IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
1977–1982 Reliant Kitten

We've identified 3 known issues that can affect the 1977–1982 Reliant Kitten. 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

3
Known Issues
1
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Front Chassis Outrigger and Wishbone Mount Corrosion

SeriousBodywork & Rust

The Kitten used an all-new steel chassis engineered specifically for its four-wheeled layout, mounting double wishbones and an anti-roll bar up front. Unlike later Rialtos, Kitten chassis frames were painted rather than galvanised. Road grime and water flung from the front wheels accumulate in the chassis outriggers and lower wishbone pick-up brackets, leading to severe perforation that compromises front suspension alignment.

Est. Repair Cost: £500–£1,400
Warning Signs:

Soft or holed metal on front chassis outriggers when probed with a screwdriver, Cracking around the steering rack mounting bracket on the front crossmember, Front suspension misalignment causing the car to pull noticeably to one side, Creaking and groaning sounds from front chassis under heavy brake applications

What to Inspect:
  • Thoroughly inspect front chassis outriggers and lower wishbone mounts using a torch and probe.
  • Check steering rack mountings on the chassis crossmember for rust fractures.
  • Look for crude previous patch repairs or body filler plastered over structural steel sections.
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Aluminium Engine Electrolytic Corrosion and Head Gasket Failure

ModerateEngine

The Kitten's 848cc all-aluminium engine relies on corrosion inhibitors in the coolant to prevent galvanic degradation between the alloy block, iron cylinder liners, and alloy head. When owners topped up with plain tap water, internal waterways corroded rapidly, depositing white scale that blocked the radiator. This thermal imbalance quickly leads to blown head gaskets and warped cylinder head mating faces.

Est. Repair Cost: £250–£600
Warning Signs:

White emulsified scum on oil dipstick and underside of the oil filler cap, Exhaust steam persisting even after the engine has warmed up fully, Coolant bubbling inside the radiator filler neck during warm idle, Gradual loss of engine coolant with no visible external hose leakage

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect the oil cap and dipstick for signs of water mixing with engine oil.
  • Check the colour of the coolant; brown or rusty water indicates neglected inhibitor protection.
  • Examine spark plugs for steam cleaning on individual cylinders.
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Front Suspension Double Wishbone and Tie-Bar Bush Perishing

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

Reliant designed a bespoke double-wishbone front suspension with tie-bars and an anti-roll bar for the Kitten to achieve its legendary 24-foot turning circle. The small rubber bushes in the wishbone pivots and tie-bar ends deteriorate from oil leaks and age. Once perished, excessive suspension deflection causes front wheel shimmy, twitchy steering response, and severe MOT failure.

Est. Repair Cost: £150–£400
Warning Signs:

Knocking from front suspension over bumps or during sharp braking, Vague or twitchy steering feel with frequent need for minor corrections, Uneven tyre shoulder wear across front tyres, Visible cracking, perished rubber, or eccentricity in wishbone bushes

What to Inspect:
  • Pry gently between wishbone arms and mounting brackets to assess bush deflection.
  • Check the tie-bar rubber doughnut bushes where they pass through the chassis mounting brackets.
  • Inspect the front anti-roll bar drop links and mounting D-bushes for play.
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 1977–1982 Reliant Kitten

  • Thoroughly inspect the four-wheel steel chassis; unlike later Rialtos, Kitten chassis were painted and rust severely in the front outriggers and lower wishbone mounts.
  • Check the double-wishbone front suspension bushes, tie-bars, and steering rack for play; parts are bespoke to Reliant and worn rubber causes nervous handling.
  • Inspect the 848cc engine for coolant corrosion; ensure the aluminium head has not suffered galvanic erosion from neglected antifreeze inhibitors.
  • Check the composite fibreglass body for cracking around the front valence, headlight apertures, and door hinges where stress concentrates.
1976
Check a 1977–1982 Reliant Kitten by Registration