Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1985 Renault Sportwagon — 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.
0
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
A WRONG CRUISE CONTROL ACCELERATOR CABLE CLIP WAS INSTALLED IN THE ASSEMBLY. THIS COULD ALLOW THE ACCELERATOR CABLE TO DISENGAGE FROM THE THROTTLE CONTROL. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THE DISENGAGED ACCELERATOR CABLE CAUSES THE THROTTLE TO REMAIN PARTIALLY OPEN WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS IN USE AND RESULTS IN LOSS OF ACCELERATION CONTROL AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
INSTALL NEW ACCELERATOR CABLE CLIP.
Defect
THE STEERING WHEEL COULD LOOSEN DUE TO INADEQUATE TIGHTENING OF THE WHEEL SHAFT NUT. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: LOOSENING OF THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD AFFECT THE STEERING CONTROL OF THE CAR AND MAY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
PROPERLY TORQUE THE NUT AND ASSURE THAT IT IS RETAINED.
Defect
THE 12 MM SPACER USED ON THE REAR SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE BOLTS MAY AFFECT ANCHOR BOLT LOAD CAPACITY AND FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS 210, SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THE REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELT ANCHORAGES MAY NOT MAINTAIN LOAD REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SPECIFIED TIME. THIS FAILURE MAY CAUSE THE SEAT BELT SYSTEM NOT TO RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT IN POSITION IF AN ACCIDENT WERE TO OCCUR, CAUSING SERIOUS INJURIES.
Remedy
REPLACE 12 MM ANCHOR BOLT SPACER WITH A 5MM SPACER.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — 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 1985 Renault Sportwagon. 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.