2012 Mitsubishi Galant problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 9 owner complaints. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
The 2012 Mitsubishi Galant has 9 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is wheels at 3 complaints, typically surfacing around 33,650 miles (~$400 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 Galant | 16 | 0 |
| 2010 Galant | 9 | 1 |
| 2011 Galant | 3 | 0 |
| 2012 Galant (this page) | 9 | 0 |
Limited NHTSA data — only 9 complaints on file. The score reflects what's reported, but a small sample skews easily.
Only 9 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident reliability call. Could be a clean record or just thin data.
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2012 Mitsubishi Galant 4 DR FWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Top trouble spots 1 category with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
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…
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…
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…
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.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2012 Mitsubishi Galant reliable?
Limited NHTSA data. Only 9 owner complaints have been filed for the 2012 Mitsubishi Galant, which is not enough for a meaningful reliability score. Active recalls (if any) are listed on this page and remain authoritative — those are verified defects regardless of complaint volume. For a confident reliability read we look for at least 10 owner complaints in the federal database.
Should you avoid the 2012 Mitsubishi Galant?
Only 9 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident reliability call. Could be a clean record or just thin data. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2012 Mitsubishi Galant without a meaningful complaint sample — doing so off a handful of filings would be guesswork.
What should I check before buying a used 2012 Mitsubishi Galant?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on the 2012 Mitsubishi Galant to flag a standout failure pattern. Run the VIN for open recalls — those are free to fix regardless of warranty — get a standard pre-purchase inspection, and ask the seller for service records.
Is the 2012 Mitsubishi Galant a good used car to buy?
Hard to say from federal data alone — only 9 owner complaints have been filed. Lean on the recall list above, a pre-purchase inspection, and a vehicle-history report on the specific VIN. Our data tells you what the model is known for; a history report tells you what that exact car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2012 Mitsubishi Galant?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is wheels, with 3 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 33,650 miles. Average repair cost runs about $400 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The wheels is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $400 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 33,650 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Mitsubishi Galant has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 Mitsubishi Galant?
Hard to say from NHTSA data alone with only 9 complaints on file. A quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. The decision comes down to your specific situation: vehicle cost, miles on it, how long you plan to keep it, and whether you can absorb a $3K–$8K repair without straining cashflow. With limited public data on this vehicle, lean on the recall list above and check owner forums before committing.