Model year guide

1996 Eagle Talon

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1996 Eagle Talon is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1996 Eagle Talon — representative photo
Representative photo

1996 Eagle Talon at a glance

Safety recalls5
Owner complaints48
Combined19–24 mpg

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

1996 Eagle Talon recalls 5

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump NHTSA Campaign #07E055000 · manufacturer #FP072007-1 · 26/07/2007

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.

Fix: 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.

Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint NHTSA Campaign #00V421002 · manufacturer #967 · 18/12/2000

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.

Fix: 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…

Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint NHTSA Campaign #99V066003 · manufacturer #827 · 05/04/1999

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.

Fix: 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.

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…

Fuel System, Gasoline NHTSA Campaign #96V158002 · 27/08/1996

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

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

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.

1996 Eagle Talon common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 48 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
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.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.

1996 Eagle Talon safety ratings

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

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1996 Eagle Talon 2-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

1996 Eagle Talon MPG & running costs

Combined19–24 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway26 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,642
EPA size classSubcompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Passenger volume79 cu ft
Cargo volume15 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$6,208 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 6 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 1996 Eagle Talon costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$18,210
Fuel only$18,210
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
68.5 in
Height
51.2–51.6 in
Wheelbase
98.8 in
Curb weight
2,789–3,241 lb
Front track
59.4–59.8 in
Rear track
59.1–60.2 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1996 Eagle Talon — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 2

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

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

Manufacturer service bulletins 66

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. Showing the 10 most recent of 66.

Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.

Bulletin 08-049-20 · Electrical System, Equipment · Apr 2020

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

Bulletin 31-003-19 · Equipment · Nov 2019

Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

Bulletin 3100519 · Structure · Nov 2019

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

Bulletin 3100619 · Structure, Equipment · Nov 2019

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

Bulletin 3100319 · Structure · Nov 2019

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

Bulletin 31-006-19 · Structure · Nov 2019

Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.

Bulletin R2118796A · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2016

THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) MAY NOT ILLUMINATE THE CHECK ENGINE LAMP DURING AN INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE TEST REQUIRED BY FEDERAL AND CALIFORNIA EMISSION REGULATIONS. *TT

Bulletin 29 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2003

FLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *SLC

Bulletin 1802002 · Jun 2002

SUBJECT REGARDING AIRBAG / CLOCK SPRING SERVICE FOR VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2002 MODEL YEAR JEEP LIBERTY. *TT

Bulletin 0801001 · Electrical System · May 2001

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

Canadian recalls 4

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1996 Eagle Talon. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, 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 cr…

Transport Canada #2001062 · Mar 2001

Steering

On certain vehicles, the rubber boot on the lower lateral ball joint could be damaged, allowing the intrusion of dirt and water, leading to extraordinary wear on the ball joint and possible separation. This could result in loss of vehicle control and a possible crash without prior warning. Correction: Lower lateral ball joints will be inspected and if cut or damaged boots are f…

Transport Canada #1999144 · Jul 1999

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

Fuel System

THE FUEL TANK MAY HAVE A TWISTED FUEL PUMP OR GAUGE UNIT GASKET WHICH MAY EVENTUALLY ALLOW FUEL OR FUMES TO ESCAPE. CORRECTION: FUEL SYSTEM WILL BE INSPECTED AND FUEL TANK AND GASKETS WILL BE REPLACED.

Transport Canada #1996175 · Nov 1996

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.

1996 Eagle Talon vehicles on record

Other Eagle Talon model years

1996 Eagle Talon — frequently asked questions

Does the 1996 Eagle Talon have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 1996 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 1996 Eagle Talon?

Across all 48 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are suspension, power train, engine and engine cooling.

What is the 1996 Eagle Talon safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 1996 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 1996 Eagle Talon get?

The 1996 Eagle Talon has U.S. EPA estimates of 19–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (6 versions).

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