1990 Volkswagen Corrado
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 39
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
Campaigns on file for 1990
None on file
28% of complaints
Complaints per year
1990: 39 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 39 |
| 1991 | 7 |
| 1992 | 50 |
| 1993 | 48 |
| 1994 | 4 |
| 1995 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine and engine cooling
28% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing cooling system and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.
Show complaint excerpts
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.…
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-11-07
Visibility
26% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing heater core and windshield wiper/washer.
Show complaint excerpts
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...
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-11-02
Seat belts
23% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing retractor and anchorage.
Show complaint excerpts
Electrical short circuit, caused a fire with the automatic seatbelt.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-05-23
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.…
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-10-02
Electrical system
13% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing switch and front underhood.
Fuel system, gasoline
8% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing delivery and hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1991-05-09Fuel system, gasoline91V068000 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.
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R
1992-05-22Fuel system, gasoline92V058000 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.
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R
1996-10-10Engine and engine cooling96V115000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
1990 Volkswagen Corrado — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 11 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 10 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 9 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 91V068000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 92V058000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 96V115000 · Engine and engine cooling
FAQ
- Is the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.