1991 Volkswagen Corrado problems
The Volkswagen Corrado is a compact four passenger (2+2), three door, front-engine, front-wheel-drive liftback coupe marketed by Volkswagen from 1988 until 1995, and manufactured by Karmann in Osnabrück, Germany.
Designed by Herbert Schäfer, the Corrado overlapped and eventually superseded Volkswagen's Scirocco model. 97,521 Corrados were manufactured over the seven year production run; about 50,000 of them were sold in the United States.
Overview
The Corrado is a three-door hatchback/liftback with a 2+2 seating layout. The Corrado's floorpan is based on the A2 platform (i.e. Mark 2 Golf/Jetta) and, with the exception of VR6 models, all versions use the subframes, suspension, steering and braking components from the Volkswagen A2 platform model range. The body shell was built by Karmann and was partially zinc plated and galvanized, providing strong rust protection.
The VR6 uses suspension components from the A3 model range, including the rear axle assembly and some parts of the A3's 'plus' type front axle assembly. The subsequent wider front wheel track of the Corrado VR6 necessitated the fitting of new front wings with wider wheel arches and liners along with a new front bumper assembly. Together with a new raised-style bonnet to accommodate the VR6 engine, these body improvements were carried across the model range.
The Corrado is noted for its flush mounted windows and active rear spoiler – which raises automatically when the car exceeds 100 km/h (62 mph) (45 mph or 72 km/h in the North American market), automatically retracts at speeds below 25 km/h (15 mph) or can be manually controlled by the driver.
The name Corrado was derived from the Spanish verb "correr", meaning to run or sprint. Prototypes were named Taifun (German for "Typhoon") but the name was changed prior to release.
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Common 1991 Volkswagen Corrado problems
The Volkswagen Corrado, produced in 1991, is known for its unique design and Porsche-inspired engineering. However, it has several common problems that potential buyers should be aware of.
One of the most common issues is vacuum leaks. These leaks can lead to a variety of problems, including poor engine performance, stalling, and difficulty starting. Vacuum leaks can be caused by worn or damaged vacuum lines, which can degrade over time due to heat and age.
Another common problem with the 1991 Volkswagen Corrado is weak engine mounts. This can result in excessive vibration and noise, particularly when accelerating or decelerating. Weak engine mounts can also lead to increased wear and tear on other components, such as the transmission and drivetrain.
The shifter cable linkage can also be a problem area in the 1991 Corrado. This can result in difficulty shifting gears, as well as a loose or sloppy feeling in the shifter. In some cases, the shifter cable linkage may need to be replaced entirely.
Defective electronic components are another common issue in the 1991 Volkswagen Corrado, particularly in the rear wing. This can result in the wing not functioning properly, or not at all. This can affect the car's aerodynamics and handling, particularly at high speeds.
In addition to these common problems, the 1991 Volkswagen Corrado is also known for engine-related issues, such as oil leaks, timing belt failures, fuel pump failures, and ignition coil failures. These issues can lead to poor engine performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and even engine failure in some cases.
When considering purchasing a 1991 Volkswagen Corrado, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and factor in the cost of potential repairs. Parts for the Corrado can be difficult to find and may be expensive, particularly for rarer models like the G60. However, for those willing to take on the challenges of owning a Corrado, it can be a rewarding and unique driving experience.
Are Corrados reliable?
Volkswagen is famous for the durability of its engines and the Corrado's four- and six-cylinder units are no exception. Look after them, with regular servicing and cambelt or timing chain replacements, and they should go on to very high mileages.
Is the VW Corrado rare?
VW only managed to sell 97,521 of these fantastic sports coupés worldwide, around 18,000 of which went to America.
How many VW Corrados are left?
There are 33,624,767 cars & other vehicles with valid MOTs. There are 1,177 VOLKSWAGEN CORRADO left in the UK with an MOT.
What is the fuel consumption of the VW Corrado?
20 combined
Find and Compare Cars
| 1991 Volkswagen Corrado | |
|---|---|
| Personalize Find a car | 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Automatic 4-spd Compare |
| Fuel Economy | |
| EPA MPG | Regular Gasoline 20 combined city/highway MPG 17 city 24 highway 5.0 gals/100 miles |
Are Corrados reliable?
Volkswagen is famous for the durability of its engines and the Corrado's four- and six-cylinder units are no exception. Look after them, with regular servicing and cambelt or timing chain replacements, and they should go on to very high mileages.
Is the VW Corrado rare?
VW only managed to sell 97,521 of these fantastic sports coupés worldwide, around 18,000 of which went to America.
Is Corrado FWD or RWD?
front-wheel drive
Launched in the end of 1988 (three years before the end of Scirocco production), all Corrados were front-wheel drive and featured petrol engines.
What is the fuel consumption of the VW Corrado?
20 combined
Find and Compare Cars
| 1991 Volkswagen Corrado | |
|---|---|
| Personalize Find a car | 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Automatic 4-spd Compare |
| Fuel Economy | |
| EPA MPG | Regular Gasoline 20 combined city/highway MPG 17 city 24 highway 5.0 gals/100 miles |
1991 Volkswagen Corrado car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volkswagen Corrado problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine problems
- Structure problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Volkswagen Corrado vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1991 Volkswagen Corrado complaints
The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Volkswagen Corrado.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-01-13
- VIN: WVWDC4509MK
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: FOUND VEHICLE HAS A BAD HEATER CORE. WHILE DOING RESEARCH I FOUND THE VEHICLE HAS A RECALL WITH RECALL ID IS 96V-115. THE VIN FALLS WITHIN THE COVERED RECALL PER THE DOCUMENT I'M ATTACHING AND VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA IS REFUSING TO COVER IT. *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-01-03
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 02290980
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING DOWN HOPE ROAD HEADING TO BEARINGS & SEALS TO GET SOME OIL WHILE PASSING JAMAICA COLLEGE IN THE DUAL PASSAGE LANE I WAS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD (WITH THE ISLAND TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR) WITH ME IN THE LEFT DRIVER SEAT AND MY FRIEND IN THE RIGHT SIDE A BIG SUV DROVE UP BESIDE US WITH A ELDER LADY DRIVING SHE WAS IN THE LEFT LANE WE WERE BOTH HEADING IN THE DIRECTION OF THE U.S EMBASSY SHE ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A U TURN AND WHILE DOING SO HIT THE LEFT SIDE OF MY 1990 VOLKSWAGEN CORRODE THE REAR PANEL DOOR AND FENDER WAS AFFECTED. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WVWDB4506MK
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: NO SUMMARY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-11
- VIN: WVWDB4507MK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE HAD BLOWN A FUSE FOR THE AIR CONDITIONER & POWER LOCK. TOOK TO DEALER & MECHANIC NOTICED ELECTRICAL WIRES LOOKED LIKE SAWED. THE MAIN WIRE HARNESS HAD RUBBED AGAINST THE GROUND STRAPS ON THE OXYGEN SENSORS. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-04-01
- VIN: WVWDB4501MK
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE EXTERIOR REAR VIEW MIRROR IS HEATED, CAUSING SILVER TO ERODE FROM THE BACK OF THE GLASS, THE USABLE PART OF THE MIRROR GROWS SMALLER AND SMALLER/POOR VISIBILITY.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THERE IS OIL IN THE COOLING SYSTEM OIL AND WATER MIX. TT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-06-18
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WVWDB4502MK
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ABS: ANTI-LOCK BRAKE PUMP FAILED; LOST ALL BRAKING POWER; CAUSED ACCIDENT. TT
1991 Volkswagen Corrado recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1991 Volkswagen Corrado.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
Negative 1991 Volkswagen Corrado car reviews
Positive 1991 Volkswagen Corrado car reviews
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The Corrado is a great car, especially for a four-cylinder engine. With proper care, the supercharger, which some may consider problematic, can last a lifetime. The handling is solid, as you would expect from a German sports car. The design of the car still looks current, and particularly clean Corrados have even passed for 2002 models. If you're looking for a more luxurious feel, opt for the leather interior over the cheaper-looking cloth. While the interior comfort may be lacking a bit, if you're in need of cup holders and arm rests, you may want to consider purchasing an Aztek.
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If you're a true VW enthusiast, you'll definitely appreciate the design and power of this supercharged G60 engine. VW's have a rich history rooted in 4 cylinders, and this one is a classic. The car is incredibly powerful, handles like a dream, has a Euro car look, and is very comfortable. Don't let its small size fool you, with its slightly sloped rear hatch, this car has enough room to fit a 30,000 BTU air conditioner (with the rear seats down, of course). I've personally owned one for 9 years and I'm still as enthusiastic about it as the day I bought it.
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This VW Sports car is a real gem that often goes unnoticed. In the United States, it was available with either a supercharged 4-cylinder G60 or a 6-cylinder VR6. I personally loved my Corrado and often wish I still had it.
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This car has been the best car I have ever owned. It has never left me stranded or broke down for that matter. Even at 16 years old, it is still fast and handles great! It gets 25 MPG in the city and 30-33 on the highway. I highly recommend getting the G-Charger rebuilt every 100,000 miles. There are many clubs that keep the car young. It is just as great as it was when new. Five stars in my book for sure! *****
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Many people have asked me if my car is a current year model. I believe that the Corrado is one of the best unknown VW models out there. I have seen many new car owners, especially those who are new to VW, rubbernecking at my car. I can only imagine them thinking, 'Hey! How did I miss that VW on the lot? I would have bought it instead of this!' The ride is smooth, and I think the G60 is better balanced than the VR6 in later models. It is easy to upgrade, has timeless styling, and is good on gas (still getting 26mpg with mods when I stay off the gas). It also has neat features like the MFA computer, two-position sunroof, speed-activated spoiler (just like the Porsches), and BBS wheels. I could go on, but I must say that this is the best VW I have ever owned.
Other years of Volkswagen Corrado
Are you having problems with your 1991 Volkswagen Corrado?
Domenico Windler 2024-07-17
I'd love to buy one just to have!