1988 Eagle Premier Problems and Recalls (54 Complaints)

The most-reported problem on the 1988 Eagle Premier is Glass / wipers / cameras (28% of 54 owner reports). There are 7 safety recalls. Check the VIN and inspect Glass / wipers / cameras — this is the NHTSA file, not a score.

NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Snapshot 2026-09-07 54 complaints · 7 recalls

What problems show up on the 1988 Eagle Premier?

15 of 54 filings named Glass / wipers / cameras (28% of the file). That is what owners wrote, not a shop diagnosis of the vehicle in the driveway.

Second is Brakes (11 reports).

There are 7 official safety recalls on this year. They were filed about Brakes, Glass / wipers / cameras, Transmission / driveline, and Seat belts. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov — a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific truck.

The previous year is not published here. Use the year list to jump around.

What to check before you buy a 1988 Eagle Premier

A useful visit to this page takes five minutes. YearTell does not score years and cannot see the vehicle in front of you.

  1. Look up the VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov. This year has 7 campaigns on file below.
  2. Glass / wipers / cameras. Check windshield, wipers and any camera or sensor the listing claims is there.
  3. Brakes. Have a shop check pads, rotors, fluid and whether the pedal feels firm.
  4. Transmission / driveline. Have a shop drive it and check the transmission: hard or delayed shifts, burnt-smelling fluid, and 4WD engagement if equipped.
  5. Skim a few owner reports below for Glass / wipers / cameras. Look for the same symptom repeating.
  6. Take that list to a mechanic. Do not turn the complaint total into a score.

What owners reported

System named most often: Glass / wipers / cameras 15 complaints · 27.8% of the file
Crashes, fires, injuries and deaths in those filings:
  • Crashes 3
  • Fires 0
  • Injuries 1
  • Deaths 0
All Eagle Premier years →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Which systems owners named

Share of owner complaints filed against each vehicle system. These shares are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.

Which systems owners named Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY) appears in 15 of 54 owner complaints (27.8%) in this vehicle snapshot. Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY): 15 complaints, 27.8% of reports Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY) 15 · 27.8% Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES): 11 complaints, 20.4% of reports Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 2 crash reports 11 · 20.4% Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN): 7 complaints, 13.0% of reports Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 1 crash reports 7 · 13.0% Engine (ENGINE): 4 complaints, 7.4% of reports Engine (ENGINE) 4 · 7.4% Seat belts (SEAT BELTS): 4 complaints, 7.4% of reports Seat belts (SEAT BELTS) 4 · 7.4% Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM): 3 complaints, 5.6% of reports Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 3 · 5.6% Steering (STEERING): 2 complaints, 3.7% of reports Steering (STEERING) 2 · 3.7% Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING): 1 complaints, 1.9% of reports Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) 1 · 1.9% Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM): 1 complaints, 1.9% of reports Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 1 · 1.9% Unclassified NHTSA leftover: 45 complaints, 83.3% of reports Unclassified NHTSA leftover 3 crash reports 45 · 83.3% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

“Unclassified NHTSA leftover” is not a car part. It is a filing bucket and always sits last.

View component data as a table
System / Component Complaints Share of Reports Safety Reports (Crashes / Fires)
Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY) 15 27.8% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 11 20.4% 2 crashes · 0 fires
Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 7 13.0% 1 crashes · 0 fires
Engine (ENGINE) 4 7.4% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Seat belts (SEAT BELTS) 4 7.4% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 3 5.6% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Steering (STEERING) 2 3.7% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) 1 1.9% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 1 1.9% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Unclassified NHTSA leftover 45 83.3% 3 crashes · 0 fires
NHTSA Consumer Complaints, NHTSA Safety Recalls, and NHTSA Defect Investigations Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

When reports and recalls showed up

When owners filed reports, and when recall campaigns showed up.

When reports and recalls showed up Owner reports in this snapshot begin in Jan 1995; the first recall shown was reported in Jan 1988. 1995-Q1: 4 owner reports 4 1995-Q2: 11 owner reports 11 1995-Q3: 5 owner reports 5 1995-Q4: 2 owner reports 2 1996-Q1: 3 owner reports 3 1996-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 1996-Q3: 3 owner reports 3 1996-Q4: 2 owner reports 2 1997-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 1997-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 1997-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 1998-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 1998-Q3: 3 owner reports 3 1998-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 1999-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 1999-Q2: 3 owner reports 3 1999-Q3: 2 owner reports 2 1999-Q4: 3 owner reports 3 2000-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2000-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2001-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 Owner reports Jan 1988 Apr 2001 Recall campaign 88V002000 ◆ Recall campaign 88V002000 Recall campaign 88V087000 ◆ Recall campaign 88V087000 Recall campaign 88V128000 ◆ Recall campaign 88V128000 Recall campaign 90V205000 ◆ Recall campaign 90V205000 Recall campaign 94V006000 ◆ Recall campaign 94V006000 Recall campaign 95V213000 ◆ Recall campaign 95V213000 Recall campaign 98V005000 ◆ Recall campaign 98V005000 Investigation PE94027 ● Investigation PE94027 Investigation PE94060 ● Investigation PE94060
  • Campaign 98V005000 was reported 987 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
View timeline records as a table
Date Record type Count Record identifier
1995-Q1 Owner reports 4
1995-Q2 Owner reports 11
1995-Q3 Owner reports 5
1995-Q4 Owner reports 2
1996-Q1 Owner reports 3
1996-Q2 Owner reports 2
1996-Q3 Owner reports 3
1996-Q4 Owner reports 2
1997-Q1 Owner reports 1
1997-Q2 Owner reports 2
1997-Q4 Owner reports 1
1998-Q2 Owner reports 2
1998-Q3 Owner reports 3
1998-Q4 Owner reports 1
1999-Q1 Owner reports 1
1999-Q2 Owner reports 3
1999-Q3 Owner reports 2
1999-Q4 Owner reports 3
2000-Q3 Owner reports 1
2000-Q4 Owner reports 1
2001-Q2 Owner reports 1
Recall campaign 1 88V002000
Recall campaign 1 88V087000
Recall campaign 1 88V128000
Recall campaign 1 90V205000
Recall campaign 1 94V006000
Recall campaign 1 95V213000
Recall campaign 1 98V005000
Defect investigation 1 PE94027
Defect investigation 1 PE94060
NHTSA Safety Recalls Snapshot 2026-09-06 Open source record

Safety Recalls (7)

Official campaigns. Each one says what could go wrong and what the dealer was told to fix.

In short, these campaigns were filed about Brakes, Glass / wipers / cameras, Transmission / driveline, and Seat belts.

  1. Recall campaign 88V002000

    Brakes

    Report date
    Component:
    Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES)
    Consequence:
    THIS COULD RESULT IN INCREASED BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL ANDPARTIAL LOSS OF BRAKING CAPABILITY.
    Remedy:
    REPLACE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  2. Recall campaign 88V087000

    Glass / wipers / cameras

    Report date
    Component:
    Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY)
    Consequence:
    THE BUILDUP OF PRESSURE MAY CAUSE HEATER CORE TO RUPTUREAND DISCHARGE HOT COOLANT AND STEAM IN THE PROXIMITY OF THE DRIVERS LEGS.
    Remedy:
    REPLACE ALL COOLANT SYSTEM PRESSURE CAPS WITH ONE HAVING ADEQUATE VENTING CAPACITY.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  3. Recall campaign 88V128000

    Transmission / driveline

    Report date
    Component:
    Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
    Consequence:
    VEHICLES WOULD BE SUBJECT TO TRANSMISSION FAILURES.
    Remedy:
    RETROFIT TRANSMISSION.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  4. Recall campaign 90V205000

    Brakes

    Report date
    Component:
    Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES)
    Consequence:
    THIS COULD LEAD TO HOSE FAILURE AND LOSS OF BRAKE FLUIDREDUCING BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS.
    Remedy:
    REPLACE FRONT BRAKE HOSES WITH HOSES REDESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MODIFIED ROUTING CONFIGURATION.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  5. Recall campaign 94V006000

    Glass / wipers / cameras

    Report date
    Component:
    Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY)
    Consequence:
    THE COOLANT ESCAPING INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT COULD CONTACT THE DRIVER'S FEET AND INJURE THE DRIVER. ALSO, STEAM FROM THE HEATER LIQUID WILL CLOUD ON THE WINDOW SURFACES AND IMPAIR THE DRIVER'S VISION. IN EITHER CASE, FAILURE OF THE HEATER CORE END CAP COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
    Remedy:
    A COOLANT TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED HEATER CORE FLUID BYPASS VALVE WILL BE INSTALLED.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  6. Recall campaign 95V213000

    Seat belts

    Report date
    Component:
    Seat belts (SEAT BELTS)
    Consequence:
    THE LACK OF PASSIVE RESTRAINTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE COLLISION.
    Remedy:
    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SYSTEM TRACK AND DRIVE ASSEMBLY ON AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT SYSTEMS WHICH ARE CURRENTLY INOPERATIVE AND THOSE SYSTEMS WHEN THEY BECOME INOPERATIVE IN THE FUTURE.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  7. Recall campaign 98V005000

    Brakes

    Report date
    Component:
    Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES)
    Consequence:
    THE REDUCED STRENGTH CAN ALLOW THE CAST IRON WEAR SURFACE TO SEPARATE FROM THE HUB, REDUCING THE BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE VEHICLE.
    Remedy:
    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE ROTORS WITH ROTORS THAT ARE COATED WITH A CORROSION PROTECTION.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

What owners actually wrote

Short excerpts from the public NHTSA file. Look for the same symptom repeating.

Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation · snapshot 2026-09-07
Safety incident filters
Showing 10 of 54 complaints · page 1 of 3
2001-05-24Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 889109
CrashFireInjuryDeath
THROTTLE WOULD BE WIDE OPEN AND STUCK. VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AFTER STICKING. HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 3 DIFFERENT TIMES BEFORE. LAST TIME CAUSED TRANSMISSION TO BURN UP.*AK
2000-12-18Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES)Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 558503
CrashFireInjuryDeath
CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT FOR RECALL REPAIR 99V-340 CONCERNING FAULTY BRAKE ROTORS WHICH FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE, CONSUMER HAS NOT RECIEVED REIMBURSEMENT YET. NLM
2000-07-25Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 9001460
CrashFireInjuryDeath
CHILD BLEEDING ON HER LEFT UPPER ARM DUE TO A SHINY POINT STICKING THROUTH THE CUSHION PART ON HER CAR SEAT, PULLED THE CUSHION OFF AND THE SPRING THAT CONTROLLED THE FRONT OF THE CAR SEAT, THAT PULLS OVER THE CHILDS HEAD AND SNAPS IN PLACE, HAD SOMEHOW STRAIGNTENED OUT TO SOMEWHAT AND POKED THROUGH CUSHION. THIS IS THE SECOND EVENFLO SEAT THAT THE PULL OVER ARM BROKE.
1999-11-09Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY)Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 978789
CrashFireInjuryDeath
THE RECALL WORK ON HEATER CORE BY PASS WAS NOT DONE PARTLY. THEY BLED THE SYSTEM, AND VEHICLE OVERHEATED. RECALL 94V006000. *AK
1999-10-06Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY)Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 850056
CrashFireInjuryDeath
HOT COOLANT IS LEAKING INTO THE PASSENGER'S COMPARTMENT, CAUSING THE WINDOWS TO FOG UP. A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED ON THE VEHICLE. THE RECALL WAS DISCONTINUED BECAUSE THE PARTS ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE( PER THE DEALERSHIP). MANUFACTURER WILL BE NOTIFIED. RECALL 94V006000. *AK
1999-10-04Steering (STEERING)Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 849772
CrashFireInjuryDeath
FRONT END SHAKES AT ANY SPEED DUE TO BROKEN INNER TIE ROD. *AK
1999-08-24Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY)Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 845725
CrashFireInjuryDeath
DRIVER'S SIDE/FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE, AND REAR PASSENGERS' SIDE WINDOWS HAVE A POTENTIAL PROBLEM, WHEN THEY ARE ROLLED DOWN THEY GET STUCK. TO GET THESE WINDOWS BACK UP, CONSUMER HAS TO ROLL A LITTLE BIT AND PULL, THEN ROLL AND PULL UNTIL CONSUMER GETS THEM ALL THE WAY BACK UP. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
1999-07-24Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 709139
CrashFireInjuryDeath
DEALER COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM,CAR WILL NOT START. CANNOT FIND OUT WHAT IS WRONG, THE LOCAL DEALER HAS BEEN NO HELP AT ALL. AND LOCAL REPAIR SHOPS SUGGESTS TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER.
1999-05-21Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES)Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 838328
CrashFireInjuryDeath
REAR BRAKES WOULD MAKE POPPING NOISE. HAD LOW BRAKE PRESSURE. THE TIRE WOULD STICK. THE ROTORS MAKE LOUD BOOMING NOISE WHEN LETTING LOOSE. THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO FLOOR. RECALL ON FRONT BRAKE ROTORS (#98V005000). *AK
1999-05-12Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY)Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 836381
CrashFireInjuryDeath
HEATER CORE IS LEAKING ANTI-FREEZE INSIDE THE VEHICLE, CAUSING WINDOWS TO FOG/ STEAM UP. VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL NUMBER 9V00600. *AK

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems on the 1988 Eagle Premier?

Owners named Glass / wipers / cameras most often — 15 of 54 reports (28%). That is the NHTSA file, not a diagnosis of every vehicle.

Are there recalls for the 1988 Eagle Premier?

NHTSA lists 7 safety recall campaigns. They were filed about Brakes, Glass / wipers / cameras, Transmission / driveline, and Seat belts. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov; a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific vehicle.

What should I inspect before buying a 1988 Eagle Premier?

Look up the VIN for open recalls. Check windshield, wipers and any camera or sensor the listing claims is there. Then skim owner filings for the same symptom and take that list to a mechanic.

Does a high complaint count mean I should skip this year?

No. Counts are reports people chose to file and they are not adjusted for sales volume. YearTell does not publish scores or a list of years to skip. Inspect the vehicle.

EPA Fuel Economy Database Snapshot 2026-08-21 Open source record

Estimated Ownership Cost

EPA fuel economy ratings and annual operating cost estimates

Data: US EPA Fuel Economy Guide · snapshot 2026-08-21
Supported range: 1,000–60,000 miles per year
Supported range: $1.50–$10.00 per gallon
55% city45% highway
Estimate unavailable

EPA fuel-economy data is unavailable for this vehicle.

No estimate is shown when required EPA values are unavailable.

 Open Ownership Cost Calculator →

Adjacent Model Years

Immediate preceding and succeeding model year records

NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Methodology & Data Integrity

Source: NHTSA ODI / recalls, snapshot 2026-09-07. YearTell is not a government agency.

Read our complete data methodology → Sources