Renault Alliance 1986 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.

Renault Alliance 1986

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Common Renault Alliance 1986 problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the 1986 Renault Alliance, several common problems were reported:

  • Oil Leaks: Another prevalent issue reported by owners was oil leaks in the Renault Alliance. Oil leaks can stem from worn-out gaskets, seals, or damaged components in the engine. Addressing oil leaks promptly is essential to prevent engine damage, maintain proper lubrication, and avoid potential safety hazards on the road.
  • Water Ingress in the Trunk: Owners also complained about water entering the trunk of the Renault Alliance. Water ingress can lead to interior damage, mold growth, and electrical issues. Identifying the source of water entry, such as damaged seals or trunk leaks, and addressing it promptly is crucial to prevent further damage and maintain the vehicle's integrity.
  • Build Quality: The Renault Alliance was criticized for its subpar build quality, leading to various issues reported by owners. Poor build quality can result in a range of problems, including rattling noises, loose components, and premature wear and tear. Ensuring regular inspections, maintenance, and addressing build quality issues promptly can help mitigate further complications and enhance the overall driving experience.
  • Timing Belt Failures: Owners faced challenges with timing belt failures in the Renault Alliance, which could result in significant engine damage, including bent valves. Timing belt failures are critical issues that require immediate attention and replacement to prevent catastrophic engine failure. Following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule for timing belt replacement is essential to avoid costly repairs and ensure the engine's longevity.
  • General Reliability Concerns: Overall, owners expressed concerns about the Renault Alliance's reliability, with frequent visits to the repair shop and various mechanical issues reported. Addressing reliability concerns through regular maintenance, timely repairs, and proactive troubleshooting can help enhance the vehicle's dependability and longevity.

By addressing these common problems proactively and ensuring regular maintenance and timely repairs, owners can mitigate issues with the Renault Alliance and improve the overall driving experience.

Renault Alliance 1986 engine

When did they stop making Renault Alliance?

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.

What is the history of the Renault GTA?

The Renault Alpine GTA and the succeeding A610 is a sports coupe automobile produced by the Renault-owned French manufacturer Alpine between late 1984 and 1995. It replaced the slow-selling Alpine A310, with which it shared many features, including the layout and engine. The GTA was replaced by the A610 in 1991.

When did Renault stop selling in the USA?

When did Renault leave the U.S. market? The Automotive News article makes note of Renault's partial ownership of AMC that ended when Chrysler bought the latter in 1987 but also claims Renault models were last sold in the U.S. in the early 1990s. Both are true.

Did Renault own AMC?

After periods of intermittent independent success, Renault acquired a major interest in American Motors in 1979, and the company was ultimately acquired by Chrysler in 1987.

Renault Alliance 1986 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Renault Alliance problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Visibility problems
  • Power train problems
  • Suspension problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Seats problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Renault Alliance 1986 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Renault Alliance 1986 complaints

The NHTSA has received 18 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Renault Alliance 1986.

2000-12-29

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-12-02
  • 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 )
1996-10-21

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1XMDM9534GK
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: OWNER CONTACTED DEALER ABOUT RECALL#92V051000 AND WAS TOLD THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED. PLEASE DESCRIBE *AK.
1996-08-23

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-08-15
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1XMAC9533GK
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: CV JOINT BOLTS FELL OUT WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING ACCIDENT.
1996-07-29

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1XMAC9533GK
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: CV JOINT BOLTS DISCONNECTED, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT. *DH
1996-07-29

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1992-09-11
  • VIN: 1XMAC9533GK
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: FRONT AXLE BROKE. *DH
1996-07-29

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1XMAC9533GK
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: TIMING BELT FAILED. *DH
1996-07-29

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-06-27
  • VIN: 1XMAC9533GK
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED. *DH
1996-07-29

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1993-12-12
  • VIN: 1XMAC9533GK
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: HEAD GASKET FAILED. *DH
1996-03-01

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-03-01
  • VIN: 1XMDM9505GK
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: DRIVER SEAT BROKE AWAY AT THE FRAME, LOOSE, DEALER WELD THE SEAT FRAME BACK, KNOW SAME PROBLE IN DIFFERENT LOCATION. *AK
1996-03-01

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-03-01
  • VIN: 1XMDM9505GK
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: DRIVER SEAT BROKE AWAY AT THE FRAME, LOOSE, DEALER WELD THE SEAT FRAME BACK, KNOW SAME PROBLE IN DIFFERENT LOCATION. *AK
1996-01-23

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-12-18
  • VIN: 1XMDC9591GK
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: HEATER CORE RECALL REPAIR REFUSED DUE TO UNAVAILABILITY OF PARTS. TT
1996-01-23

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-12-18
  • VIN: 1XMDC9591GK
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: HEATER CORE RECALL REPAIR REFUSED DUE TO UNAVAILABILITY OF PARTS. TT
1995-10-20

EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-10-18
  • Components: EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: INVOLVED IN RECALL NO 92V051000, HEATER CORE WAS REPLACED BUT STILL HAVING A PROBLEM WITH STEAM COMING FROM A/C HEATER VENTS. TT
1995-06-28

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-06-28
  • VIN: 1XMAC9560GK
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: HEATER CORE RECALL REPAIRS REFUSED BY OWNER DUE TO SCHEDULING. *AW
1995-06-22

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-06-19
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: HEATER CORE REPLACED. *SKD
1995-02-28

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-02-28
  • VIN: 1XMAW9631GK
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: SPORT CHRYSLER IN PA.,REFUSES TO DO RECALL MFG.,#541 HEATER CORE UNLESS OWNER SIGNS CONSENT IF DASH/OTHER IS DAMAGED. TT
1995-02-23

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1987-01-01
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: HEATER CORE FAILURE. TT
1995-01-03

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1991-01-03
  • VIN: 1XMDM9504GK
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: BREAKAGE OF BALL JOINTS AT LOW RATE SPEEDS. CAUSING FRONT WHEEL TO SLIDE OUT TO THE SIDE. TT

Renault Alliance 1986 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the Renault Alliance 1986.

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.
1988-05-31
  • Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
  • Summary: COOLING SYSTEM PRESSURES DURING OVERHEATED ENGINE OPERATION MAY EXCEED THE STRENGTH CAPABILITY OF CERTAIN COMPONENTS DUE TO INADEQUATE VENTING CAPACITY OF THE SYSTEM PRESSURE CAP.
  • 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.
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Additional sources

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Mar 29, 2022 ... ... AMC sent a midrange Alliance DL with a five-speed manual transmission. ... Part of the problem was timing: We cited the Alliance's ... 1986—the year ...

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