1984 Renault Encore problems
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.
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Common 1984 Renault Encore problems
The Renault Encore, introduced in 1984, was a hatchback version of the Renault Alliance sedan, marketed as a panoramic hatchback that fits your lifestyle with a distinctive European look and outlook. Despite initial success, the Encore faced several common problems that negatively affected its reputation among owners.
- Engine Design and Refinement: The 1.4-liter engine in the Alliance and Encore was based on a 1962 design with overhead-valve or "pushrod" technology. This engine was not inclined to rev like a Honda and lacked the delicate fizzle that many import enthusiasts appreciated.
- Durability and Build Quality: Renault cars were not known for holding up under severe use or even normal wear and tear. Issues such as CV boots and transmission cables failing within the first year, overheating, and interior pieces popping off randomly were common complaints among Encore owners. These problems contributed to the perception that the Encore was not built to the highest standards and led to a loss of consumer confidence.
- Susceptibility to Rust: The Renault Alliance and Encore were particularly prone to rust issues, which further affected their durability and longevity. This problem was prevalent in many AMC/Renault vehicles of the era, leading to a negative reputation for the brand's build quality and reliability.
- Design and Styling: Despite being marketed as having a distinctive European look, the Renault Encore's design did not resonate well with American consumers. The car was often criticized for being too French, with American magazines calling it "chauvinistically French" and "a slice of the French psyche on wheels". This perception likely contributed to the Encore's declining sales and overall unpopularity.
- Timing and Market Conditions: The Renault Encore was introduced at a time when gas prices were falling, and American consumers were once again favoring larger vehicles. The Encore, being a subcompact, struggled to compete with larger, more powerful offerings from other manufacturers. Additionally, the Encore's refinement issues and aging design further hampered its ability to attract buyers in a rapidly changing market.
In conclusion, the Renault Encore faced several common problems that negatively impacted its reputation among owners. These issues included engine design and refinement, durability and build quality, susceptibility to rust, design and styling, and timing and market conditions. Despite initial success, these challenges ultimately led to the Encore's decline in popularity and sales.
1984 Renault Encore car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Renault Encore problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1984 Renault Encore vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1984 Renault Encore complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1984 Renault Encore.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-22
- VIN: 1MXMDN329EK
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: HEATER CORE RECALL REPAIRS REFUSED DUE TO UNAVAILABILITY OF PARTS, HEATER CORE STILL BLOWS COLD AIR. (92V-051). *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-02
- VIN: 1XMDW9368EK
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: HEATER CORE FAILED PRIOR TO/AFTER RECALL REPAIRS (92V-051). *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-02-27
- VIN: 1XMDM9309EK
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: HEATER CORE FAILED AFTER RECALL REPAIR. (88V-087) *AW
1984 Renault Encore recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1984 Renault Encore.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DRIVERS SEAT ADJUSTER MECHANISM MAY SEPARATE AT ITS FRONT ATTACHMENT DUE TO FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE ADJUSTER BRACKET.
- Consequence: FAILURE OF BOTH FRONT ATTACHMENTS MAY ALLOW SIGNIFICANTREARWARD MOVEMENT OF THE SEAT BACK.
- Remedy: REPLACE DRIVERS SEAT ADJUSTER BRACKET WITH A STRONGER VERSION.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: FUEL HOSES (5) IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD DETERIORATE OVER TIME.
- Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR, RESULTING IN ENGINECOMPARTMENT FIRE.
- Remedy: REPLACE FIVE FUEL HOSES/CLAMPS.
Other years of Renault Encore
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