The Renault Alliance spans 1983–1987 with 13 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1986, 1987, 1985 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1983, 1984, 1985. It delivers up to 33 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Renault Alliance is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1983 to 1987 across multiple generations.
How to read a Renault Alliance VIN — every digit explained
Every Renault Alliance carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit 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 this Alliance.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- FranceVF1 · VG8
- South KoreaKNM
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Alliance, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Renault Alliance have?
The Renault Alliance has 13 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1983–1987. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1987 Renault Alliance recalls 2
Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:heater Core
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. The buildup of pressure may cause heater core to ruptureand discharge hot coolant and steam in the proximity of the drivers legs.
Fix. Replace all coolant system pressure caps with one having adequate venting capacity.
Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:heater Core
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. Replace the heater core with a core of different design which will not rupture and leak in the passenger compartment.
1986 Renault Alliance recalls 2
Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:heater Core
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. The buildup of pressure may cause heater core to ruptureand discharge hot coolant and steam in the proximity of the drivers legs.
Fix. Replace all coolant system pressure caps with one having adequate venting capacity.
Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:heater Core
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. Replace the heater core with a core of different design which will not rupture and leak in the passenger compartment.
1985 Renault Alliance recalls 3
Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:heater Core
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. The buildup of pressure may cause heater core to ruptureand discharge hot coolant and steam in the proximity of the drivers legs.
Fix. Replace all coolant system pressure caps with one having adequate venting capacity.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. Fuel hoses (5) in engine compartment could deteriorate over time.
Risk. Fuel leakage could occur, resulting in enginecompartment fire.
Fix. Replace five fuel hoses/clamps.
Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:heater Core
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. Replace the heater core with a core of different design which will not rupture and leak in the passenger compartment.
1984 Renault Alliance recalls 3
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. Fuel hoses (5) in engine compartment could deteriorate over time.
Risk. Fuel leakage could occur, resulting in enginecompartment fire.
Fix. Replace five fuel hoses/clamps.
Seats
What's wrong. Drivers seat adjuster mechanism may separate at its front attachment due to fatigue failure of the adjuster bracket.
Risk. Failure of both front attachments may allow significantrearward movement of the seat back.
Fix. Replace drivers seat adjuster bracket with a stronger version.
Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:heater Core
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. Replace the heater core with a core of different design which will not rupture and leak in the passenger compartment.
1983 Renault Alliance recalls 3
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. Fuel hoses (5) in engine compartment could deteriorate over time.
Risk. Fuel leakage could occur, resulting in enginecompartment fire.
Fix. Replace five fuel hoses/clamps.
Seats
What's wrong. Drivers seat adjuster mechanism may separate at its front attachment due to fatigue failure of the adjuster bracket.
Risk. Failure of both front attachments may allow significantrearward movement of the seat back.
Fix. Replace drivers seat adjuster bracket with a stronger version.
Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:heater Core
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. Replace the heater core with a core of different design which will not rupture and leak in the passenger compartment.
Best and worst years for the Renault Alliance
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 5 tracked years, the worst years are 1986, 1987, 1985 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1983, 1984, 1985.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 Alliance | Fuel System | Best | |
| 1984 Alliance | Visibility | Best | |
| 1985 Alliance | Visibility | Avoid | |
| 1986 Alliance | Visibility | Avoid | |
| 1987 Alliance | Engine And Engine Cooling | Avoid |
What are the most common Renault Alliance problems?
The most-reported Renault Alliance problems are Seats (4 reports), Tires (1 reports) and Gasoline (2 reports) — out of 48 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Visibility 20 Read
Vehicle fire caused by heater core, vehicle is involved in recall. Tt
Defective heater core failed, causing hot engine liquids to leak out onto driver's legs, resulting in injury. (attorney for client) *skd
Windshield wipers work intermittently. *sd
Owner contacted dealer about recall#92v051000 and was told the recall had expired. Please describe *ak.
Heater core recall repair refused due to unavailability of parts. Tt
Heater core recall repairs refused by owner due to scheduling. *aw
Heater core replaced. *skd
Sport chrysler in pa.,refuses to do recall mfg.,#541 heater core unless owner signs consent if dash/other is damaged. Tt
Heater core failure. Tt
Heater core failure. Owner believes vehicle was included in a recall.
Engine And Engine Cooling 6 Read
Oxygen sensor and catalytic converter failed prior to recall notice.
Catalytic convertor recall notice never received by owner, causing repair delays.
Oxygen sensor recall notice not received by owner, causing delay in repairs.
Timing belt failed. *dh
Head gasket failed. *dh
Engine overheated, cracking the head/head gasket. *dh
Power Train 4 Read
Cv joint bolts fell out while driving, causing accident.
Cv joint bolts disconnected, causing loss of control/accident. *dh
Cv boot failed, causing right wheel to come apart.
Transmission has rough shift into third gear when cold. *dsh
Seats 4 Read
Driver seat broke away at the frame, loose, dealer weld the seat frame back, know same proble in different location. *ak
The brackets that hold the drivers seat broke. Please explain further. Tt
Bolts that secures the driver seat bracket broke, causing seat to collapse. Tt
Fuel System 2 Read
Engine caught fire, due to faulty hose, prior to recall 87v049000. *dsh
Defective fuel tank.*mr the vehicle leaked gas from the fuel tank even though there was no evidence of rust or damage. The dealer suggested the fuel tank was poor manufacturing. The consumer requested a refund for the replacement tank. *jb
Gasoline 2 Read
Engine caught fire, due to faulty hose, prior to recall 87v049000. *dsh
Defective fuel tank.*mr the vehicle leaked gas from the fuel tank even though there was no evidence of rust or damage. The dealer suggested the fuel tank was poor manufacturing. The consumer requested a refund for the replacement tank. *jb
Vehicle Speed Control 2 Read
Solenoid control valve failed.
Throttle positioner failed.
Electrical System 2 Read
The engine cuts out at highway speeds. Please describe. *ak
Computer failed, causing transmission to jump into neutral gear/stall. *skd
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Renault Alliance specifications & dimensions
The 1987 Renault Alliance. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Renault Alliance window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Renault Alliance cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Alliance holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Renault Alliance tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Renault Alliance get?
The Renault Alliance returns up to 33 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $1,900/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 1987 Renault Alliance (1.4L 4-cyl) gets 32 mpg combined and costs about $1,950/yr to fuel, emitting 278 g/mi CO₂ — that's about $1,250 saved over 5 years versus the average new vehicle.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 Alliance | 29 | 37 | $1,950 | 278 | — | 1.4L 4-cyl | |
| 1986 Alliance | 30 | 37 | $1,900 | 269 | — | 1.4L 4-cyl | |
| 1985 Alliance | 29 | 36 | $1,950 | 278 | — | 1.4L 4-cyl | |
| 1984 Alliance | 29 | 37 | $1,950 | 278 | — | 1.4L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Alliance stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this Alliance's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Renault Alliance have? Power & range
The Renault Alliance is offered with 1 powertrain — 1.4L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-cyl | 1.4L · 4-cyl | Manual 4-spd | FWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Renault Alliance cost to own?
A Renault Alliance depreciates at about an average rate. A typical example keeps roughly 46% of its value after five years — losing about 54% to depreciation. Check what a used Alliance is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 80% | $24,000 | −$6,000 |
| Year 2 | 70% | $21,000 | −$9,000 |
| Year 3 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 4 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 5 | 46% | $13,800 | −$16,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Alliance loses about 54% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $9,500 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Alliance ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Renault Alliance safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Alliance yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Renault Alliance last?
A well-maintained Renault Alliance typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 3.5/5.
Check your Renault Alliance’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Alliance’s VIN free →All Renault Alliance model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Renault Alliance — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 Alliance | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1986 Alliance | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1985 Alliance | 3 recalls | — | |
| 1984 Alliance | 3 recalls | — | |
| 1983 Alliance | 3 recalls | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Alliance?
By owner-complaint volume, 1986, 1987, 1985 drew the most reports. 1983, 1984, 1985 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Alliance have?
13 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1983–1987. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
What MPG does the Alliance get?
Up to 33 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a Alliance last?
A well-maintained Alliance typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Alliance reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Alliance is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Renault Alliance warranty?
New Renault models carry 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.
Where is the Renault Alliance made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Alliance's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Renault may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the Alliance have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.