1996 Mitsubishi Galant: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 136 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (24% of complaints); the 1998 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2007
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 136 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2012
“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”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2007
“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.”Owner report · Structure · May 2007
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Structure · Jan 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”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2006
“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?”Owner report · Power Train · May 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”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2005
“A truck dropped some boxes on the freeway. A car stopped suddenly to avoid the boxes, another car hit them, finally we hit that car. It was a 3 car pileup. I was driving and my wife was in the passenger seat. We were the last car in the line and hit at about 45+ mph. We were in a 1996 mitsubishi galant with only 78k miles and we were both wearing our seatbelts. Neither airbag deployed! It was a direct hit right in the front of our car at over 45 mph. Now my wife may have permanent back pain. I can get the VIN number if you need it. I just dont have access to it today.*ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2004
“After receiving a recall 00v421001, an appointment was made. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, and consumer was told that the ball joints were not defective. Consumer later purchased tires, and was told that the ball joint had excessive play. *ak”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 2004
“I was driving about 60 mph on the highway, when all of a sudden, the transmission shifted three times. The check engine light came on, and when I got home, the car would not go into reverse. The next day, I placed the gear in drive, and pressed the gas; it sounded as if the entire everything would fall out. My transmission has gone out without warning, and I know this is not normal. I now see that there is a transmission problem with these cars. Please make sure that mitsubishi takes responsibility and compensate us, the consumers. If they don't, they will only lose customers. Thanks.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · May 2003
When filing, owners marked a crash in 27 of these complaints and injuries in 23 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE RUBBER BOOTS, AND IF THE BOOT IS DAMAGED, THEY WILL REPLACE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM AND BALL JOINT ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.
How other years compare
Check your exact Galant by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Mitsubishi Galant reliable?
NHTSA has 136 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Mitsubishi Galant. The most complained-about area is power train (24% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 Mitsubishi Galant problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 98,600 miles or less.
Does the 1996 Mitsubishi Galant have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.