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Engine coolingPart report

1990 Volkswagen Corrado Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
11about this part
Share
28%of 39 total for the year
Median mileage
143,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado, 28% of the 39 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 143,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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 miles

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #10369547, filed 2010-12, 136,000 miles

“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 2000-03

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #10057728, filed 2004-02

“Had received recall notice 96v115000. Had notified the dealer. Was informed no parts were available to repair cooling system. Called the manufacturer & informed parts would be available in sept. 98. Said vehicle drivable.. It had overheated in traffic. Dealer still has no parts.”

NHTSA complaint #832951, filed 1998-12

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
19932348%
19921326%
1991114%
19901128%

Other parts of the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado

Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaints
Seat belts
9 complaints
Electrical system
4 complaints
Brakes
3 complaints
Fuel system
3 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
2 complaints
Equipment
1 complaints
Steering
1 complaints
Body and structure
1 complaints
Vehicle speed control
1 complaints
Wheels
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado

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.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology