1990 Eagle Talon Problems

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often describe transfer case fluid leaks that lead to the wheels locking up, followed by timing belt failures that damaged engines and transmission shifting problems. Where mileage is recorded, it falls between 65,000 and 111,445 miles, but most complaints in this sample do not list mileage. Several complaints say recall work was done and did not stop later failures.

1. 1
   Transmission and drivetrain

   Transfer case fluid leaks and lock-up

   • 27 complaints (37%)
   • median 111,445 mi at 12.5 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
   • filed 1997–2007

   Owners describe transfer case fluid leaking from the driveshaft yoke area or the case itself, with the transfer case then locking up and the wheels locking together. Some complaints describe loss of control when the wheels locked, and others describe lock-up at highway speed, with some mentioning rear axle or differential damage after the case failed. Some owners say the dealer only checked for leaks or added fluid during recall work, and the case failed later. Most complaints in this group do not record mileage, and the transfer case complaint that does lists 111,445 miles.

   Recall 98V069002

   What to check: Ask whether the transfer case fluid level and leak history have been checked, and request any recall or service records for the transfer case. Look under the vehicle for fluid around the transfer case and driveshaft yoke, and ask a mechanic to inspect for leaks before buying.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “In 1998 larry h. Miller chrysler jeep in the southtowne automall in sandy ut performed the recall regarding the transfer case. They said they were not required to change the transfer case just look for leaks. They said the transfer case was low on fluid and filled it back up. I requested a new transfer case but they declined. They would not give me any information regarding the recall nor what constituted having the transfer case or yoke changed. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10183864, filed 2007-03, 111,445 miles

   “I had already done the transfer case recall 3 years prior. Dealership did not replace any parts, only the fluid in the transfer case. I was on a busy freeway going 65mph in the slow lane when all of my tires locked up without any notice. I barely managed to get the car off the freeway. Police officer said if I was in a different lane I may have caused a major traffic accident and died. The car would not move as I tried to push it further away from the road.the transfer case failed and the rear differential and both rear axels broke. …”

   NHTSA complaint #760285, filed 2002-04
2. 2
   Engine cooling

   Timing belt failures and engine damage

   • 13 complaints (18%)
   • typically at 7.4 yrs old
   • filed 1995–1999

   Owners describe timing belts failing, in some cases with the replacement belt failing as well, and engine damage following. A complaint says a weak tensioner was involved and that a service bulletin was issued for the problem, while another describes a water pump leak dripping onto the belt and locking the engine. Some owners say the belt failed again after recall work. Mileage is not recorded for these complaints, and some describe the belt failing before a recall notice was received.

   What to check: Ask whether the timing belt and tensioner have been replaced, when that happened, and request the invoices or service records. Check for oil or coolant leaks near the timing belt cover and the water pump, since complaints describe a water pump leak reaching the belt.

   An excerpt from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Engine timing belt malfunctioned due to weak tensioner. Manufacturer issued a service bulletin on this problem. If this part fails while driving it could cause the engine to throw a rod and/or eject parts from the motor.”

   NHTSA complaint #534131, filed 1998-04
3. 3
   Transmission and drivetrain

   Transmission shifting problems or failure

   • 13 complaints (18%)
   • median 111,445 mi at 12.5 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
   • filed 1995–2007

   Owners describe the transmission popping out of gear or not engaging the correct gear, and in some cases being unable to shift past third gear. Some say a problem with shifting into second gear at speed continued after a dealer repair. A complaint describes the transmission failing with a loud noise at low speed, and another describes the clutch pedal staying on the floor at a stop. Mileage is not recorded for these complaints, and the descriptions involve stops at intersections and shifting at speeds up to 55 mph.

   What to check: Ask whether the transmission or clutch has been repaired, and request the repair invoices, since a complaint says a dealer repair did not stop the problem. On a test drive, check that each gear engages smoothly, including under acceleration at highway speed, and that the clutch pedal returns normally.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “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.”

   NHTSA complaint #850686, filed 1999-10

   “While stopping at an intersection pressed clutch to floor and pedal stayed to the floor, then, consumer turned off engine, and car was able to shift again, but no higher than 3rd gear. Consumer had to turn off engine everytime vehicle came to a stop.”

   NHTSA complaint #876315, filed 2000-12
4. 4
   Transmission and drivetrain

   Recall repairs that did not stop later failures

   • 14 complaints (19%)
   • median 88,222 mi at 13.5 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
   • filed 1997–2007

   Owners describe recall work that was completed but did not prevent later failures, such as a driveshaft part failing shortly after the repair. Some say the dealer only checked for leaks or added fluid during a transfer case recall, and the case failed afterward. An owner also reports that a seat belt buckle recall repair was followed by the lap belt no longer locking, and the dealer said it was not responsible for that repair. Most of these complaints do not record mileage, and the transfer case complaint that does lists 111,445 miles.

   Recall 98V069002Recall 95V103003

   What to check: Ask for the recall campaign numbers that apply to the car and check the dealer's records to confirm the work was completed. Ask whether replacement parts were installed or only an inspection and fluid service was done, and request the invoices.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Consumer contacted the dealer in reference to recall 98v060002, driveshaft. Contacted the dealer prior to recall work was corrected. One week later, parts failed. Consumer contacted the dealer with recall notice. Dealer stated there may be a fee involved. Please provide any futher details.”

   NHTSA complaint #826363, filed 1998-08

   “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.”

   NHTSA complaint #813152, filed 1997-06

Buying note. Buyers considering this model year may want to ask whether the transfer case recall work was done and whether parts were replaced, and to request records of any timing belt replacements. A pre-purchase inspection that checks for leaks around the transfer case, driveshaft and timing belt area can help show whether these areas match what owners describe.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 28 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.