Renault Alliance problems

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The Renault Alliance is a front-wheel drive, front-engine subcompact automobile manufactured and marketed in North America by American Motors Corporation (AMC) for model years 1983–1987. The Alliance and its subsequent hatchback variant, the Encore, were re-engineered Renault 9 & 11 for the U.S. and Canadian markets.

Initially available in two- and four-door sedan configurations, three- and five-door hatchback variants (marketed as the Renault Encore) became available in 1984, and a convertible in 1985. AMC also marketed a sports version called Renault GTA for 1987. A total of 623,573 vehicles were manufactured in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Production was discontinued after Chrysler's acquisition of AMC in 1987.

The Alliance and Encore derived from AMC's 1979 partnership with Renault, which held controlling stake in AMC. The cars featured exterior styling by Robert Opron, director of Renault Styling, and interior design by AMC's Dick Teague, with both the Alliance two-door sedan and the convertible body styles uniquely developed by AMC.

photo of Renault Alliance car production

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Renault Alliance model years

renault alliance 1987 photo
Alliance 1987
Renault

11

2

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
renault alliance 1986 photo
Alliance 1986
Renault

18

2

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
renault alliance 1985 photo
Alliance 1985
Renault

11

3

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
renault alliance 1984 photo
Alliance 1984
Renault

6

3

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
renault alliance 1983 photo
Alliance 1983
Renault

2

3

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Common Renault Alliance problems

The Renault Alliance, introduced in 1983, was a collaboration between American Motors Corporation (AMC) and Renault, based on the Renault 9. Despite initial praise from Motor Trend and Car and Driver, the car quickly gained a reputation for poor quality and reliability.

One of the most common problems reported by Renault Alliance owners was the timing belt breaking, often causing severe damage to the engine. The timing belt, which drives the camshaft, is crucial for maintaining the correct timing of the engine's valves. When it breaks, the valves can collide with the pistons, causing extensive damage to the engine's internals. In the case of the Renault Alliance, the timing belt was known to break twice, resulting in trashed valves.

Another issue that plagued the Renault Alliance was overheating. Overheating can lead to various problems, including engine damage, reduced performance, and increased fuel consumption. It is unclear from the search results what specifically caused the overheating issues in the Renault Alliance, but it was a common complaint among owners.

Oil leaks were also a common problem with the Renault Alliance. Oil leaks can be caused by various factors, including worn or damaged seals, gaskets, or oil pans. In the case of the Renault Alliance, the leaks were likely due to poor quality control and substandard materials used in the engine's construction.

Water in the trunk was another issue that some Renault Alliance owners reported. This problem could be caused by various factors, including a faulty seal around the trunk lid, a leaking sunroof, or a damaged drainage system. Regardless of the cause, water in the trunk can lead to mold growth, electrical problems, and damage to the trunk's interior.

Finally, the Renault Alliance's interior was known for being poorly constructed, with pieces popping off randomly. This issue was likely due to poor quality control and the use of low-quality materials in the interior's construction.

In summary, the Renault Alliance was plagued by various issues, including timing belt failures, overheating, oil leaks, water in the trunk, and poorly constructed interiors. These problems were likely due to poor quality control, substandard materials, and the challenges of combining French and American automotive design and manufacturing practices.

Renault Alliance

Why is Renault-Nissan Alliance in trouble?

After Renault rescued Nissan in 1999 from looming bankruptcy, their alliance suffered up and downs over the years as rivalries and mutual suspicion led to increasing resentment at Nissan. Renault has now agreed to lower its 43 percent holding in Nissan to 15 percent to put the partners on an equal footing.

Are Renault cars reliable?

Buckle up as we take a ride through the reasons why investing in a Renault car is a great way to drive into a bright future. Quality and Reliability: Renault has a long-standing reputation for crafting vehicles that exude quality and reliability.

How many miles per gallon did the Renault Alliance get?

The Alliance had a long list of standard equipment and achieved 37 miles per US gallon (6.4 L/100 km; 44 mpg‑imp) in city driving.

What happened to Renault in America?

These days, Renault maintains an indirect presence in the U.S. through its partnership with Nissan. The Renault-Nissan Alliance started in 1999 and added Mitsubishi in 2016. Globally, the alliance shares platforms and parts. For example, the Nissan Rogue Sport uses the same platform as the 2015-2022 Renault Kadjar.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Renault Alliance years

We have researched Renault problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Renault Alliance cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Renault Alliance model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Renault Alliance model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Renault Alliance years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Renault Alliance car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Renault Alliance , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Visibility problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Seats problems
  • Power train problems
  • Fuel system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Renault Alliance vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Alliance model years

A total of 3 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Alliance model years

There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Alliance model years

There were a total of 3 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 48 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Renault Alliance . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Renault Alliance vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Renault Alliance 1987
  • Date Of Incident: 1994-02-24
  • Date Complaint: 2004-03-01
  • VIN: 1XMVW967XHK
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: DEFECTIVE FUEL TANK.*MR THE VEHICLE LEAKED GAS FROM THE FUEL TANK EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF RUST OR DAMAGE. THE DEALER SUGGESTED THE FUEL TANK WAS POOR MANUFACTURING. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED A REFUND FOR THE REPLACEMENT TANK. *JB
Renault Alliance 1986
  • Date Of Incident: 2000-12-02
  • Date Complaint: 2000-12-29
  • VIN: 1XMDM960XGK
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: TIRE FAILED WHILE DRIVING AT 55MP. I PURCHASED THE TIRES ON 9/07/99 WITH 120,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AT 127,800 MILES. I RETURNED THE TIRE TO SEARS AUTOMOTIVE IN SPRINGFIELD, OHIO ON 12-29-00. THE MANGAGER OF THE STORE, MR. DAVID SEXTON STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY A "ROAD HAZARD." I WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT A DEFECT. HE SAID A DEFECT WOULD SHOW DURING THE FIRST THOUSAND MILES OF DRIVING. I DISAGREED. I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE TIRES ARE NOT DEFECTIVE. WITH ALL THE PROBLEMS SURROUNDING FIRESTONE I AM LEARY. COUPLED TO THIS SEARS PAST REPUTATION WITH THIER AUTOMOTIVE DIVISION MAKES ME EVEN MORE LEARY. I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT THE DISTRICT MANAGER AND HAVE LEFT MESSAGES WITH SEARS CONSUMER SERVICE DIVISION. I DID HAVE THE TIRE REPLACED ON 12-29-00 AT A DIFFERENT TIRE STORE. I DID SAVE THE TIRE FOR INSPECTION IF NEED. I AM NOT CERTAIN THAT IT IS A DEFECT BUT WANT TO RULE OUT THAT POSSIBILTIY. HAVE THEIR BEEN ANY OTHER REPORTS ON THIS SAME TIRE OR SEARS. *AK (TIRESIZE: P15580R13)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P15580R13 )
Renault Alliance 1984
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 2000-07-11
  • VIN: 1XMDC9608EK
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: WHEEL WELL RUSTED, ALLOW OWNER TO SEE THE STREET
Renault Alliance 1984
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1998-11-20
  • VIN: 1XMDW9564EK
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: NO SUMMARY PROVIDED BY CONSUMER
Renault Alliance 1985
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1998-09-27
  • VIN: 1XMDW9600FK
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: HEATER CORE FAILURE. OWNER BELIEVES VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN A RECALL.
Renault Alliance 1987
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1997-03-05
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: OXYGEN SENSOR AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE.
Renault Alliance 1987
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1997-02-03
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: CATALYTIC CONVERTOR RECALL NOTICE NEVER RECEIVED BY OWNER, CAUSING REPAIR DELAYS.
Renault Alliance 1987
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1997-02-03
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: THROTTLE POSITIONER FAILED.
Renault Alliance 1987
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1997-02-03
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: SOLENOID CONTROL VALVE FAILED.
Renault Alliance 1987
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1997-02-03
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: OXYGEN SENSOR RECALL NOTICE NOT RECEIVED BY OWNER, CAUSING DELAY IN REPAIRS.
Renault Alliance 1986
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1996-10-21
  • VIN: 1XMDM9534GK
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: OWNER CONTACTED DEALER ABOUT RECALL#92V051000 AND WAS TOLD THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED. PLEASE DESCRIBE *AK.
Renault Alliance 1985
  • Date Of Incident: 1996-07-28
  • Date Complaint: 1996-09-11
  • VIN: 1XMAW9668FK
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: BELT BUCKLE ON BOTH DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE CRACKED. THE BUCKLE BROKE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BUCKLE UP.*AK
Renault Alliance 1986
  • Date Of Incident: 1996-08-15
  • Date Complaint: 1996-08-23
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1XMAC9533GK
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: CV JOINT BOLTS FELL OUT WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING ACCIDENT.
Renault Alliance 1986
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1996-07-29
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1XMAC9533GK
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: CV JOINT BOLTS DISCONNECTED, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT. *DH
Renault Alliance 1986
  • Date Of Incident: 1993-12-12
  • Date Complaint: 1996-07-29
  • VIN: 1XMAC9533GK
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: HEAD GASKET FAILED. *DH

Latest 5 recalls Renault Alliance

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 13 recalls for different components of the Renault Alliance.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Renault Alliance 1984
  • Report Received Date: 1992-04-10
  • Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
  • Summary: THE END CAP CONNECTING THE HEAT EXCHANGER'S CORE TO THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM COULD RUPTURE AND ALLOW HOT COOLANT TO ESCAPE INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.
  • Consequence: THE COOLANT ESCAPING INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT COULDCONTACT THE DRIVER'S FEET AND INJURE THE DRIVER. ALSO, STEAM FROM THE HEATEDLIQUID WILL CLOUD ON THE WINDOW SURFACES AND IMPAIR THE DRIVER'S VISION ANDCOULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
  • Remedy: REPLACE THE HEATER CORE WITH A CORE OF DIFFERENT DESIGN WHICH WILL NOT RUPTURE AND LEAK IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.
  • Model: Renault Alliance 1986
  • Report Received Date: 1992-04-10
  • Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
  • Summary: THE END CAP CONNECTING THE HEAT EXCHANGER'S CORE TO THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM COULD RUPTURE AND ALLOW HOT COOLANT TO ESCAPE INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.
  • Consequence: THE COOLANT ESCAPING INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT COULDCONTACT THE DRIVER'S FEET AND INJURE THE DRIVER. ALSO, STEAM FROM THE HEATEDLIQUID WILL CLOUD ON THE WINDOW SURFACES AND IMPAIR THE DRIVER'S VISION ANDCOULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
  • Remedy: REPLACE THE HEATER CORE WITH A CORE OF DIFFERENT DESIGN WHICH WILL NOT RUPTURE AND LEAK IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.
  • Model: Renault Alliance 1983
  • Report Received Date: 1992-04-10
  • Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
  • Summary: THE END CAP CONNECTING THE HEAT EXCHANGER'S CORE TO THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM COULD RUPTURE AND ALLOW HOT COOLANT TO ESCAPE INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.
  • Consequence: THE COOLANT ESCAPING INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT COULDCONTACT THE DRIVER'S FEET AND INJURE THE DRIVER. ALSO, STEAM FROM THE HEATEDLIQUID WILL CLOUD ON THE WINDOW SURFACES AND IMPAIR THE DRIVER'S VISION ANDCOULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
  • Remedy: REPLACE THE HEATER CORE WITH A CORE OF DIFFERENT DESIGN WHICH WILL NOT RUPTURE AND LEAK IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.
  • Model: Renault Alliance 1985
  • Report Received Date: 1992-04-10
  • Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
  • Summary: THE END CAP CONNECTING THE HEAT EXCHANGER'S CORE TO THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM COULD RUPTURE AND ALLOW HOT COOLANT TO ESCAPE INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.
  • Consequence: THE COOLANT ESCAPING INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT COULDCONTACT THE DRIVER'S FEET AND INJURE THE DRIVER. ALSO, STEAM FROM THE HEATEDLIQUID WILL CLOUD ON THE WINDOW SURFACES AND IMPAIR THE DRIVER'S VISION ANDCOULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
  • Remedy: REPLACE THE HEATER CORE WITH A CORE OF DIFFERENT DESIGN WHICH WILL NOT RUPTURE AND LEAK IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.
  • Model: Renault Alliance 1987
  • Report Received Date: 1992-04-10
  • Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
  • Summary: THE END CAP CONNECTING THE HEAT EXCHANGER'S CORE TO THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM COULD RUPTURE AND ALLOW HOT COOLANT TO ESCAPE INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.
  • Consequence: THE COOLANT ESCAPING INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT COULDCONTACT THE DRIVER'S FEET AND INJURE THE DRIVER. ALSO, STEAM FROM THE HEATEDLIQUID WILL CLOUD ON THE WINDOW SURFACES AND IMPAIR THE DRIVER'S VISION ANDCOULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
  • Remedy: REPLACE THE HEATER CORE WITH A CORE OF DIFFERENT DESIGN WHICH WILL NOT RUPTURE AND LEAK IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.

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Renault Alliance photo