1990 Volkswagen Corrado: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 39 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (26% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 1996
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1990 volkswagen corrado. The contact was driving approximately 60-65 mph with the defroster activated when excessive amounts of steam began to emit through the vents. The vehicle was diagnosed by a certified mechanic who informed the contact that there was a small leak coming from the heater core. The vehicle was not repaired. There was a recall associated with the NHTSA campaign id number: 96v115000 (engine and engine cooling:cooling system) but the contacts VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 136,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2010
“Tl* the contact owns a 1990 volkswagen corrado. The heater core failed while driving. He noticed steam emitting from the vents as well as coolant on the windshield. He referenced recall 96v115000 and was told that his vehicle was not included in the recall but the dealer repaired the vehicle free of charge in 1998. However, in 2009, the part failed again. He called the dealership and was told that they would not repair the vehicle free of charge this time and referred him to the manufacturer. When he called the manufacturer, he was told that since the warranty expired, no assistance would be provided. The current mileage was 217,762. The failure mileage was 217,758.”Owner report · Visibility · Dec 2009
“Dt*: the contact stated the heater core leaks. There is an NHTSA recall, # 96v115000, regarding the engine and engine cooling: cooling system. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2006
Show 7 more owner reports
“Consumer states cooliant is leaking into the vehicle while driving. Problem is due to a heater coil failure, dealer and the mfr has been notified and informed that the vehicle VIN# was not cover. Ts”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2002
“Volkswagen refuses to pay for seatbelt due to "age and miles" and "outside influences." there are several corrado owners who have had the same problem, therefore substantial evidence exists that indicates a defect. I am requesting both driver side and passenger side seatbelts to be replaced by the manufacturer, free of charge.*ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Nov 2001
“Consumer states that the passenger side automatic seat belt stop working, it stuck in the out position, will not retract back into position. Leaving passenger un protected in an accident. Nlm”Owner report · Seat Belts · Oct 2001
“Heater core failure caused windshield to fog up while driving. Even with vents closed it still caused poor visibility. Dealer notified, and informed consumer that vehicle was not covered under a recall due to VIN. Feel free to provide any further details on this matter. *ak”Owner report · Visibility · Jan 2001
“Heater core failure which resulted in steam inside the passenger compartment and on the inside of the windshield, blocking visibility. Contacted local volkswagen dealership and was told there is no recall for this problem. Was quoted $680.00 to repair.*ak”Owner report · Visibility · Jan 2001
“While driving about 45 mph, all of sudden there was smoke in vehicle. Vehicle to the dealership, where the heater core was changed. Vehicle was not included in 96v115000 vw/engine cooling system. Please provide any further information. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2000
“Heater core blew out, causing anti-freeze to leak into passenger's compartment. A recall has been issued on vehicle's make/model; however, this vehicle was not included due to VIN. *ak”Owner report · Visibility · Jun 2000
When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
IN THE EVENT THE ENGINE OVERHEATS AND THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED CONTINUOUSLY IN THAT CONDITION, THE COOLANT PRESSURE WILL RISE TO A LEVEL AT WHICH THE HEAT EXCHANGER COULD LEAK.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEAT EXCHANGER ON THESE VEHICLES.
THE FUEL HOSE ATTACHED TO THE FUEL DISTRIBUTION RAIL ON THE ENGINE MAY SHRINK BEYOND THE CLAMP FORCE OF THE FUEL HOSE CLAMPS, ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK.
Remedy: REPLACE THE FUEL HOSE ATTACHED TO THE FUEL RAIL AND INSTALL A NEW SPRING TYPE SELF-TIGHTENING CLAMP.
THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING, WHICH SERVES AS THE BASE FOR THE FUEL PUMP (LOCATED IN THE FUEL TANK) COULD DEFORM, RESULTING IN THE FUEL PUMP BECOMING LOOSE.
Remedy: REPLACE FUEL FILTER.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1990 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Corrado by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado reliable?
NHTSA has 39 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (26% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1990 Volkswagen Corrado problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 143,000 miles or less.
Does the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling:cooling system. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.