Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1989 Renault Medallion — 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.
1
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 1 | 100% | new |
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
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.
Defect
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.
Defect
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.
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 Renault Medallion. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.