VehicleVerdict

1985 Renault Encore problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1985 Renault Encore — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1985 compare to other Encore years?

Encore NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted2 complaints1983: 0 complaints1984: 2 complaints1985: 2 complaints1986: 1 complaints1987: 0 complaints
Encore NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Encore years to avoid →

What are the most common 1985 Renault Encore problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine150%
Visibility & Wipers150%

Does the 1985 Renault Encore have recalls?

3 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.

87V049000Fuel SystemApril 14, 1987 · 15,078 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“HAD VEHICLE SERVICED AFTER VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR RECALL THERE HAS BEEN NO HEAT, LEAKING OF ANTI-FREEZE AND WATER. TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · May 7, 1994

1985 Renault Encore — common questions

Is the 1985 Renault Encore reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1985 Renault Encore have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1985 Renault Encore. 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.