1996 Mitsubishi Galant Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 36about this part
- Share
- 26%of 136 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 93,474miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 36 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Mitsubishi Galant, 26% of the 136 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 93,474 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10021330, filed 2003-06, 90,450 miles“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 complaint #10124238, filed 2005-06, 84,388 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10114404, filed 2005-03, 129,000 miles“Hi, I am writing this because we have had problems with this car for the past 4 years. The transmission only lasted for 1 or if we were lucky 2 years. Now we all ready put three of them in the car in the past 4 years, two were new and one was used. Now I know that may not seem like a lot of money to some people but when you are trying to support three kids that's a lot. Well my complaint is that why are we having these problems. …”
NHTSA complaint #10008240, filed 2003-02“My 1996 Mitsubishi Galant had several problems including, brake pads had to be changed more than usual, transmission completely failed while parked. In addition, the windows /windshield were constantly foggy. The start key could only be taking out by pressing the break. I had problems with the power locks, they will not open, leaks from the sunroof. The horn completely stopped working after three years. …”
NHTSA complaint #729393, filed 2000-08Related service bulletins
- 10170074Aug 28, 2015This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170071Jul 22, 2015This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170096Mar 5, 2013This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170100Feb 6, 2013This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170086Nov 1, 2012This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 | 11% |
| 2010 | 1 | 11% |
| 2009 | 1 | 6% |
| 2007 | 1 | 4% |
| 2006 | 1 | 4% |
| 2004 | 3 | 5% |
| 2003 | 6 | 5% |
| 2002 | 3 | 2% |
| 2001 | 20 | 13% |
| 2000 | 3 | 2% |
| 1999 | 16 | 7% |
| 1998 | 12 | 23% |
| 1997 | 15 | 19% |
| 1996 | 36 | 26% |
| 1995 | 29 | 14% |
| 1994 | 25 | 13% |
| 1992 | 23 | 59% |
| 1991 | 39 | 62% |
| 1990 | 9 | 43% |
| 1989 | 4 | 21% |
| 1987 | 2 | 22% |
Other parts of the 1996 Mitsubishi Galant
30 complaintsAir bags
20 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsEngine cooling
16 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsFuel system
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Mitsubishi Galant
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology