Renault's lineup has 24 recorded NHTSA recalls across 4 models (1981–1987) and averages 4.1/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any Renault's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.
Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.
Renault — VIN decoder & full model lineup
Renault, a French automotive manufacturer with a rich history dating back to 1898, is known for its innovative designs and commitment to electric vehicles. They’ve long been a popular choice for drivers seeking a blend of practicality, style, and often, a strong value proposition, particularly in Europe. At ForCar.org, we can decode any RENAULT VIN to unlock full vehicle specifications, including recall history and comprehensive details about your specific model.
Buying or selling? See current used-market prices and how different models hold value over time.
All Renault models 4
Every Renault model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
Renault More models 4
Renault recalls
Across the Renault lineup, ForCar tracks 24 recorded NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "Renault recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
| # | Renault model | Recalls | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Renault Alliance | 3.5 /5 | |
| 02 | Renault Encore | 4.0 /5 | |
| 03 | Renault Fuego | 4.5 /5 |
Most-recalled system across Renault: Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:heater Core. Source: NHTSA recall campaigns — open any model for full details by year.
Is Renault reliable?
Across rated models, Renault averages a 4.1/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 3 models rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.
Renault competes in mainstream European passenger and crossover segments against Stellantis brands (Peugeot, Citroën, Opel), Volkswagen, Hyundai-Kia and Toyota. The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, restructured in 2023 after Carlos Ghosn's departure, shares platforms across the three brands. Dacia (Renault Group's budget Romanian subsidiary) and Alpine (the sports-car brand) operate as separate marques. Renault has no plans to re-enter the US market.
Renault models by owner-complaint volume (NHTSA):
| # | Renault model | Owner complaints | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Renault Alliance | 3.5 /5 | |
| 02 | Renault Encore | 4.0 /5 |
Higher complaint counts often track higher sales volume, not necessarily worse reliability — open a model for its complaints by year and best/worst-year analysis.
Most fuel-efficient Renault models
The most fuel-efficient Renault models by EPA combined MPG — hybrids and small engines lead. Open any model for its full city / highway / combined rating by engine and year.
| # | Model | Best combined MPG | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Renault Alliance | Car | |
| 02 | Renault Fuego | Car |
Best EPA combined rating per model (highest across engines and years). Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Comparing across the whole market? See the most fuel-efficient cars by class & budget, or calculate any model's real yearly fuel cost.
Safest Renault models
NHTSA safety rankings for Renault are being compiled — see the safest cars overall meanwhile.
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Get a Renault window sticker by VIN
Recreate any Renault's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
Renault window stickers →How to read a Renault VIN
Every Renault built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Renault and the country it was built in (real Renault codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled it.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- FranceVF1 · VG8
- South KoreaKNM
The remaining digits — engine (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard. For the full year-code table, country codes and where the VIN is stamped, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
About Renault
Louis Renault built his first car, the Voiturette 1CV, in 1898 at age 21 and demonstrated it by climbing the Rue Lepic in Montmartre — a feat that earned 12 orders from witnesses. Renault Frères was founded in 1899 by Louis, Marcel and Fernand. Renault dominated French automobile production for the first half of the 20th century. The company was nationalized by France in 1945 (after the German occupation) and privatized in 1996. The 1972 Renault 5 popularized the modern hatchback in Europe, and the 2024 revival as the Renault 5 E-Tech electrifies the lineage.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1899 |
| Headquarters | Boulogne-Billancourt, France |
| Slogan | "Passion for Life" |
| Models tracked | 4 (1981–1987) |
Renault — frequently asked
How do I decode a Renault VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.
How many Renault models are there?
ForCar tracks 4 Renault models spanning 1981–1987. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.
Where is Renault made?
Renault is headquartered in Boulogne-Billancourt, France, founded in 1899. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.
How do I check Renault recalls?
Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any Renault model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Which Renault is most reliable?
Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.
What's the Renault warranty?
New Renault vehicles come with a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Renault dealer.