VehicleVerdict

1991 Eagle Talon problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 133 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.6 times the median Talon year — the 1991 model ranks #2 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 45% of all reports (60 of 133), far ahead of engine at 26.

133

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

3

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other Talon years?

Talon NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 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, 1991 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Talon years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 Eagle Talon problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission6045%
Engine2620%
Seat Belts1713%
Brakes65%
Electrical System54%
Visibility & Wipers32%
Steering32%
Body & Structure32%
Tires & Wheels22%
Airbags22%
Speed Control22%
Lighting11%
Suspension11%
Fuel System11%
Other11%

Does the 1991 Eagle Talon have recalls?

2 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“CONSUMER LEARNED OF A TRANSFER CASE RECALL; VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER. DEALER ONLY RESEALED THE CASE, AND TOLD CONSUMER THAT WAS ALL THEY NEEDED TO DO. CONSUMER FELT THIS WAS NOT WHAT RECALL PROPER CORRECTION SHOULD BE. SEEKING NHTSA FOR HELP IN THIS MATTER. ALSO CONSUMER COMPLAINED THAT VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 1, 1999

“CAR OVERHEATED AND WHITE SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE. CONSUMER PULLED OVER, AND CAR STALLED. THEN, THERE WAS MORE WHITE SMOKE, AND CONSUMER SAW FLAMES COMING OUT OF ENGINE.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 10, 2000 · fire

“DURING FRONTAL COLLISION DRIVER HIT A DITCH SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN, CAUSING FACE TO IMPACT THE STEERING WHEEL. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · August 8, 1993 · crash

“VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A BRAKE PROBLEM BECAUSE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REPLACE A LEAKING DIFFERENTIAL: PROPORTIONAL VALVE. MANUFACTURER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE PROPORTIONAL VALVE NEEDED WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE, SO CONSUMER HAD TO GET THE PART FROM A SALVAGE YARD. *AK *ML”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 8, 2000

“HEARD SIZZILING SOUND, SMELLED BURNING AND CAR STOPPED COMPLETELY WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I WAS JUST ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE COMPUTER COMPONENT UNDER THE DASH IS BURNT. THE CAR WILL NOT START AT ALL. LUCKILY I WAS NOT IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I HAVE HEARD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 26, 2000

1991 Eagle Talon — common questions

Is the 1991 Eagle Talon reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 133 complaints put the 1991 model at #2 of 10 Talon years. It is one of the Talon years to avoid.

What are the most common 1991 Talon problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (60 complaints), engine (26 complaints), seat belts (17 complaints).

Does the 1991 Eagle Talon have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1991 Eagle Talon. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1991 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.