Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Eagle Talon owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The transmission failed, the vehicle stalled when stopped, when in gear with the brake engaged, also upon acceleration, the power steering failed, the check engine light was intermittent, the vehicle had bucked when stopped in park, and had continued to idle erratically. TSB # 18-04-96 scc
I bought the vehicle new in February of 1995, thirteen months after buying the vehicle the timing belt snapped. The engine was essentially replaced. Three months later the water pump failed and was replaced, it failed again and was replaced again. The vents on the dashboard popped out and had to be replaced, they have since popped out again. The horn relay has been replaced twice and still does not function properly. The brakes were resurfaced after about 4 months because of a defect. The alarm has been replaced three times. The battery has been replaced twice. All of these problems occured in the first three years I owned the vehicle. In the past four months I have noticed a very strong odor of fuel in the car, I have brought it to several mechanics, without success. …
I am writing this to you because my friend recently had a problem with his eclipse known as "crank walk" ever since the 2nd generation (95-99) turbo eclipse and talons came out they have been with faulty crankshafts. The cranks eventually were out the thrust washer and shift to the point that it destoys the crank angle sensor, shutting off the motor. Mitsubishi is aware of the problem. Its their fault. The vehicles are bad from the factory but yet my friend has been denied a warranty claim because he made a few unrealted performance modifications. Please, I urge you to force Mitsubishi to recall the cars with these bad cranks before someone motor shuts off and an accident is caused. You know how bad mitz is with recalls as with the leaky transfer case. Please check this website. …
After taking the car to a mechanic and researching the problem on the internet it has become evident that I have what is nicknamed or called "crankwalk". This is an issue that results from the crankshaft or thrust bearings allowing the crankshaft to move freely. This movement allows the crankshaft to move, which wears a grove into the engine block and or allows the crankshaft to hit the crank-angle sensor and break it, both of which resulting in a total loss of the engine block. I am extremely disappointed that Mitsubishi and Chrysler have not come forward with this manufacturing flaw. Mitsubishi has said that this is a common problem but has not made any reparations to the owners of these vehicles. …
Intermittent - while stopped, vehicle vibrates/starts to stall and stops - "check engine light" comes on. Car will restart instantly and run o.k. (light goes out). Intermittently while driving down road "check engine light" comes on and engines hesitates - will clear up or stall. Diagnostic trouble code has never listed a code in the system. On 05/21/2002 Dodge dealer recommended throttle body replacement pursuant to service bulletin no. 18-04-96 (erratic idle and MIL illuminated) even though there was no diagnostic trouble code (cost: $335.50 for throttle body part, $40.00 installation and $65.00 for diagnosis). Parts replaced in 2001 to attempt to correct these problems: spark plugs, valve cover gasket, idle air control, timing belt, water pump, fuel filter; fuel injection and throttle body were cleaned. The vehicle continues to operate with the problems noted and is unreliable. …
Engine bearings were not recieving oil. Engine was rebuilt with new OEM crankshaft, bearings, pistons, rods, and cylinder head. Not even a month later the same exact problem happens again. Engine was inspected and found to be free from blockage and debris. Oil pump was working as specified. No cause could be found as to why bearings were not recieving oil. Bearings were found to have excessive clearence that resultedd in the piston beening able to physically hit the cylinder head leaving extensive damage to the cylinder head, requiring the entire engine to be replaced. When I contacted daimlerchrysler and my dealer, I was told that this was not a common occurance so there was no recall on it. However, I have discovered on websites such as www.dsm.org that this is a common occurance with this particular model.
Relating to the engine:mainbearing problem, this is the third car of this type I have owned (all vins and reciepts available) that this has happened to. It is referredd to by many as "crankwalk". The oil pressure test show a normal pressure, yet the #4 bearing has been deprived of oil and seems to grind the bearing down slowly until there is so much excessive clearence that the piston starts hitting the cylinder head and destroys the entire engine assemblyl. I have read online posts at http://www.dsm.org from hundreds, if not thousands, of owners of this same car and its twin - the Mitsubishi eclipse gsx/gs-t - about this same problem and wonder why if there is so many reports of this happening, why have they not been recalled.
Engine bearings were not recieving oil. Engine was inspected and found to be free from blockage and debris. Oil pump was working as specified. No cause could be found as to why bearings were not recieving oil. Bearings were found to have excessive clearence that resultedd in the piston beening able to physically hit the cylinder head leaving extensive damage to the cylinder head, requiring the entire engine to be replaced. When I contacted daimlerchrysler and my dealer, I was told that this was not a common occurance so there was no recall on it. However, I have discovered on websites such as www.dsm.org that this is a common occurance with this particular model.
Mismatched sizes between crankshaft and ball bearings, enabling the crankshaft to move. The moving crankshaft destroyed the crank shaft sensor, and there is significant wear in the ball bearings. All three independent dealers I contacted regarding this problem deem it beyond normal wear--a defective part. Further research at the dsm car club (http://www.dsm.org) revealed that this is a common problem in Talon/eclipses, model years 1995-1998. This is a safety concern because the car engine will stop with no warning, leaving the driver without assisted steering. I contacted Chrysler, but they disavow any responsibility.
The consumer heard a loud noise and found large amounts of nuts and bolts rolling back and forth on both panels in the trunk. Both panels were replaced in the rear seat area. The engine stalled, there was white smoke coming out of the exhaust badly. The chain bolt valve, timing cover, timing belt, timing chain/belt, the balance shaft bolt, and the front and rear struts were replaced. A new oil pan was placed in the vehicle. The vehicle idled abnormally and lost power. The vehicle needed a new battery, and a left front headlight assembly. There was a knocking issue when going over bumps. Mr scc
Engine complaints in other Talon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1995 Eagle Talon?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1995 Eagle Talon, 16% of the model year's 209 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Eagle Talon engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1995 Eagle Talon, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1995 Eagle Talon engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 97,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.