Renault Medallion 1988 problems

Common Renault Medallion 1988 problems

The Renault Medallion, introduced in 1988, was a rebadged version of the Renault 21 and was part of Renault's efforts to revitalize AMC's passenger car line. While the car had impressive stats, it faced several common problems that affected its reliability and popularity in the United States.

• Severe misfire: One of the most common issues reported by Renault Medallion owners was a severe misfire, which only occurred when the lights were off. This problem is attributed to the electronic nature of the car, and the cause of the misfire is still not fully understood. Experts in the field are encouraged to share their insights to help diagnose and fix this issue.

• Electrical maladies: The Renault Medallion was known for experiencing mysterious electrical malfunctions that would resolve themselves without any intervention. These issues were often frustrating for owners, as they could not predict when the car would start or run properly.

• Weak steering racks: The steering racks in the Renault Medallion were known to be weak, which affected the car's handling and durability. This problem was common in many French cars of the era and was not exclusive to the Medallion.

• Alternator issues: Another electrical component that caused problems for Renault Medallion owners was the alternator. This issue was likely related to the car's electrical system and could lead to problems with the battery and other electrical components.

• Fuel and brake lines: Some Renault Medallion owners reported issues with fuel and brake lines, which could lead to leaks and other problems. This issue was particularly common in cars that had been involved in accidents or had high mileage.

• Parts availability: Finding parts for the Renault Medallion was a challenge, as the car was not widely sold in the United States. This issue was further complicated by the fact that many of the car's components were unique to the Medallion and were not interchangeable with other models.

• Solder problems: The Renault Medallion, like other Renault models, suffered from problems with the solder used in circuit board and fuse panels. This issue led to intermittent electrical problems and could be difficult to diagnose and repair.

• Airbox and mass air flow sensor: The Renault Medallion was equipped with a mass air flow sensor and an airbox, which could become clogged or damaged over time. These issues could lead to problems with the car's fuel system and could affect its performance and fuel efficiency.

• Lack of marketing: The Renault Medallion was not properly marketed by Chrysler, which led to confusion about the car's intended market and limited its appeal to consumers. This issue, combined with the car's French origins and AMC-Eagle-Chrysler branding attempts, likely contributed to the Medallion's poor sales performance in the United States.

In summary, the Renault Medallion suffered from a range of common problems that affected its reliability and popularity in the United States. These issues included electrical malfunctions, weak steering racks, alternator problems, fuel and brake line leaks, parts availability, solder problems, airbox and mass air flow sensor issues, and a lack of marketing. While the car had impressive stats and was a nice car to drive, these problems likely contributed to its poor sales performance and limited its appeal to American consumers.

Renault Medallion 1988 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Renault Medallion problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles 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 1988 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.