire, injury and death figures count complaints that report one.
Mitsubishi Galant Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
2.4-I4-Gas
2.4L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
3.8-V6-Gas
3.8L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Mitsubishi Galant, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2004-2012 Mitsubishi Galant
On a used 2004-2012 Mitsubishi Galant, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the airbags and driver-assist systems (38), the body and structure (36) and the brakes (22). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-09. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 38 owner complaints on the 2004-2012 Mitsubishi Galant about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 36 owner complaints on the 2004-2012 Mitsubishi Galant about the body and structure.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 22 owner complaints on the 2004-2012 Mitsubishi Galant about the brakes.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 20 owner complaints on the 2004-2012 Mitsubishi Galant about the electrical system.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 18 owner complaints on the 2004-2012 Mitsubishi Galant about the engine, all engines combined.
Recalls (4)
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.
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 METAL TO HAVE A SPLIT IN THE AREA WHERE THE BOLT THAT HOLDS ONE OF THE TWO FUEL TANK STRAPS TO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE IS LOCATED. IN THE EVENT THE FUEL TANK IS FULL AND THE VEHICLE IS SUBJECT TO A SEVERE COLLISION, THE BRACKET MAY BREAK AND ALLOW THE FUEL TANK TO DROP DOWN, POSSIBLY CAUSING A FUEL LEAK.
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 GEARSHIFT MECHANISM IS NOT IN THE PARK POSITION.
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.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
All Generations
Alternatives in Midsize Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2004-2012 Mitsubishi Galant complaints?
Owners have filed 178 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004-2012 Mitsubishi Galant. The systems they name most often are the safety systems, the body and trim and the brakes.
Is the 2004-2012 Mitsubishi Galant a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 178 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004-2012 Mitsubishi Galant. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004-2012 Mitsubishi Galant have?
NHTSA has 178 owner complaints on file for the 2004-2012 Mitsubishi Galant as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2004-2012 Mitsubishi Galant?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls covering some 2004-2012 Mitsubishi Galant vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Mitsubishi Galant?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the safety systems, the body and trim and the brakes, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Galant?
The 2012 Mitsubishi Galant received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 4 stars (10.7% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 178 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-18.