MotorDeets

1990 Volkswagen Corrado: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado: 3 recalls, 39 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.

3vehicle recalls
39owner complaints
0mention a crash
21best combined mpg
1990 Volkswagen Corrado
Photo: Calreyn88 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Fuel system Vehicle recall #91V068000 · 1991 · 8,500 vehicles

What's 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.

Why it matters: A loose and improperly seated fuel pump can causereduced fuel flow to the engine resulting in possible drivability problems andstalling of the vehicle.

The fix: Replace fuel filter.

Fuel system Vehicle recall #92V058000 · 1992 · 358,000 vehicles

What's 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.

Why it matters: Fuel leakage in the engine compartment can cause an underhood fire if the fuel comes in contact with a source of ignition.

The fix: Replace the fuel hose attached to the fuel rail and install a new spring type self-tightening clamp.

Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #96V115000 · 1996 · 8,100 vehicles

What's 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.

Why it matters: 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.

The fix: Dealers will replace the heat exchanger on these vehicles.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Engine & cooling11
Visibility (wipers, glass)10
Seat belts9
Electrical4
Brakes (hydraulic)3
Fuel system3
Transmission & drivetrain2
Wheels1

What owners describe

The 1990 Volkswagen Corrado has 39 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 6 Corrado model years for complaints (1.6× the average Corrado year). Complaints peaked in 1999 (8 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 9 years old, at a median of 143,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1991 (7 complaints, 2 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
1.8 L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive182621Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

Does the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 1990 Volkswagen Corrado problems?

Owners have filed 39 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (11), visibility (wipers, glass) (10), seat belts (9).

What gas mileage does the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado get?

EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (1.8 L, Manual 5-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1990 Volkswagen Corrado repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Corrado years

199019911992199319941995