VehicleVerdict

1989 Eagle PREMIER problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 115 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.3 times the median PREMIER year — the 1989 model ranks #1 of 8 PREMIER years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across visibility & wipers (23), engine (19), and electrical system (18), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

115

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

4

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other PREMIER years?

PREMIER NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted115 complaints1981: 1 complaints1988: 114 complaints1989: 115 complaints1990: 58 complaints1991: 82 complaints1992: 44 complaints1993: 0 complaints1994: 1 complaints
PREMIER NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all PREMIER years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Eagle PREMIER problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers2320%
Engine1917%
Electrical System1816%
Brakes1513%
Transmission87%
Speed Control76%
Seat Belts65%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)43%
Fuel System33%
Latches & Locks33%
Body & Structure33%
Suspension22%
Steering22%
Lighting22%

Does the 1989 Eagle PREMIER have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

98V005000BrakesJanuary 12, 1998 · 293,369 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, OR WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS CAN EXPERIENCE SEVERE CORROSION IF OPERATED FOR AN EXTENSIVE PERIOD IN THE "SALT BELT." IF THE ROTORS ARE NOT REPLACED, THE CORROSION CAN EVENTUALLY COMPROMISE THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE STAMPED STEEL CENTER HUB SECTION OF THE ROTOR.

Consequence

THE REDUCED STRENGTH CAN ALLOW THE CAST IRON WEAR SURFACE TO SEPARATE FROM THE HUB, REDUCING THE BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE ROTORS WITH ROTORS THAT ARE COATED WITH A CORROSION PROTECTION.

95V213000Seat BeltsNovember 7, 1995 · 90,000 units

Defect

THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT SYSTEMS CAN MALFUNCTION AND BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Consequence

THE LACK OF PASSIVE RESTRAINTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE COLLISION.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SYSTEM TRACK AND DRIVE ASSEMBLY ON AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT SYSTEMS WHICH ARE CURRENTLY INOPERATIVE AND THOSE SYSTEMS WHEN THEY BECOME INOPERATIVE IN THE FUTURE.

94V006000Visibility & WipersJanuary 11, 1994 · 125,000 units

Defect

THE END CAP CONNECTING THE HEAT EXCHANGER'S CORE TO THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM COULD RUPTURE AND ALLOW HOT COOLANT TO ESCAPE INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.

Consequence

THE COOLANT ESCAPING INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT COULD CONTACT THE DRIVER'S FEET AND INJURE THE DRIVER. ALSO, STEAM FROM THE HEATER LIQUID WILL CLOUD ON THE WINDOW SURFACES AND IMPAIR THE DRIVER'S VISION. IN EITHER CASE, FAILURE OF THE HEATER CORE END CAP COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy

A COOLANT TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED HEATER CORE FLUID BYPASS VALVE WILL BE INSTALLED.

91V027000BrakesFebruary 13, 1991 · 76,000 units

Defect

REAR BRAKE TUBE ROUTING IS CONTACTED BY FUEL TANK HEAT SHIELD WHEN SUSPENSION IS IN FULL JOUNCE POSITION. THIS DAMAGES THE BRAKE FLUID TUBE, CAUSING A LEAK.

Consequence

LOSS OF FLUID FROM HALF OF THE DIAGONALLY SPLIT BRAKEHYDRAULIC SYSTEM AFFECTS BRAKING CAPABILITY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

MODIFY HEAT SHIELD TO ELIMINATE POTENTIAL FOR SHIELD CONTACTING BRAKE TUBE.

90V205000BrakesDecember 17, 1990 · 97,500 units

Defect

ROUTING OF THE FRONT BRAKE HOSE MAY CAUSE EXCESSIVE HOSE FLEXING RESULTING IN PREMATURE FATIGUE CRACKING OF THE OUTER HOSE COVER.

Consequence

THIS COULD LEAD TO HOSE FAILURE AND LOSS OF BRAKE FLUIDREDUCING BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS.

Remedy

REPLACE FRONT BRAKE HOSES WITH HOSES REDESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MODIFIED ROUTING CONFIGURATION.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“A FAULTY GASKET CAUSED COOLANT TO LEAK AND AS A RESULT THE COOLANT COULD BE SMELLED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE HEATER IS TURNED ON THERE IS A LOUD NOISE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BLOWER MOTOR. THE DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR THE HEATER CORE WHICH WAS RECALLED UNDER 94V-006 BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS TOO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers

“A FAULTY GASKET CAUSED COOLANT TO LEAK AND AS A RESULT THE COOLANT COULD BE SMELLED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE HEATER IS TURNED ON THERE IS A LOUD NOISE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BLOWER MOTOR. THE DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR THE HEATER CORE WHICH WAS RECALLED UNDER 94V-006 BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS TOO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“A FAULTY GASKET CAUSED COOLANT TO LEAK AND AS A RESULT THE COOLANT COULD BE SMELLED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE HEATER IS TURNED ON THERE IS A LOUD NOISE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BLOWER MOTOR. THE DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR THE HEATER CORE WHICH WAS RECALLED UNDER 94V-006 BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS TOO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System

“RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE #98V005000. CONTACTED DEALERSHIP. TOOK VEHICLE FOR REPAIR OF BRAKE ROTORS. DROVE VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 13,000 WHEN THE BRAKES SHOE PARTS FELL OFF IN STREET. VEHICLE WAS NOT TOUCHED BY ANOTHER MECHANIC SINCE RECALL. DEALERSHIP INDICATED NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR SHOE COMING OFF.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 18, 1998

1989 Eagle PREMIER — common questions

Is the 1989 Eagle PREMIER reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 115 complaints put the 1989 model at #1 of 8 PREMIER years. It is one of the PREMIER years to avoid.

What are the most common 1989 PREMIER problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (23 complaints), engine (19 complaints), electrical system (18 complaints).

Does the 1989 Eagle PREMIER have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 Eagle PREMIER. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1989 Eagle PREMIER under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Eagle PREMIER years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the PREMIER years to avoid are 1989, 1988, 1991. The cleanest record among PREMIER years belongs to 1993.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.