Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Mitsubishi Galant owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The ball joints on the right side of the vehicle came off while driving. As a result the vehicle collapsed onto the ground on the driver's side, jamming the driver's door shut. The vehicle was towed to a service station where it was determined that the left side ball joint had separated and broke the axle of the car. One month later the consumer received a recall notice which referenced a ball joint problem. The consumer called the manufacturer and was told to take the vehicle to the dealer to have the dealer inspect/install the ball joints. The consumer was also told to give the original receipt to the dealer to be reimbursed. The vehicle was taken tot he dealer where they approved the work done on 2/14/04 and replaced the right ball joint. However they did not repair the dent on the frame. The consumer still hasn't received reimbursement for the ball joint.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving at 15 MPH, there was a loud noise. The contact looked under the vehicle and saw the tire was buckled out. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop who determined the left ball joint had pulled out of the socket which pulled the axle apart. There was a recall, NHTSA recall, # 99V066002 performed on the vehicle in 2001 concerning, the suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint for the right side. This complaint was regarding the left lower ball joint of the vehicle. Updated 09/15/06.
Tl contact owns a 1995 Mitsubishi Galant. While making a left turn at approximately 5 MPH, the front driver's side wheel detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign id number 00V421001 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint). The dealer has not inspected the vehicle. A police report was filed. The current and failure mileages were 117,000.
While driving at 10 MPH the rubber ball joint failed. Also, consumer applied brakes, and vehicle spun out of control and did a 360 degree turn. Vehicle hit another vehicle on the front passenger's side.
When driving the car the front end was making very loud noises which became worse when driving over bumpy roads. I had one tie rod replaced a few years ago but the noise was only slightly better and no one could figure out what was causing it. The noise got severe and I took it to another mechanic and I had to have the left and right tie rods, the left and right side stabilizer bars and the driver side upper control arm replaced. There was a recall on the car in approximately 2000 at which time I brought the car in to the dealership where they supposedly inspected it and said there was nothing wrong and no parts were replaced. I am now having these problems with the car that all seem to be related to the recall regarding the front suspension. There is also a problem with the accelerator pedal sticking which now needs to be fixed. …
8/9/33 toke car in for recall on lower ball joint inspection . Dealer no damage seen. But noticed the lower ball needed to replace we trusted them .but we started to here clunking noise on left front toke it back on 10/06/99 they claimed they test drove the car and checked the sups all looked good at time. On 10/25/00 after a 1000 mile trip I took my car in for tire rotation bal. Thay came back and told me my bolt on my let control arm was loose they tightened it for me. But iamm worried with 15000 miles since we had this done there is some ware. The dealer said they will look at it . But theywill say it needs to replaced. The then that bother me is that the control arm could of droped and caused injury or death. Thanks for listening charlief.
Consumer received recall 00V421001/ manufacturer's recall sr99-0002. Consumer called dealer and made an appointment, had a 4 hour drive to dealership. Manufacturer suggested to go to a locall mechanic before traveling 4 hours. Mechanic indicated that lower ball joints wore out. Then, consumer traveled 4 hours to other dealer, appleway motors on sprague ave. Spokehan, wa. Phone [phone], and they never moved vehicle. But, stated that ball joints were up to specifications. Upper ball joints were going to need to be replaced because of the wear. Consumer drove back, went to the mechanic, and vehicle was put on a lift to see that lower ball joints moved a 1/4 inch out of joint.
Recall 00V237000, took vehicle to dealer in July 2000 for recall. Was told boot did not need to be replaced. While driving 30 MPH, wheel started coming off. Consumer was concerned this was due to boot not being replaced in July under recall. Dealer told her that is why wheel was coming off. The recall stated that the condition could cause the lower lateral arm ball joint to separate, increasing the risk of vehicle crash. That is the defective part increase the risk of vehicle crash and the dealer should replaced it.
It can be clearly seen that the car that I am leasing is a genuine lemon. It has been frustrating having this car that I feel is unsafe and has continuous problems that a unresolved since only 600 miles. (I have only 37,000 miles on it now) from this web site it is apparent that I am not the only one that is dealing with the negligence and utmost poor quality that Mitsubishi calls a car. Fuel gauge, front rotors, rear drums, trans coller clamp, trans mount insulator, lower control arm.
While driving ball joints separated and the front end of the vehicle collapsed. This failure occurred prior to receiving recall notice sr-04-001. The letter indicated that a prior notice was sent in April 2001, unfortunately the consumer never received that notice because the vehicle was not purchased until July 2002. The consumer requested reimbursement but has not received it yet.
Related recalls
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
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.
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles built in Japan. 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.
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
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.
NHTSA investigations
Lower contrtol arm ball joint
There is no summary currently available
Suspension complaints in other Galant years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1995 Mitsubishi Galant?
NHTSA has 69 complaints about the suspension of the 1995 Mitsubishi Galant, 33% of the model year's 209 complaints. The component named most often is front › control arm › lower ball joint (38 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Mitsubishi Galant suspension problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V421001 (lower ball joint, Dec 18, 2000); NHTSA recall 99V066002 (lower ball joint, Apr 5, 1999); NHTSA recall 99V066001 (lower ball joint, Apr 5, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1995 Mitsubishi Galant suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 117,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to suspension problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.