VehicleVerdict

1989 Eagle Summit problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 14 complaints on file for the 1989 Eagle Summit — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 3 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

14

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

3

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other Summit years?

Summit NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted110 complaints1989: 14 complaints1990: 6 complaints1991: 14 complaints1992: 54 complaints1993: 110 complaints1994: 18 complaints1995: 38 complaints1996: 2 complaints
Summit NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Summit years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Eagle Summit problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts857%
Engine214%
Other17%
Seats17%
Suspension17%
Visibility & Wipers17%

Does the 1989 Eagle Summit have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

95V103003Seat BeltsMay 24, 1995 · 920,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

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 SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“FAILURE OF THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BELTS, CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION AND THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT LOCK, RESULTING IN INJURIES. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · August 31, 1996 · crash

“I HAD PROBLEMS EVER SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR, WHICH WAS IN EXCHANGE FOR A TRADE-IN. THIS CAR WAS $200 EXTA DOLLARS WORTH OF PROBLEMS THAT I NEVER GOT RESOLVED. I BOUGHT INTO A GREAT DEAL OF FRUSTRATIONS AND HEADACHES OVER A SIMPLE RESOLVE. THEY SAW ME COMING. THROUGH BRINGING AND LEAVING MY CAR FOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 12, 2004

“THE DRIVER SEAT FRAME BROKE AT THE WELD TO THE AUTO BODY. THE REAR LEFT SIDE CLOSEST TO THE DOOR WAS WHERE THE WELD JOINT BROKE.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · June 25, 2001

1989 Eagle Summit — common questions

Is the 1989 Eagle Summit reliable?

The record is thin — 14 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1989 Summit problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (8 complaints), engine (2 complaints), suspension (1 complaints).

Does the 1989 Eagle Summit have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1989 Eagle Summit. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1989 Eagle Summit under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Eagle Summit years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Summit years to avoid are 1993, 1992, 1995. The cleanest record among Summit years belongs to 1996.

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.