1990 Volkswagen Corrado Problems
- Complaints
- 39filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 143,000miles, 4 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 1.8L 4-cyl FWD · 18 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 39 consumer complaints for the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado. The part named most often is engine cooling, with 11 complaints (28% of the total), followed by visibility (10) and seat belts (9). 4 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 143,000 miles. Of all complaints, 2 a fire, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 1 technical service bulletin for this model year. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign and 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling11 28%
- Seat belts9 23%
- Electrical system4 10%
- Brakes3 7.7%
- Fuel system3 7.7%
- Equipment1 2.6%
- Steering1 2.6%
- Body and structure1 2.6%
Also reported: Vehicle speed control (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #10150726, filed 2006-02, 150,000 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10141520, filed 2005-11, 124,300 milesSeat belts: “On jan. 13, 2000 I called a 1-8oo# to Volkswagen of america to ask for an investigator to come and investigate[as a courtsey] why on jan. 6, 2000 my 1990 Corrado with 39006 miles started an engine compartment fire while running 60 miles an hour on an interstate. The car had been driven 11 miles on the day when the fire started. The power and braking systems were gone. The retractable shoulder harness and seat belts would not release. Three fire engines from three different locations responded, a chp stopped to help. There is a report that states well involved vehicle engine compartment fire. …”
NHTSA complaint #719951, filed 2000-03Electrical system: “$10,000 fire under the hood of the Corrado while driving at 65 MPH. No brakes, no seatbelt or harness release. My son and grandson were trapped.the electrical system was gone.chp came out as well as three engine companies.my Corrado was gutted under the hood and the fire went out between the headlamps and under the car.”
NHTSA complaint #724244, filed 2000-06Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 4 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 136,000 and 150,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1990 Volkswagen Corrado version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrado FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 96V115000Jul 1, 1996Engine and engine cooling › Cooling systemCovers: Volkswagen Corrado 1989–1990, Passat 1988–1990
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.
- 92V058000Apr 14, 1992Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Volkswagen Corrado 1989–1992, Jetta 1988–1992, Golf 1988–1992 +5 more
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.
- 91V068000Apr 22, 1991Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: Volkswagen Corrado 1990–1991
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.
Recall details for the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1 on record; the latest 1 are shown.
- 10026848Aug 28, 2008Engine cooling, Body and structure. Volkswagen: exhaust heat shield, replacement guidelines. Heat shields are to be inspected after completion o any type of repair to the underbody (exhaust system transmission, etc.), and if damaged…
Other model years of the Volkswagen Corrado
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | 48 | 110,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1992 | 50 | 99,400 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 7 | 156,000 | 2 | — | 21 | — | Not enough data |
| 1990 | 39 | 143,000 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Volkswagen Corrado model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado have?
NHTSA recorded 39 consumer complaints for the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 11 complaints (28% of the total), followed by visibility with 10.
Has the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado get?
The EPA rates the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado (Corrado, 1.8L 4-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado reported?
Among the 4 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 143,000 miles and the middle half falls between 136,000 and 150,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.