Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1980 Renault LeCar — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
4
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
IN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-CONDITIONING, THE SPARE TIRE IS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE CARGO AREA. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT, THE RIVETS WHICH SECURE THE TIRE, VIA A FLEXIBLE STRAP AND A RETAINING CLIP, MAY FAIL.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL SPARE TIRE RETAINING BRACKET WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Defect
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE FUEL FILLER CAP BECAME UNSEATED DURING THE REAR IMPACT TEST. THIS IS NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY". FUEL SPILLAGE COULD OCCUR IN A COLLISION.
Remedy
A NEW FUEL FILLER CAP AND A PROTECTIVE FUEL CAP HOUSING WILL BE INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE.
Defect
CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FACTORY-INSTALLED AIR-CONDITIONING MAY HAVE DEFECTIVE SPARE TIRE RESTRAINTS. VEHICLES SO EQUIPPED HAVE THE SPARE TIRE STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE CARGO AREA.
Remedy
VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND, IF NECESSARY, AN ADDITIONAL SPARE TIRE RETAINING BRACKET WILL BE INSTALLED AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
Defect
A MISMATCHED OR IMPROPERLY MACHINED HAND BRAKE RATCHET AND PLUNGER WAS INSTALLED ON CERTAIN VEHICLES. THE HAND BRAKE, WHEN APPLIED, MAY RELEASE WHEN SLIGHT DOWNWARD PRESSURE IS APPLIED TO THE TOP OF THE LEVER. SUDDEN RELEASE OF THE HAND BRAKE COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSPECT, AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE RATCHET AND PLUNGER OF THE HAND BRAKE SYSTEM WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1980 Renault LeCar. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.