VehicleVerdict

1997 Eagle Talon problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1997 Eagle Talon sits mid-pack among Talon years: 37 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 52, with 4 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (9), engine (8), and suspension (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

37

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Talon years?

Talon NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 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, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Talon years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Eagle Talon problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission924%
Engine822%
Suspension616%
Electrical System411%
Airbags38%
Body & Structure25%
Brakes25%
Tires & Wheels13%
Seats13%
Visibility & Wipers13%

Does the 1997 Eagle Talon have recalls?

4 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.

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.

97V081002SeatsAugust 8, 1997 · 1,083 units

Defect

THE HEADREST GUIDE BRACKET WAS IMPROPERLY WELDED TO THE SEAT BACK FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BACK ASSEMBLIES ONLY.

Consequence

THE HEADREST SUPPORT BRACKET CAN BREAK, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER SEAT BACK ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW ASSEMBLY.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHEN DRIVING AT 25-30 MPH AND WHEN ATTEMTPING TO SHIFT GEARS CLUTCH WOULD NOT RELEASE INTO GEAR DUE TO HYDRAULIC CYLINDER MALFUNCTIONING. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER, DEALER NOTED PART WAS ON NATIONWIDE BACK ODOR. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission

“THE FAILURE WAS THE CRANKSHAFT THAT HAD CONSIDERABLE FRON END PLAY. THIS CONDITION IS ALSO KNOWN AS "CRANK WALK" AND IS RELATIVELY COMMON AMONGST ECLIPSES AND TALONS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 1, 2000

“CONSUMER CONTATCED DEALER FOR RECALL REPAIRS CONCERNING NHTSA RECALL 00V421002/ MANUFACTURER'S RECAL 967 FOR LOWER BALL JOINTS. DEALER WAS UNABLE TO COMPLETE WORK BECAUSE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · June 1, 2001

“SECOND TIME FAILURE OF THE CD PLAYER HAPPENED, FIRST TIME MARCH 1998 SECOND TIME MAY 1999, SERVICE BULLITON IS AVAILABLE ON PROBLEM, BUT I HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT THIS AFTER MY WARRANTY GOES OUT. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 20, 1999

“DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 EAGLE TALON. ON JUNE 14, 2005 CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT WHILE GOING 20-25 MPH. UPON IMPACT, FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, BUT CONTACT SUSTAINED AIRBAG BURNS. HE SUSTAINED INJURIES, STRAIN IN NECK, BURNS ON ARM, AND ON RIGHTS HAND TWO FINGER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 14, 2005 · crash

1997 Eagle Talon — common questions

Is the 1997 Eagle Talon reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 37 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Talon year, with 4 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1997 Talon problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (9 complaints), engine (8 complaints), suspension (6 complaints).

Does the 1997 Eagle Talon have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Eagle Talon. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.