SOME OF THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE INCORRECT UNIVERSAL JOINT FASTENERS. THESE FASTENERS MAY LOOSEN AND ALLOW THE PROPELLER SHAFT TO DISCONNECT FROM THE AXLE OR TRANSFER CASE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Not supplied
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE UNIVERSAL JOINT FASTENERS AT NO COST TO OWNER.
AN IMPROPER BULB SOCKET MAY EXIST IN THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY. THIS MAY CAUSE AN UNACCEPTABLE DECREASE IN BRIGHTNESS LEVELS IN LAMPS USED FOR REAR SIGNALING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Not supplied
Remedy: REDUCTION IN THE AMOUNT OF LIGHT EMITTED FROM REAR TAILLIGHTS CAUSES A SAFETY HAZARD THAT COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE ACCIDENT. CORRECTIVE ACTION: DEALER WILL REPLACE REAR LAMP SOCKETS WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2
EA88009 · Engine Compartment Fires
Opened Nov 16, 1987 · Closed Jan 9, 1990
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
ANALYSIS:MANY OF THE REPORTS INDICATE THAT THE PLASTIC VALVE COVER OR THE\TV GASKETING MATERIAL LOSES ITS STRUCTURAL AND/OR SEALING INTEGRITY DUE TOTHE HIGH ENGINE TEMPERATURES ASSOCIATED WITH THE AMC 258 ENGINE.TESTINGPERFORMED BY A LOCAL FLEET CLEARLY DEMONSTRATED THAT UNDER NORMAL DRIVINGCONDITIONS, MOTOR OIL LEAKS IN THE VICINITY OF THE #3 OR #4 CYLINDERS (OVERTHE EXHAUST MANIFOLD) CAN RESULT IN A FIRE SERIOUS ENOUGH TO DESTROY AVEHICLE.AMC HAS ISSUED NUMEROUS TSB'S REGARDING THE PROPER/IMPROPER METHOD OF SEAL-ING THE VALVE COVER-HEAD INTERFACE.1981-84 AMC 6-CYLINDER ENGINES AREEQUIPPED WITH A PLASTIC VALVE COVER WHICH HAS 5 GUIDE PINS AND 2 FASTENERS.THE COVER USED IN LATER MODELS WAS RE-DESIGNED TO HAVE 5 ATTACHING POINTS,AND THIS NEW VALVE COVER CAN BE USED ON OLDER ENGINES BY MEANS OF AMODIFICATION KIT.AS EXPECTED, COMPLAINTS OF ENGINE FIRES IN 1985 MODELSDROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY, INDICATING THAT THE ADDITION OF THE NEW VALVE COVERMAY HAVE SOLVED THE PROBLEM.STATUS: IR TO THE MANUFACTURER SENT 12/1/87.PROPOSED ACTION: OPEN AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS.===
EA86024 · Rear Axle Failure
Opened Aug 7, 1986 · Closed Nov 3, 1987
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER:AMC STATES THAT THE REAR AXLEASSEMBLIES FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE THE SAME FOR ALL 1980-1986MODELS WITH NO SIGNIFICANT MODIFICATIONS.AMC DOES NOT CONSIDER THEALLEGED DEFECT TO BE ANY PROBLEM.ANALYSIS: A REVIEW OF THE REPORTS INDICATES THAT MOST OF THE FAILURES APPEAR TO OCCUR IN CANADIAN PRODUCED EAGLE STATION WAGONS WITH 20,000 TO 50,000 MILES AND AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.STATUS:CLOSED 11/3/87===
1980 American Motors Eagle Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year