VehicleVerdict

1990 Eagle Talon problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 89 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median Talon year — the 1990 model ranks #3 of 10 Talon years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 56% of all reports (50 of 89), far ahead of engine at 19.

89

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

3

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other Talon years?

Talon NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 highlighted320 complaints1990: 89 complaints1991: 133 complaints1992: 61 complaints1993: 48 complaints1994: 21 complaints1995: 320 complaints1996: 56 complaints1997: 37 complaints1998: 24 complaints1999: 2 complaints
Talon NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Talon years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 Eagle Talon problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission5056%
Engine1921%
Brakes44%
Seat Belts33%
Body & Structure22%
Suspension22%
Electrical System22%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%
Steering11%
Other11%
Speed Control11%
Fuel System11%

Does the 1990 Eagle Talon have recalls?

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

98V069002TransmissionApril 7, 1998 · 42,214 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 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.

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.

90V106001Visibility & WipersJune 1, 1990 · 184 units

Defect

DILUTED PRIMER MAY HAVE BEEN USED ON THE WINDSHIELD OPENING FLANGES PRIOR TO WINDSHIELD GLASS INSTALLATION WHICH WOULD NOT PROVIDE THE RETENTION REQUIRED BY FMVSS 212.

Consequence

WINDSHIELDS WOULD NOT PREVENT EJECTION OF VEHICLEOCCUPANTS DURING A VEHICLE CRASH, WHICH CAUSES SERIOUS INJURIES AND FATALITIES.

Remedy

REPLACE WINDSHIELDS, ASSOCIATED PARTS, AND PRIMER.

90V056001Visibility & WipersMarch 21, 1990 · 265 units

Defect

OPERATION OF SUNROOF IN "NON-STANDARD" MANNER MAY CAUSE MALE HINGE DISENGAGEMENT FROM THE ROOF HINGE RECEIVER.

Consequence

THE SUNROOF GLASS COULD DETACH FROM THE ROOF AND RESULTIN INJURY TO OCCUPANTS OR PERSONS IN THE VICINITY, ESPECIALLY IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.

Remedy

REPLACE MALE HINGE WITH A MODIFIED VERSION TO INCREASE ROOF HINGE RECEIVER RETENTION ABILITY.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ON A STRAIGHT AWAY AT ABOUT 6MPH, WHEELS LOCKED UP. ALSO, UPON USING TRANSMISSION, VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTED. WHEN CONSUMER LET UP THERE WAS A LOUD EXPLOSION, TRANSMISSION WAS GONE. DEALER HAS HAD THE CAR FOR A YEAR. DEALER SAID THAT CONSUMER NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. *AK ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 14, 1999

“THE TIMING BELT ASSEMBLY IN THE 90 EAGLE TALON'S MUST HAVE A DEFECT THAT THE MANUF. DOES NOT WANT ADMIT TOO A PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE TIMIMG BELT 3 TIMES IN MY CAR, 2 TIMES THE ENGINE WAS DAMAGED. I WOULD LIKE THIS IS LEMON PROBLEM.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 6, 1999

“REAR BRAKE LINE GOING INTO CALIPER IS POINTED IN DIRECTION OF RIM. IF NOT TIED DOWN TO LOCK AND CHANGE DIRECTION, IT WILL RUB RIM AND DAMAGE IT. DEALER CONTACTED AND IS AWARE OF PROBLEM, CANNOT REMEDY. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 3, 1999

“LAP BELT ON FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WILL NOT LATCH INTO THE BUCKLE. WHEN PUTTING IT INTO THE BUCKLE IT COMES RIGHT OUT. THERE WAS A RECALL ON BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTON WHICH THEY REPAIRED, BUT NOW THE LAP BELT WILL NOT LOCK. DEALER SAYS THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIR OF LAP BELT. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · May 16, 1997

“THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH COMPUTER SYSTEM. WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SHUT OFF AND SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN. THE FIRE STOPPED ON ITS OWN. THE MANUFACTURER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 4, 1998 · fire

1990 Eagle Talon — common questions

Is the 1990 Eagle Talon reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 89 complaints put the 1990 model at #3 of 10 Talon years. It is one of the Talon years to avoid.

What are the most common 1990 Talon problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (50 complaints), engine (19 complaints), brakes (4 complaints).

Does the 1990 Eagle Talon have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1990 Eagle Talon. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1990 Eagle Talon under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Eagle Talon years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Talon years to avoid are 1995, 1991, 1990. The cleanest record among Talon years belongs to 1999.

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.