Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Mitsubishi Galant owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving 60 MPH the vehicle's brake failed without warning. As a result the vehicle hit a brick wall. Air bags deployed. The driver sustained severe injuries to the back. Please provide additional information.
While driving in the rain, slammed on brakes and the engine shut off. Also the steering locked up and vehicle had a head-on accident and the air bag did not deploy. This happened all in the same day.
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. The Mitsubishi dealer never issued a ball joint recall which I now found out was defective with the car and after returning my vehicle upon my lease termination they are requesting 1000 + dollars for wear and tear etc. The dealer has not properly followed guidelines and are been sued because of these failures and the customers who purchased these cars are been charged more money by the dealer.
I have had nothing but problems with my sun roof, brakes, gas, acceleration and over heating of my car. My sun roof about every other month something goes wrong with it every time I open it. My breaks have been replaced about 4 or 5 times because the wear out quick. When I break my tiers skip the car stops but the tiers keep turning. My gas is gone quick and I only drive here in town from work to home to daycare. Sometimes when I turn my car on the speedometer moves by its self as if I were pushing the gas peddle and my foots on the break when it does it by its self and it does it when I'm driving. I can drive a block and my car gets really hot and the fan is on right away. I can't stand my care anymore its nothing but problems for a while.
The vehicle experienced brake problem, such as brake pads lining and rotors needed to be replaced every 2,000 miles, which caused extended stopping distance and could have resulted in an accident. The consumer has repeatedly replaced the brake pads and rotors every 2000 miles, the consumer was told by the salesman that there was a problem with the drum not having proper ventilation
While driving braking system malfunctioned, causing pulsation and extended stopping distance which May result in an accident. Also, dealer replaced brake pads and rotors which have been replaced 5 times. The dealer will now no longer make repairs under warranty. Dealer said that the rotors are made of poor quality steel, which is causing the need for frequent brake repair.
While driving and upon depressing brake pedal to make a normal stop, consumer heard a loud noise coming from brakes. Also, brake pads and rotors have been replaced, and vehicle has been in and out of dealership for brake service. Please provide any further details.
When applying the brakes there is a squeaking noise and sometimes smoke comes from the brakes. The brakes have to be applied very hard to stop the vehicle, sometimes the pedal goes to the floor. Dealer has seen vehicle at least 13 times. Still no solution.
While driving vehicle about 10 MPH when applying the brake pedal to stop vehicle, the brakes did not work properly, and when vehicle stopped it sounded like grinding metal to metal. Dealer called this problem premature wear.
Consumer experienced brake problems since he purchased vehicle, when driving above 30 MPH, and pressing brakes to stop, extended stopping distance occurred. Vehicle has been to dealership more than six times for this problem.
Brake complaints in other Galant years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1996 Mitsubishi Galant?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Mitsubishi Galant, 22% of the model year's 136 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Mitsubishi Galant brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1996 Mitsubishi Galant, though it has 3 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 1996 Mitsubishi Galant brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 6 injuries to brakes 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.