The Renault Encore spans 1984–1987 with 10 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.0/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1984, 1985, 1986 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1987, 1986, 1985. It delivers competitive fuel economy 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 Encore is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1984 to 1987 across multiple generations.
How to read a Renault Encore VIN — every digit explained
Every Renault Encore 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 Encore.
- 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 Encore, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Renault Encore have?
The Renault Encore has 10 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1984–1987. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1987 Renault Encore 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 Encore 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 Encore 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 Encore 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 Encore
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 4 tracked years, the worst years are 1984, 1985, 1986 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1987, 1986, 1985.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 Encore | Visibility | Avoid | |
| 1985 Encore | Engine And Engine Cooling | Avoid | |
| 1986 Encore | Visibility | Avoid | |
| 1987 Encore | — | Best |
What are the most common Renault Encore problems?
The most-reported Renault Encore problems are Visibility (5 reports), Engine And Engine Cooling (1 reports) — out of 6 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 5 Read
Owner had work preformed on vehicle due to recall concerning heater core. Recall work was completed and this resulted in heater core meltdown. Owner is very concerned about this problem. *ak
Had vehicle serviced after vehicle was serviced for recall there has been no heat, leaking of anti-freeze and water. Tt
Heater core recall repairs refused due to unavailability of parts, heater core still blows cold air. (92v-051). *ak
Heater core failed prior to/after recall repairs (92v-051). *ak
Heater core failed after recall repair. (88v-087) *aw
Engine And Engine Cooling 1 Read
Water pump failed, causing leak. *skd
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Renault Encore specifications & dimensions
The 1987 Renault Encore. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Renault Encore window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Renault Encore cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Encore 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 Encore 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 Encore get?
MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.
What engines does the Renault Encore have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a Renault Encore cost to own?
A Renault Encore 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 Encore 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 Encore loses about 54% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — based on EPA economy at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Encore 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 Encore safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Encore yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Renault Encore last?
A well-maintained Renault Encore 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 4.0/5.
Check your Renault Encore’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Encore’s VIN free →All Renault Encore model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Renault Encore — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 Encore | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 1986 Encore | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 1985 Encore | 3 recalls | — | — |
| 1984 Encore | 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 Encore?
By owner-complaint volume, 1984, 1985, 1986 drew the most reports. 1987, 1986, 1985 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Encore have?
10 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1984–1987. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
How many miles does a Encore last?
A well-maintained Encore typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Encore reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Encore is 4.0/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Renault Encore 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 Encore made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Encore'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 Encore 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.