Renault Medallion problems
The Eagle Medallion, also marketed as the Renault Medallion, is a rebadged and mildly re-engineered North American version of the French Renault 21 marketed by American Motors Corporation under the Renault brand for the 1988 model year, and by Chrysler's Jeep/Eagle division for the 1989 model year.
The front-engine, front-wheel drive, four-door D-segment, or mid-size Medallion was launched in North America on 1 March 1987. The Medallion was imported from France, sharing its platform with the Renault 21. Just eight days after the North American introduction of the Medallion, Renault initiated the sale of its stock in American Motors to Chrysler on 9 March 1987.
History
The Renault 21 was introduced in Europe in 1986 to compete in the large family-size market such as the VW Passat. Its design was the work of Giorgetto Giugiaro. Modified to meet safety and emissions requirements, as well as rebadged as the Medallion, it became a captive import for Renault's corporate partner, American Motors Corporation (AMC). It went on sale on 1 March 1987 as a 1988 model and filled the gap left after the slow-selling Renault 18i/Sportwagon and the venerable AMC Concord. Both the 18i sedan and Concord had been discontinued after the 1983 model year, while the Sportwagon version of the 18i was marketed through 1986. Therefore, from 1984 until 1987, AMC/Renault dealers offered no sedan larger than the small C-segment Alliance. The larger D-segment Medallion sedan was thus important to American Motors dealers and filled a hole in its product line when it was launched.
The Medallion was an Americanized version of the Renault 21, "a highly successful car in the European market." The Medallion was the second entry in a three-model marketing effort to expand market coverage for AMC/Jeep/Renault dealers beyond the four-wheel-drive Jeep utility vehicles. The first product in that plan was the C-segment Renault Alliance that launched for the 1983 model year, while the third was the E-segment Eagle Premier, which launched ten months after the D-segment Medallion. AMC/Renault was planning to sell between 40,000 and 45,000 Medallions annually.
Badged as the Renault Medallion at its press launch in the winter of 1986, it went on sale 1 March 1987 - a mere 8 days before Chrysler agreed to buy Renault's shares in American Motors - as an early 1988 model. The Medallion retained its Renault branding after the Chrysler buyout, through the end of the 1988 model year, despite Chrysler's creation of the Jeep/Eagle Division in the fall of 1987. Because the Medallion had been launched as a 1988 Renault model prior to Chrysler's buyout of AMC and creation of the Eagle marque - Chrysler's first new brand since 1955 - Chrysler waited until the beginning of the 1989 model year to rebrand the Medallion as an Eagle, so as not to confuse buyers by selling the Medallion under both Renault and Eagle nameplates for 1988.
The cars were marketed as "Eagle Medallion" for the 1989 model year and sold through the newly formed Jeep-Eagle division. As a distinct Chrysler subsidiary, the nearly 1,200 AMC-Jeep-Renault dealer organization would initially remain independent. As part of the buyout, Chrysler would continue AMC's program for U.S. distribution of the new Renault Medallion for five years, but not to sell a specific number of the French imports.
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Renault Medallion model years
Common Renault Medallion problems
Based on the information provided in the sources, common problems reported by owners of the Renault Medallion cars include:
- Cooling/Heating System Hoses Replacement: Due to the unavailability of original replacement hoses, owners have had to resort to creating makeshift replacements using straight hose sections, connectors, and clamps. This highlights a common challenge faced by Renault Medallion owners in finding specific parts for maintenance.
- Misfire in One Cylinder: Some owners have reported a misfire in one cylinder, which can be a complex issue to diagnose and fix. This problem could be related to issues with the fuel system, ignition system, or engine components.
- Vacuum System Leaks: Owners have faced challenges related to the vacuum system, with the need to hunt down leaks that could potentially cause a misfire in just one cylinder. Identifying and fixing vacuum leaks is crucial for engine performance and efficiency.
- Front Camshaft Seal Replacement: When owners needed to fix the front camshaft seal, it required pulling the cylinder head and replacing the engine gasket kit. This repair is essential for maintaining proper engine function and preventing oil leaks.
- Difficulty in Finding Replacement Parts: One of the significant issues faced by Renault Medallion owners is the scarcity of replacement parts. This challenge often leads to creative solutions like ordering parts from overseas or improvising with alternative components to keep the car running.
These common problems highlight the maintenance challenges faced by owners of Renault Medallion cars, emphasizing the need for expertise and resourcefulness in addressing issues to ensure the continued operation of these unique vehicles.
What engine is in the Renault medallion?
2.2 L I4 engine
The front-wheel drive Medallion used the 2.2 L I4 engine that also powered the European Renault 25.
Who made the medallion car?
It's the AMC Renault Medallion. And it's the first all-new AMC passenger car since the alliance was introduced in 1983. Unfortunately the medallion's introduction has been overshadowed by the news the
Who builds Renault engines?
Since its inauguration in 1958, the Renault Group's Cléon factory has produced a wide range of engines, each carrying the hallmark of the factory's ingenuity and expertise.
Does Renault use Nissan engines?
Mitsubishi, Nissan and Renault working together allows the three automobile makers to save money, with Renault and Nissan using the same engines and some Renault cars being sold under the Mitsubishi brand. The alliance encompasses 375,000 workers across the world.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Renault Medallion years
We have researched Renault problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Renault Medallion cars and compiled the top 2 most problematic Renault Medallion model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Renault Medallion model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Renault Medallion years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Renault Medallion car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Renault Medallion , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Visibility problems
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
- Exterior lighting problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Renault Medallion vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Medallion 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.
The NHTSA has received 21 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Renault Medallion . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Renault Medallion vehicles.
List of Renault Medallion complaints
Renault Medallion 1988
- Date Of Incident: 1988-08-08
- Date Complaint: 2001-03-06
- VIN: VF1FF45B2J2
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS IMPROPERLY MOUNTED CAUSING THE IGNITION FEED WIRE SWITCH TO TWIST FROM THE MOTION OF THE STEERING WHEEL, AS A RESULT THE WIRE GRADUALLY RUBBED BARE ON THE STEERING COLUMN AND SHORTED OUT CAUSING A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING. NLM
Renault Medallion 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1998-09-10
- VIN: VF1FH45B3J2
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: RECALL REPAIR OF THE HEATER CORE NOT DONE BECAUSE NO PARTS AVAILABLE.
Renault Medallion 1988
- Date Of Incident: 1989-05-21
- Date Complaint: 1998-08-27
- VIN: VF1FF48BXJ2
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: A/C FAILED DUE TO HOLE IN THE CONDENSOR.
Renault Medallion 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1998-08-27
- VIN: VF1FF48BXJ2
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TIMING BELT BROKE.
Renault Medallion 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1998-08-27
- VIN: VF1FF48BXJ2
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILED.
Renault Medallion 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1998-08-27
- VIN: VF1FF48BXJ2
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WIRING HARNESS FAILED CAUSING THE FUSE BOX TO MELT.
Renault Medallion 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1998-06-27
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: HEATER CORE FLUID BYPASS VALVE FAILED CAUSING DAMAGE TO HEATER CORE PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE.
Renault Medallion 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1998-05-05
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: RECALL97V226000, HEATER CORE; CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT EXISTS AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED. DEALER SAYS IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH RECALL. *AK
Renault Medallion 1988
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-20
- Date Complaint: 1998-04-20
- VIN: VF1FF48BXJ2
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: RECALL # 97V226000/CHRYSLER HEATER CORE; DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO COMPLETE RECALL WORK BECAUSE OF BOTTLE CAP. CAP DOES NOT FIT BOTTLE AND REQUIRES REPLACEMENT WHICH DEALER STATES IS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL NOTICE. *AK
Renault Medallion 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1997-12-30
- VIN: VF1FF45C8J2
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: HEAD LIGHTS ARE YELLOWING AND NO LONGER CLEAR, POOR VISIBILITY.
Renault Medallion 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1997-12-30
- VIN: VF1FF45C8J2
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: VEHICLE STARTS WHEN SHIFTER IS IN DRIVE.
Renault Medallion 1989
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-10
- Date Complaint: 1997-01-17
- VIN: VF1FF45G4K2
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: MOTORIZED SEAT BELT FAILED.
Renault Medallion 1988
- Date Of Incident: 1994-07-02
- Date Complaint: 1995-10-13
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *SD
Renault Medallion 1988
- Date Of Incident: 1994-07-02
- Date Complaint: 1995-10-13
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *SD
Renault Medallion 1988
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-07
- Date Complaint: 1995-03-07
- VIN: VF1FF48V9J2
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE BOX THAT HOLDS THE ANTI FREEZE BURST SPRAYING CONTENTS ON ENGINE CAUSING IT TOO OVERHEAT. TT
Latest 5 recalls Renault Medallion
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the Renault Medallion.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Renault Medallion 1989
- Report Received Date: 1997-12-09
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE HEATER CORE END CAP CAN FAIL DUE TO MATERIAL STRENGTH DETERIORATION OCCURRING OVER TIME WITH EXPOSURE TO HIGH TEMPERATURE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM FLUID.
- Consequence: FAILURE WILL ALLOW THE DISCHARGE OF COOLING SYSTEM STEAM INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, CAUSING REDUCED DRIVER VISIBILITY.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A COOLANT TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED HEATER CORE FLUID BYPASS VALVE.
- Model: Renault Medallion 1988
- Report Received Date: 1997-12-09
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE HEATER CORE END CAP CAN FAIL DUE TO MATERIAL STRENGTH DETERIORATION OCCURRING OVER TIME WITH EXPOSURE TO HIGH TEMPERATURE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM FLUID.
- Consequence: FAILURE WILL ALLOW THE DISCHARGE OF COOLING SYSTEM STEAM INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, CAUSING REDUCED DRIVER VISIBILITY.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A COOLANT TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED HEATER CORE FLUID BYPASS VALVE.
- Model: Renault Medallion 1989
- Report Received Date: 1991-03-04
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
- Summary: FUSE BLOCK WIRING TERMINALS MAY NOT ADEQUATELY CLAMP THE POSITIVE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION OF HEATER BLOWER MOTOR FUSE BLADES.
- Consequence: THIS COULD INCREASE ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE THAT COULDOVERHEAT AND IGNITE THE FUSE BLOCK AND TERMINAL WIRING, RESULTING IN ANINSTRUMENT PANEL FIRE.
- Remedy: MODIFY FUSE BLOCK TERMINAL TO ENSURE ADEQUATE RETENTION CLAMP LOAD ON HEATER BLOWER FUSE BLADES.
- Model: Renault Medallion 1988
- Report Received Date: 1991-03-04
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
- Summary: FUSE BLOCK WIRING TERMINALS MAY NOT ADEQUATELY CLAMP THE POSITIVE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION OF HEATER BLOWER MOTOR FUSE BLADES.
- Consequence: THIS COULD INCREASE ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE THAT COULDOVERHEAT AND IGNITE THE FUSE BLOCK AND TERMINAL WIRING, RESULTING IN ANINSTRUMENT PANEL FIRE.
- Remedy: MODIFY FUSE BLOCK TERMINAL TO ENSURE ADEQUATE RETENTION CLAMP LOAD ON HEATER BLOWER FUSE BLADES.
- Model: Renault Medallion 1989
- Report Received Date: 1990-08-09
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: LOSS OF RETENTION OF AN INTEGRAL OVER-TRAVEL SPRING ON THROTTLE CABLE COULD CAUSE SPRING DISLOCATION.
- Consequence: A DISLOCATED SPRING CAN CAUSE INCREASED IDLE POSITIONTHROTTLE OPENING AND HIGHER THAN NORMAL IDLE SPEED.
- Remedy: REPLACE THROTTLE CABLES WITH CABLES DESIGNED TO PROVIDE POSITIVE RETENTION OF THE OVER-TRAVEL SPRING.
Are you having problems with your Renault Medallion?
