VehicleVerdict

1986 Renault Alliance problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 18 complaints on file for the 1986 Renault Alliance — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

18

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1986 compare to other Alliance years?

Alliance NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted18 complaints1983: 2 complaints1984: 6 complaints1985: 10 complaints1986: 18 complaints1987: 10 complaints
Alliance NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Alliance years to avoid →

What are the most common 1986 Renault Alliance problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers739%
Engine211%
Seats211%
Suspension211%
Transmission211%
Tires & Wheels16%
Steering16%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)16%

Does the 1986 Renault Alliance have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

92V051000Visibility & WipersApril 10, 1992 · 540,000 units

Defect

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.

88V087000Visibility & WipersMay 31, 1988 · 240,000 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“SPORT CHRYSLER IN PA.,REFUSES TO DO RECALL MFG.,#541 HEATER CORE UNLESS OWNER SIGNS CONSENT IF DASH/OTHER IS DAMAGED. TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · February 28, 1995

“DRIVER SEAT BROKE AWAY AT THE FRAME, LOOSE, DEALER WELD THE SEAT FRAME BACK, KNOW SAME PROBLE IN DIFFERENT LOCATION. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · March 1, 1995

1986 Renault Alliance — common questions

Is the 1986 Renault Alliance reliable?

The record is thin — 18 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1986 Alliance problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (7 complaints), suspension (2 complaints), transmission (2 complaints).

Does the 1986 Renault Alliance have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1986 Renault Alliance. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.