Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
I was driving the car on the hwy. When we reached 65 MPH like a lot of these other people are saying but it was my distributor that went out. Since I have a manual transmission it would start and drive but every time it reached 65 MPH or 3400 RPM the engine would sputter and stall out. Also I have had to put a second engine in the vehicle due to a timing belt slipping and breaking the lower unit off the car. The air conditioner pulley had 5 screws break off causing the A/C to blow out, I had to replace it . The window pulley system cable broke causing the manual window to not roll up or down on drivers side. Also the wiring going to the headlights are messed up, the lights work but you have to raise the hood and mess with the back of the halogen to get it to come on. There is an unusual amount of rust on the drivers side rear on the frame. My fuel gauge when full only reads 3/4. …
Transmission failed after only 65,000 miles. Had to be totally rebuilt at cost of $3,000. Immediately afterwards, all four motor mounts failed. Very angry and frustrated. No one can justify why the car was running fine without a single noise one day and then the transmission and then engine mounts would fail without warning.
Consumer states while driving 70 MPH on highway the transmission failed without warning. The vehicle was checked by the dealer who could not determine cause. Ts the consumer was traveling on the highway when the vehicle quit and was unable to move across the two lanes. There was no indication of failure.
On 10/13/00 the transmission went out completely. Upon having my transmission rebuilt, the mechanic notified me that part of the problem was the transmission had gotten way too hot. He said he would either have to replace the radiator or add an external cooler, or they would not warranty the rebuilt transmission. I told them to go ahead and add an external cooler. Upon getting ready to add an external cooler, the mechanic noted that I already had one. However it was routed incorrectly from the transmission to the external cooler to the radiator, and back to the transmission. It should have been routed from the transmission to the radiator to the external cooler, and back to the transmission. This was a manufacturing error. I am the second owner of the car and have spoken with the first owner. …
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 in the local area traveling about 10mph and making a left turn at an intersection, transmission changed from 1st to 2nd gear, but vehicle started idling and rolling into the parking lot. This was not the first time this has happened. One morning upon starting vehicle, and shifting it out of park into reverse, shifting was rough, could feel transmission jumping. Had the vehicle towed home. Didn't contact the dealer.
When the brakes are applied the door locks and freezes. The occupants of vehicle are not able to unlock the door or roll down the window. The dealer has been notified. Radio cuts out when brakes are applied or turn signals are applied, battery was losing its charge and had to be jumped every morning, lighter fuse blows constantly. Radio antenna inoperative. Transmission was slipping. Brakes noisy, lugs broken.
While traveling at 40 MPH driver's side front end collasped, and vehicle slid 30 feet. Consumer took vehicle to dealer ,and they replaced cv joint/ new ball joints, and a new tire. Upon recieving vehicle back from dealer gears were not shifting properly. Vehicle would not downshift. Please provide any furthe information.
While driving vehicle about 20 MPH the consumer stepped on the gas pedal, the pedal felt thight and consumer said she tried to shift from park to drive, but vehicle didn't go foward. Instead moved backwards. She has taken vehicle to dealer before manufacturer was contacted.
Automatic transmission problem. Gear would not grab into 2nd gear. It jumped out of gear, and vehicle will stall. Vehicle went back and forth for 1 1/2 transmissions from Mitsubishi, and referred consumer to go back to Mitsubishi because transmission could be defective.
Transmission complaints in other Galant years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1995 Mitsubishi Galant?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1995 Mitsubishi Galant, 14% of the model year's 209 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (19 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Mitsubishi Galant transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 1995 Mitsubishi Galant, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1995 Mitsubishi Galant transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 3 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.