Model year guide

1990 Eagle Talon

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1990 Eagle Talon is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1990 Eagle Talon — representative photo
Representative photo

1990 Eagle Talon at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints78
Combined20–22 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1990 Eagle Talon recalls 4

Power Train:automatic Transmission NHTSA Campaign #98V069002 · 07/04/1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. LOCKUP OF THE TRANSFER CASE CAN OCCUR DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION.

Fix: 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 COMPONEN…

Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly NHTSA Campaign #95V103003 · 24/05/1995

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.

Fix: 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 SU…

Visibility:windshield NHTSA Campaign #90V106001 · 01/06/1990

DILUTED PRIMER MAY HAVE BEEN USED ON THE WINDSHIELD OPENING FLANGES PRIOR TO WINDSHIELD GLASS INSTALLATION WHICH WOULD NOT PROVIDE THE RETENTION REQUIRED BY FMVSS 212.

Fix: REPLACE WINDSHIELDS, ASSOCIATED PARTS, AND PRIMER.

Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly NHTSA Campaign #90V056001 · 21/03/1990

OPERATION OF SUNROOF IN "NON-STANDARD" MANNER MAY CAUSE MALE HINGE DISENGAGEMENT FROM THE ROOF HINGE RECEIVER.

Fix: REPLACE MALE HINGE WITH A MODIFIED VERSION TO INCREASE ROOF HINGE RECEIVER RETENTION ABILITY.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1990 Eagle Talon common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 78 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

1990 Eagle Talon safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1990 Eagle Talon 2-DR. HB.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

1990 Eagle Talon MPG & running costs

Combined20–22 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,525
EPA size classSubcompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Passenger volume81 cu ft
Cargo volume19 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$5,625 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1990 Eagle Talon costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$17,625
Fuel only$17,625
Per mile$0.24

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
172.4 in
Width
66.9 in
Height
52.0 in
Wheelbase
97.2 in
Curb weight
2,712 lb
Front track
57.9 in
Rear track
57.1 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1990 Eagle Talon. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 3

TRANSFER CASE LOCKUP Closed

NHTSA #EA98002 · Wheels · opened Jan 1998 · closed Apr 1998

TRANSFER CASE LOCKUP Closed

ALLEGED DRIVETRAIN FAILURE THAT CAN LEAD TO LOCK-UP OF THE REAR OR ALL WHEELS.

NHTSA #PE97040 · Wheels · opened Sep 1997 · closed Jan 1998

HOOD FLY-UP Closed

NHTSA #PE94074 · Structure · opened Oct 1994 · closed Feb 1995

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 7

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered.

SUBJECT REGARDING WIRE SPLICE REPAIRS. *SB

Bulletin 0800600REV · Electrical System · Dec 2000

SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT

Bulletin 2300800B · Seats · Nov 2000

SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT

Bulletin 230800 · Seats · Mar 2000

THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A REVISED WIRE SPLICE PROCEDURE AND RELATED PARTS. *TT

Bulletin 080600 · Electrical System · Feb 2000

SUBJECT ON THE CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *MJS

Bulletin 233599REVA · Structure · Oct 1999

INFORMATION ON CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT

Bulletin 233599 · Seats · Sep 1999

DOOR GLASS ADJUSTMENT. *TW

Bulletin 232293 · Visibility · Apr 1993

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the TALON. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 6

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1990 Eagle Talon. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, 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.

Transport Canada #1998088 · May 1998

Seats And Restraints

On certain vehicles, the (takata) ABS plastic front seat belt release buttons may break allowing plastic pieces to fall into the buckle assembly. If this should happen, a no latch, false latch or failure to unlatch condition could occur creating the risk of personal injury in the event of a crash or sudden stop. Correction: Front seat belt buckles will be repaired or replaced a…

Transport Canada #1995087 · May 1995

Emissions

NOTE: THIS RECALL IS A DUPLICATE OF 94-045.

Transport Canada #1994059 · Mar 1994

Emissions

NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.0 LITRE TURBOCHARGED ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S 1103 - EXHAUST EMISSIONS. EXCESS HEAT RESULTS IN INCREASED OXYGEN SENSOR DETERIORATION AND AS A RESULT THE CARBON MONOXIDE EMISSIONS MAY EXCEED THE ALLOWABLE LIMIT. CORRECTION: OXYGEN SENSOR WILL BE REPLACED WITH AN IMPROVED DESIGN HEAT RESISTANT SENSOR.

Transport Canada #1994045 · Mar 1994

Visual System

THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 212 - WINDSHIELD MOUNTING. DILUTED PRIMER MAY HAVE BEEN USED ON THE WINDSHIELD OPENING FLANGE PRIOR TO WINDSHIELD GLASS INSTALLATION. CORRECTION: EXISTING WINDSHIELD, ASSOCIATED PARTS AND PRIMER WILL BE REPLACED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.

Transport Canada #1990108 · Jul 1990

Structure

NON-STANDARD USE OF THE LATCH HANDLE COULD CAUSE SUN ROOF DISENGAGEMENT FROM THE ROOF DUE TO MALE HINGE DISENGAGEMENT FROM ITS RECEIVER. A DETACHED SUNROOF COULD PRESENT A SIGNIFICANT ROAD HAZARD. CORRECTION: EXISTING SUN ROOF MALE HINGE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A MODIFIED ONE HAVING IMPROVED RETENTION.

Transport Canada #1990059 · Apr 1990

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Eagle Talon

The Eagle Talon is a sport compact hatchback coupé. It was manufactured as part of a joint venture between Chrysler and Mitsubishi in two generations starting from the 1990 model year.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

1990 Eagle Talon vehicles on record

Other Eagle Talon model years

1990 Eagle Talon — frequently asked questions

Does the 1990 Eagle Talon have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 1990 Eagle Talon. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1990 Eagle Talon?

Across all 78 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, engine and engine cooling, service brakes.

What is the 1990 Eagle Talon safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 1990 Eagle Talon crash-test ratings of frontal 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 1990 Eagle Talon get?

The 1990 Eagle Talon has U.S. EPA estimates of 20–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (4 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.