VehicleVerdict

1996 Eagle Talon problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1996 Eagle Talon sits mid-pack among Talon years: 56 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 52, with 5 recalls and 2 closed investigations.

Suspension leads the complaint categories with 15 reports (27% of the total).

56

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other Talon years?

Talon NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 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, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Talon years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Eagle Talon problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension1527%
Transmission1221%
Engine59%
Electrical System47%
Body & Structure35%
Fuel System35%
Airbags35%
Visibility & Wipers24%
Steering24%
Seats12%
Brakes12%
Lighting12%
Latches & Locks12%
Tires & Wheels12%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)12%
Other12%

Does the 1996 Eagle Talon have recalls?

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

07E055000Fuel SystemJuly 26, 2007 · 222 units

Defect

CERTAIN AIRTEX FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLIES, P/N E7081H, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WALL OF THE FLARED FITTING OF THE FUEL PUMP IS NOT THICK ENOUGH TO PREVENT THE MATING THREADED FITTINGS FROM BOTTOMING OUT BEFORE AN ADEQUATE SEAL IS ACHIEVED. THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN LEAKAGE OF FUEL AT THE CONNECTION OF THE VEHICLE FUEL LINE AND THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLY.

Consequence

IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AIRTEX AUTOMOTIVE AT 800-880-3056.

00V421002SuspensionDecember 18, 2000 · 393,796 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE RUBBER BOOTS ON THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, DIRT AND WATER CAN INTRUDE. ALSO, MMC HAS ADDED THE POTENTIAL OF LEAKING MOISTURE, WHICH CAN CAUSE THE BALL STUD TO CORRODE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT TO SEPARATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH. THIS CAMPAIGN SUPERCEDES MMC'S PREVIOUS SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN, SEE 99V-066.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT FOR WEAR. BALL JOINTS THAT EXHIBIT WEAR BEYOND THE ESTABLISHED TOLERANCE WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEWLY DESIGNED LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS. BALL JOINTS THAT ARE WITHIN THE ESTABLISHED TOLERANCE WILL BE CLEANED AND A SPECIAL SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED TO PREVENT INTRUSION OF MOISTURE.

99V066003SuspensionApril 5, 1999 · 165,857 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE RUBBER BOOTS ON THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, DIRT AND WATER CAN INTRUDE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT TO SEPARATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE RUBBER BOOTS, AND IF THE BOOT IS DAMAGED, THEY WILL REPLACE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM AND BALL JOINT ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.

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.

96V158002Fuel SystemAugust 27, 1996 · 9,616 units

Defect

THE FUEL TANK GASKETS FOR THE FUEL PUMP AND/OR GAUGE UNIT GASKET COULD HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY INSTALLED ALLOWING FUEL OR FUMES TO ESCAPE.

Consequence

IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, THE FUEL LEAKAGE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANK AND IF THE GASKETS ARE FOUND TO BE LEAKING, REPLACE THE FUEL TANK, CAPS AND GASKETS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHEN HITTING A PUDDLE OF WATER THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP FOR ABOUT 5 SECONDS THEN IT WILL GO BACK TO NORMAL. ALSO, CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL ON THE BALL JOINTS AND LOWER CONTROL ARM. TOOK VEHICLE INTO DEALERSHIP AND THEY CLAIMED TO HAVE INSPECTED VEHICLE AND FOUND NO PROBLEM. CONSUMER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · August 12, 1999

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 EAGLE TALON. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE AND THE TIRES LOCKED U WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED ,AND A LOCAL MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS A LEAK IN THE TRANSFER CASE. THE DEALER/MANUFACTURER DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AS NEEDING A NEW TRANSFER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 6, 2006

“FAN BELT COMES OFF OF PULLEYS, ESPECIALLY ON LONG TRIPS AND AT HIGH SPEEDS(70MPH), RESULTS IN LOSE OF ALTERNATOR/WATER PUMP/ AIR CONDITIONER COMPERSOR, AND POWER STEERING. VECHILE IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN AFTER BELT COMES OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED A TOTAL OF 7 TIMES AND CAN NOT SEEM TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 4, 1999

“I BOUGHT MY CAR AT THE END OF MARCH OF THIS YEAR WITH ONLY 16,000 MILES. I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE A GREAT CAR WITH VERY LITTLE PROBLEMS SINCE IT HAD LOW MILEAGE. SINCE I'VE HAD IT THE TWO BELTS IN MY CAR HAVE FALLEN OFF. ALSO MY REAR RIGHT SPEAKER HAS AN ANNOYING RATTLE TO IT. THEY CHANGED MY SPEAKERS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System

“WHENEVER PULLING OUT HEARS A LOUD BUMPY NOISE IN THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, YET THE PROBLEM REMAINS UNEXPLAINABLE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · June 6, 1996

1996 Eagle Talon — common questions

Is the 1996 Eagle Talon reliable?

It is close to typical for the Talon: 56 NHTSA complaints, 5 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 1996 Talon problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (15 complaints), transmission (12 complaints), engine (5 complaints).

Does the 1996 Eagle Talon have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1996 Eagle Talon. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1996 Eagle Talon under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 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.