VehicleVerdict

1996 Eagle Summit problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1996 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.

2

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other Summit years?

Summit NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted110 complaints1989: 14 complaints1990: 6 complaints1991: 14 complaints1992: 54 complaints1993: 110 complaints1994: 18 complaints1995: 38 complaints1996: 2 complaints
Summit NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Summit years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Eagle Summit problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts150%
Steering150%

Does the 1996 Eagle Summit have recalls?

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

98V168003TransmissionOctober 5, 1998 · 6,198 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ALL WHEEL DRIVE PASSENGER VEHICLES. LOCKUP OF THE TRANSFER CASE CAN OCCUR DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR ADEQUACY OF THE TRANSFER CASE OIL VOLUME, TRANSFER CASE OIL LEAKAGE, AND OPERATIONAL DEGRADATION OF THE TRANSFER CASE MECHANISM. IF OIL VOLUME IS INSUFFICIENT, THE APPROPRIATE AMOUNT OF OIL WILL BE ADDED. IF THERE IS TRANSFER CASE OIL LEAKAGE, AFFECTED COMPONENTS WILL BE REPLACED. IF THE TRANSFER CASE SHOWS OPERATIONAL DEGRADATION, THE TRANSFER CASE WILL BE REPLACED.

1996 Eagle Summit — common questions

Is the 1996 Eagle Summit reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1996 Eagle Summit have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1996 Eagle Summit. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1996 Eagle Summit under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.