Model year guide

1986 Mitsubishi Galant

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1986 Mitsubishi Galant is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 27 on record.

1986 Mitsubishi Galant — representative photo
Representative photo

1986 Mitsubishi Galant at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints4
Combined20 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1986 Mitsubishi Galant recalls 2

Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly NHTSA Campaign #95V103004 · 24/05/1995

THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.

Fix: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SU…

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe NHTSA Campaign #88E023000 · 19/09/1988

HEAT SHIELD WAS INSTALLED ON LOWER SIDE OF MUFFLER INSTEAD OF THE UPPER SIDE.

Fix: A HEAT SHIELD WILL BE INSTALLED ON THE UPPER PORTION OF THE MUFFLER.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1986 Mitsubishi Galant common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.

1986 Mitsubishi Galant MPG & running costs

Combined20 mpg
City18 mpg
Highway24 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,350
EPA size classCompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
Passenger volume93 cu ft
Cargo volume12 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$4,750 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1986 Mitsubishi Galant costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$16,750
Fuel only$16,750
Per mile$0.22

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

TAKATA SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE Closed

NHTSA #EA95004 · Seat Belts · opened Mar 1995 · closed Aug 1995

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 6

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered.

This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.

Bulletin TT253 · Equipment · Nov 2019

This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin supersedes TSB-18-00-003, issued April, 2018, to add updated information for Carrying Capacity Reduced Label.

Bulletin TSB-19-00-008 · Equipment · Jul 2019

This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.

Bulletin TT237 · Equipment · Feb 2018

This Technical Service Bulletin updates the door adjustment procedure in the Body Section of the applicable service manuals.

Bulletin TSB-13-42A-002 · Structure · Jan 2013

VALVE LASH ADJUSTER PROCEDURES - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TW

Bulletin TSB9711003 · May 1997

ANTENNA TIGHTENING TORQUE. *TW

Bulletin TSB9654012 · Equipment · Dec 1996

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the GALANT. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

About the Mitsubishi Galant

The Mitsubishi Galant is an automobile which was produced by Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi from 1969 until 2012. The model name was derived from the French word galant, meaning "chivalrous". There have been nine distinct generations with total cumulative sales exceeding five million units. It began as a compact sedan, but over the course of its life evolved into a mid-size car. Initial production was based in Japan, with manufacturing later moved to other countries.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

1986 Mitsubishi Galant vehicles on record

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Other Mitsubishi Galant model years

2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1985 1984 1983 1981

1986 Mitsubishi Galant — frequently asked questions

Does the 1986 Mitsubishi Galant have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 1986 Mitsubishi Galant. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1986 Mitsubishi Galant?

Across all 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are seat belts, steering, service brakes.

What gas mileage does the 1986 Mitsubishi Galant get?

The 1986 Mitsubishi Galant has a U.S. EPA estimate of 20 mpg combined (18 city / 24 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.