Owners have filed 37 complaints
about the 1997 Eagle Talon with NHTSA between 1998 and 2009.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 6 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 22
Against the median year of the Eagle Talon. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 56
10.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 1997 Eagle Talon
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Transmission & Drivetrain
924.3%
Median failure at 111,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
821.6%
Median failure at 90,000 miles
Suspension
616.2%
Airbags
38.1%
2 crashes, 0 fires
Electrical System
38.1%
Body & Structure
25.4%
Brakes
25.4%
Equipment & Accessories
12.7%
Seats
12.7%
Tires
12.7%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
12.7%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
125.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
125.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
250.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 1998peak 6Mar 2009
Recalls on the 1997 Eagle Talon
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
07E055000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
Risk: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
00V421002
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
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.
Risk: 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.
98V069002
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. LOCKUP OF THE TRANSFER CASE CAN OCCUR DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
97V081002
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
THE HEADREST GUIDE BRACKET WAS IMPROPERLY WELDED TO THE SEAT BACK FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BACK ASSEMBLIES ONLY.
Risk: THE HEADREST SUPPORT BRACKET CAN BREAK, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200106218,687 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, the lower lateral arm ball joint can separate due to loss of lubrication. There is a potential for moisture to leak past the protective boot which can cause the ball stud to corrode. This corrosion, acting much like contamination, can also lead to premature wear and separation of the ball joint. This could result in loss of vehicle control and a possible crash. Correction: Lower lateral arm ball joints will be inspected for wear and replaced as necessary with newly designed lower lateral arm ball joints. Ball joints that are within the established tolerance will be cleaned and a special sealant will be applied to prevent the intrusion of moisture.
Recall 19980886,892 units in Canada
Powertrain
NOTE: ALL WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES. OIL FILL VARIATIONS DURING THE INITIAL OIL FILL PROCESS OF THE TRANSFER CASE COULD RESULT IN LOW LEVELS OF LUBRICATION, SUBSEQUENTLY RESULTING IN POSSIBLE SEIZURE AND WHEEL LOCK UP. CORRECTION: TRANSFER CASE WILL BE INSPECTED FOR LOW FLUID LEVEL AND LEAKS FROM THE REAR YOKE PLUG, AND REPAIRED AS NECESSARY.
Recall 199712281 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADREST SUPPORT BRACKET WELD TO FAIL ON THESE VEHICLES. CORRECTION: A NEW PASSENGER SEAT BACK ASSEMBLY WILL BE INSTALLED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Edwardsville, ILCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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 BECAME NUMB. THE HOSPITAL DID TAKE X-RAYS, AND STATED THAT CONTACT HAD A PINCHED NERVE FROM THE STRAIN IN HIS NECK WHICH CAUSED THE NUMB FINGERS. ALSO ANOTHER SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE PASSENGER DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY BURNS FROM THE AIRBAG, BUT HAS BEEN OFF FROM WORK SINCE THE ACCIDENT, AND WAS UNDER PHYSICIAN'S CARE. . THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE WET. BECAUSE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYMENT VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE COST OF FIXING THE AIRBAGS WOULD BE MORE THAN THE COST OF THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10129203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Edwardsville, ILCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
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 BECAME NUMB. THE HOSPITAL DID TAKE X-RAYS, AND STATED THAT CONTACT HAD A PINCHED NERVE FROM THE STRAIN IN HIS NECK WHICH CAUSED THE NUMB FINGERS. ALSO ANOTHER SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE PASSENGER DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY BURNS FROM THE AIRBAG, BUT HAS BEEN OFF FROM WORK SINCE THE ACCIDENT, AND WAS UNDER PHYSICIAN'S CARE. . THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE WET. BECAUSE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYMENT VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE COST OF FIXING THE AIRBAGS WOULD BE MORE THAN THE COST OF THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10129203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 123,300 milesGalesburg, IL
POWER TRAIN
THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL FOR THE TRANSFER CASE. I HAVE ALL THE SYMPTOMS TRANSFER CASE FAILURE. THERE IS OIL LEAKING AND THE TRANSFER CASE LOCKS UP, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE THE CAR, THE WHEELS WILL NOT BUDGE. I HAVE TALKED TO TWO DEALERSHIPS. NEITHER WILL HONOR THE RECALL BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN PERFORMED BEFORE. I HAVE TALKED TO CHRYSLER AND THEY WILL NOT ALLOW THE RECALL TO BE PERFORMED. THE PERSON I SPOKE TO SAID IT COULD NOT BE DONE BECAUSE IT IS NOT A FAULTY PART.EVEN THOUGH WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE CAR IS EXACTLY WHAT IS STATED IN THE RECALL. THIS IS A SAFETY RECALL. IF THE TRANSFER CASE WOULD HAVE LOCKED UP WHEN I WAS GOING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, IT COULD BECOME A VERY SERIOUS MEDICAL EMERGENCY AND EVEN CAUSE A TOTALED CAR. I AM NOT SURE WHAT WAS REPLACED WHEN THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED BEFORE, BUT THE SYMPTOMS OF THE CAR MAKE IT SEEM LIKE IT WAS NOT DONE CORRECTLY BEFORE.
NHTSA complaint #10261767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Edwardsville, ILCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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 BECAME NUMB. THE HOSPITAL DID TAKE X-RAYS, AND STATED THAT CONTACT HAD A PINCHED NERVE FROM THE STRAIN IN HIS NECK WHICH CAUSED THE NUMB FINGERS. ALSO ANOTHER SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE PASSENGER DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY BURNS FROM THE AIRBAG, BUT HAS BEEN OFF FROM WORK SINCE THE ACCIDENT, AND WAS UNDER PHYSICIAN'S CARE. . THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE WET. BECAUSE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYMENT VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE COST OF FIXING THE AIRBAGS WOULD BE MORE THAN THE COST OF THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10129203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Edwardsville, ILCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
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 BECAME NUMB. THE HOSPITAL DID TAKE X-RAYS, AND STATED THAT CONTACT HAD A PINCHED NERVE FROM THE STRAIN IN HIS NECK WHICH CAUSED THE NUMB FINGERS. ALSO ANOTHER SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE PASSENGER DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY BURNS FROM THE AIRBAG, BUT HAS BEEN OFF FROM WORK SINCE THE ACCIDENT, AND WAS UNDER PHYSICIAN'S CARE. . THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE WET. BECAUSE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYMENT VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE COST OF FIXING THE AIRBAGS WOULD BE MORE THAN THE COST OF THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10129203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,000 milesWayne, NJ
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
DAIMLER CHYSLER REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGNE HTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 98V069002. PLEASE HELP ME.
NHTSA complaint #10118674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesAnderson, MO
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
A RECALL FOR THE TRANSFER CASE WAS ISSUED. THE CONSUMER VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS INCLUDED, HOWEVER THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #10099145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesIndianapolis, IN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
1997 EAGLE TALON TSI FWD (IDENTICAL TO MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE GS-T OF THE SAME YEAR) HAS A PROBLEM WITH FAILING CRANKSHAFT BEARINGS, CAUSING THE CRANK TO BE ABLE TO MOVE AROUND. IT IS PHYSICALLY MOVABLE BY HAND LEFT AND RIGHT AND UP AND DOWN INSTEAD OF BEING STATIONARY. CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE, AS THIS "WALKING CRANK" COULD CRACK THE SHORT BLOCK AT ANY TIME RENDERING THE CAR IMMOBILE. MITSUBISHI/CHRYSLER REFUSES TO RECOGNIZE THIS AS A DEFECT AND WILL NOT FIX IT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. THIS IS A DEFECT IN ABOUT HALF OF THEIR 95-99 ECLIPSE/TALONS WITH THE 2.0L DOCK TURBO ENGINE, AND THEY REFUSE TO EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE IT EXISTS. THESE CARS ARE NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND MITSUBISHI HAS AND REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT.
NHTSA complaint #10078439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH A LOUD BANGING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR. THE DRIVER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE REAR LOWER BALL JOINTS DUE TO WORN PARTS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #10064829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Madison, WI
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
CONSUMER STATED THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID IS LEAKING FROM THE TRANSFER CASE. MR
NHTSA complaint #8022287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FL
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
THE SUNROOF TRIM MOLDING WAS COMING LOOSE.
NHTSA complaint #561864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
CONSUMER STATED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON.
NHTSA complaint #561864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FL
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, CONSUMER BELIEVES HER LOSING CONTROL OF VEHICLE WAS A RESULT OF A RECALL ON THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS, 99V066.
NHTSA complaint #561864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FL
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
THERE WAS A RATTLING NOISE IN REAR COMPARTMENT AREA, DELAER FOUND SPARE TIRE LOOSE IN TRUNK AREA.
NHTSA complaint #561864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FL
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A LOUD RATTLING NOISE UNDERNEATH VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING, DEALER FOUND LOOSE EXHAUST HEAT SHIELD BENT UP.
NHTSA complaint #561864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR
CONSUMER STATED ABS LIGHT WAS ON, DEALER REPLACED FAULTY FRONT WHEEL SENSOR.
NHTSA complaint #561864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FL
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, CONSUMER BELIEVES HER LOSING CONTROL OF VEHICLE WAS A RESULT OF A RECALL ON THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS, 99V066.
NHTSA complaint #561864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Terre Haute, IN
AIR BAGS
BRAKES LOCKED UP, RESULTING IN A FRONTAL ACCIDENT, AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY
NHTSA complaint #9004914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Terre Haute, IN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
BRAKES LOCKED UP, RESULTING IN A FRONTAL ACCIDENT, AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY
NHTSA complaint #9004914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denver, CO
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
RECALL 00V421002 REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2001. ON OCTOBER 31, 2001 WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THERE WAS A "RUBBING" AND "HUMMING" NOISE COMING FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE. A MECHANIC EXAMINED VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT FRONT/RIGHT BALL JOINT HAD FAILED, AND FRONT/ LEFT BALL JOINT WAS LOOSE. UPON CONTACTING DEALER , CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE BALL JOINTS HAD NEVER BEEN SEALED WHEN THEY SERVICED VEHICLE FOR RECALL. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / ATTACHMENTS.
NHTSA complaint #898746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jefferson City, MO
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
EGR VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #750467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
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.
NHTSA complaint #892738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Redford, MI
SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT
STRUTS WERE LEAKING. NLM
NHTSA complaint #561654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Redford, MI
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
THE DEALER REPEATEDLY OFFERED OTHER SERVICES (OIL CHANGE, BRAKE CHECK, SHOCKS) INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE RECALL COMPONENT IN A TIMELY MANNER. NLM
NHTSA complaint #561654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Holbrook, PA
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
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.
NHTSA complaint #881953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bronx, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #737508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Merriam, KS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
HEAD GASKET AND VALVES FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #784405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.