Check a VIN

1990 Volkswagen Corrado problems

The most common problem on the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado is engine and cooling. Its complaint count is close to a typical Corrado model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
39
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
3
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
21mpg

The worst 1990 Volkswagen Corrado problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    11
  • Visibility
    10
  • Seat belts
    9
  • Electrical
    4
  • Brakes
    3
  • Fuel system
    3
  • Transmission
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Body
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Recalls 3

Engine and engine cooling: cooling systemReported July 1, 1996 · 8,100 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
A leaking heat exchanger will allow hot coolant to escape causing injury to the driver's feet or could steam up the interior of the vehicle temporarily impairing the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the heat exchanger on these vehicles.

Recall number 96V115000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported April 14, 1992 · 358,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
Fuel leakage in the engine compartment can cause an underhood fire if the fuel comes in contact with a source of ignition.
Remedy
Replace the fuel hose attached to the fuel rail and install a new spring type self-tightening clamp.

Recall number 92V058000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported April 22, 1991 · 8,500 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
A loose and improperly seated fuel pump can causereduced fuel flow to the engine resulting in possible drivability problems andstalling of the vehicle.
Remedy
Replace fuel filter.

Recall number 91V068000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado

Technical service bulletins for the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado 3

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

1990 Volkswagen Corrado fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.8L 4‑cylFWD182621

What 1990 Volkswagen Corrado owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 7, 2010 · Engine · 136,000 miles · AZ

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 federal safety agency 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.

Filed Dec 16, 2009 · Visibility · 217,758 miles · IL

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.

Filed Feb 21, 2006 · Engine · 150,000 miles · SC

Dt*: the contact stated the heater core leaks. There is an the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Nov 2, 2005 · Visibility · 124,300 miles · MA · 1 injury

Driving along an interstate at approximately 65 MPH, the heater core in my 1990 vw corrado developed a major leak all of a sudden, causing very hot coolant to pour on my right leg and foot, and subsequently causing the windshield to steam up instantly, causing loss of outward vision and loss of control of the car. I was able to find the side of the road using the "rumble strips", and called a tow truck. I am aware of a recall on some 1990 vw corrados, but according to my dealer my vehicle is not within the VIN range for this recall, regardless of the fact my vehicle uses the same faulty heater core as the ones that are covered by the recall. The dealer will not agree to remedy the problem.

Filed Feb 9, 2004 · Engine · NC

While driving consumer noticed dashboard coolant indicator light illuminated, indicating engine overheated. Windows became steamy, causing poor visibility. Recall 96v115000 was issued on this make, model, and year. However, this vehicle was not included under the recall due to VIN.

Filed Nov 7, 2002 · Engine · NJ

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

Filed Oct 2, 2002 · Seat belts · WA

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

Filed Jan 5, 2002 · Seat belts · NM

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.

Filed May 26, 2001 · Electrical · CA

No summary listed for above vehicle.

Filed May 17, 2001 · Visibility · OH

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.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1990 Volkswagen Corrado before you buy

Compare the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado

Other model years

199019911992199319941995

Questions about the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado

Is the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado reliable?

Owners have filed 39 complaints about the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado, close to a typical Corrado model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado?

Engine and cooling, with 11 complaints. Next is visibility (10).

How many recalls does the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado have?

3 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling and fuel system, gasoline.

Was there a recall on the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado engine?

Yes, 1 recall: 96V115000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Volkswagen Corrado have bad engine?

The Volkswagen Corrado model years with the most engine complaints are 1993 (23 complaints), 1992 (12 complaints) and 1990 (11 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado get?

Official estimates for the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado range from 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.8L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 18 city and 26 highway.

Share your experience with the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 1990 Volkswagen Corrado?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN