2009 Mitsubishi GalantRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 16 owner complaints for the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant. Most complaints involve air bags (10) and structure (4). The EPA rates it 19–23 mpg combined.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Air bags10
- Structure4
- Wheels3
- Tires2
- Seat belts1
- Service brakes, hydraulic1
- Power train1
- Other / unknown1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Galant model year we’ve synced.
View as table
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 144 |
| 1997 | 86 |
| 1998 | 57 |
| 1999 | 218 |
| 2000 | 139 |
| 2001 | 161 |
| 2002 | 142 |
| 2003 | 139 |
| 2004 | 61 |
| 2005 | 26 |
| 2006 | 24 |
| 2007 | 24 |
| 2008 | 6 |
| 2009 | 16 |
| 2010 | 9 |
| 2011 | 3 |
| 2012 | 9 |
- Crashes reported
- 3
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 4
- Deaths reported
- 0
What owners report most
Air bags
“The contact owns a 2009 Mitsubishi Galant. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the front driver's side air bag deployed inadvertently and struck the contact’s face and chest. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact immediately slammed on the brake pedal and then pulled into a parking spot. The contact stated there was no collision before the air bag deployment. The contact stated that she sustained pain in the face and on the chest but did not seek medical assistance. The dealer was contacted and advised the contact to cut the air bag off the steering wheel and to take the vehicle to their location. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive because the seat belt was inoperable after the air bag had been deployed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.”
Structure
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI GALANT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG COMPARTMENT WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DON HARRING MITSUBISHI DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE AIR BAG COMPARTMENT NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,923.”
Wheels
“Shannon bell private dealer is selling this car with a unrepairable cv axel. I purchased it and di my home work he rolled the miles back. He's falsely advertising it as clean tie and 190 something miles. That's even less then when I had it. Air bag lights are on and he unplugged the wires along with seatbelt so the lights don't show.”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl · 3.8L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S4) · Automatic (S5)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline · Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galant Auto (S4), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
| Galant Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 25 | 19 | $4,050 | 468 |
- 23mpg comb.
- 19mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
2009 Galant questions
How many recalls does the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 7, 2026.
What are the most common 2009 Mitsubishi Galant problems?
Owners filed 16 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (10), structure (4), wheels (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant get?
The EPA rates the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant at 19–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).