1994 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Designed by Herbert Schäfer, the Corrado overlapped and eventually superseded Volkswagen's Scirocco model. 97,521 Corrados were manufactured over the seven year production run; about 50,000 of them were sold in the United States.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 1994 Volkswagen Corrado problems
The Volkswagen Corrado, produced in 1994, is known for its unique design and Porsche-inspired engineering. However, it has a few common problems that owners have reported over the years.
- Reverse Gear Failures and Noise in Manual Transmission Models: This issue is the most commonly reported problem in Volkswagen Corrado vehicles. The manual transmission models often experience problems with reverse gear, including failures and noise. This problem can be quite costly to repair, with estimates ranging from $1,667 to $2,083 for AC Evaporator Replacement.
- Engine Issues: The Corrado's engine is known for its reliability issues. The car was produced with a supercharged G60 engine, which was later replaced with the more reliable VR6 engine. However, even the VR6 engine has its share of problems, including oil consumption and timing belt issues. These problems can be quite expensive to repair, with estimates ranging from $280 to $296 for Oil Pressure Sensor Replacement and $106 to $194 for Timing Belt Tensioner Replacement.
- Suspension Problems: The Corrado's suspension system is also known for its problems. The car's suspension components, such as wheel bearings and brake hoses, can wear out quickly, leading to costly repairs. For example, Wheel Bearing Replacement can cost anywhere from $287 to $319, while Brake Hose Replacement can cost between $186 and $251.
- Electrical Issues: The Corrado's electrical system is also prone to problems. The car's wiring and electrical components can fail, leading to issues with the car's lights, windows, and other electrical systems. These problems can be quite expensive to repair, with estimates ranging from $125 to $152 for Vehicle Speed Sensor Replacement.
- Parts Availability: One of the biggest challenges with owning a Volkswagen Corrado is the availability of parts. Many of the car's parts are no longer in production, making it difficult and expensive to find replacements. This can be especially challenging for owners of the supercharged G60 models, as many of these engines have been swapped out for the more reliable VR6 engines.
Despite these common problems, the Volkswagen Corrado remains a popular car among enthusiasts. Its unique design, Porsche-inspired engineering, and historical significance make it a desirable car for collectors and enthusiasts alike. However, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and be prepared for the costly repairs that may be necessary.
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.
What is the top speed of the 1994 Volkswagen Corrado?
140 mphSpecifications
| Model | Years | Top speed |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0 16V | 1992–1995 | 210 km/h (130 mph) (manual) 208 km/h (129 mph) (automatic) |
| 2.8 12V VR6 | 1992–1995 | 230 km/h (143 mph) |
| 225 km/h (140 mph) | ||
| 2.9 12V VR6 | 1991–1995 | 233 km/h (145 mph) (manual) 230 km/h (143 mph) (auto) |
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.
What is the fuel consumption of the VW Corrado?
20 combinedFind 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 |
1994 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:
- Visibility problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1994 Volkswagen Corrado vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1994 Volkswagen Corrado complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1994 Volkswagen Corrado.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-09
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT HEATER CORE "EXPLODED" WHILE DRIVING AND STEAM CLOUDED ALL INTERIOR WINDOWS RESULTING IN NO VISIBILITY. THE HEATER CORE EXPLOSION ALSO CAUSED COOLANT TO LEAK FROM UNDER DASHBOARD INTO VEHICLE'S INTERIOR. TS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-07
- VIN: WVWEF450XRK
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER HAD WORK DONE FROM RECALL 98V295000/ COOLANT SYSTEM. FROM PRIOR WORK DONE THE AUXILIARY ELECTRIC COOLANT PUMP BROKE. OWNER PURCHASED A NEW, REDESIGNED PUMP AND INSTALLED IT HIMSELF. *AK *ML
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-12
- VIN: WVWEF4504RK
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: IN OCTOBER 1999 VEHICLE HAD RECALL REMEDY DONE. BUT WITHIN 2,000, ENGINE COOLANT PUMP, WHICH WAS REPLACED DURING RECALL REPAIRS, WAS NOT DESIGED FOR THIS PROBLEM. IT CAUSED PRESSURE IN THE PUMP, CAUSING THE SEALS TO EXPLODE AND WATER TO LEAK ONTO ENGINE COMPARTMENT, RESULTED TIN VEHICLE STALLING WHICH MAY HAVE RESULTED IN A CRASH. COMMON PROBLEM. MANUFACTURER STATED IT WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL, AND THE CONSUMER WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING THE RECALL. THE HEATER CORE RECALL DID NOT REPLACE THE HEATER CORE. A PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE AND A RELAY TO RUN THE COOLING FANS AND AUXILLARY WATER PUMP LONGER. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-09-20
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ATTEMPTED TO STEP ON BRAKES AND THE BRAKES WENT TOO FAR DOWN TO THE FLOOR, ON THE SECOND ATTEMPT TO APPLY THE BRAKES THEY LOCKED UP. EXPLAIN IN MORE DETAILS. *AK
1994 Volkswagen Corrado recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1994 Volkswagen Corrado.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH VR6 ENGINES. A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT SUCH AS THE THERMO SWITCH, RADIATOR FAN, OR WATER PUMP, CAN MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND COOLANT SYSTEM PRESSURE TO INCREASE SIGNIFICANTLY. OVER TIME, EXCESSIVE PRESSURE CAN CAUSE LEAKAGE OF COOLANT FROMTHE SYSTEM, INCLUDING LEAKAGE FROM THE HEAT EXCHANGER.
- Consequence: LEAKAGE OF HOT COOLANT FROM THE HEAT EXCHANGER CAN CAUSE INJURY TO THE FEET OF THE DRIVER OR STEAM UP THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE TEMPORARILY IMPAIRING THE DRIVER'S VISION.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL IN THE COOLANT INLET HOSE TO THE HEATER CORE, A PRESSURE REDUCER WITH A 5MM DIAMETER SECURED BY A SPRING TENSIONED HOSE CLAMP. ALSO A NEW RELAY THAT WILL CHANGE THE OPERATION OF THE SECONDARY ELECTRICAL COOLANT PUMP WILL BE INSTALLED. DEALERS WILL ALSO PERFORM A FUNCTIONAL CHECK OF THE COOLING SYSTEM TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL COOLING SYSTEM COMPONENTS OPERATE PROPERLY.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
- Summary: IMPROPER MATERIAL WAS USED IN MANUFACTURING THE RADIATOR FAN MOTOR SHAFT CAUSING THE SHAFT TO WEAR AND BECOME NOISY.
- Consequence: A WORN AND NOISY FAN MOTOR SHAFT CAN SEIZE RENDERINGTHE FAN MOTOR INOPERATIVE, EVENTUALLY CAUSING THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT AND STALL. A STALLED VEHICLE IN TRAFFIC CAN INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE COMPLETE COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY ON VEHICLE HAVING THE POTENTIAL SHAFT MATERIAL PROBLEM. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW FAN BLADE INCLUDING A NEW LOCK NUT ON VEHICLE WITH LOOSE FAN BLADE LOCK NUTS.
Positive 1994 Volkswagen Corrado car reviews
Other years of Volkswagen Corrado
Are you having problems with your 1994 Volkswagen Corrado?
Arvid Mills 2025-01-01
It's a fabulous car! Mine has been untouched by anything I've raced so far. I've got a 2.8 that's been modified to a 3.0 with high compression pistons, polished intake manifold and head, bigger valves, race cams, exhaust, power pulleys, and a chip tuned just to the car, and I get 35 mpg!
Enrique Lakin 2024-11-05
It's 100% fun to drive! The options are way ahead of their time and the body lines look like they belong to a 2000 vehicle. If you're considering buying one, I say go for it!
Coy Tillman 2024-09-07
I recently had to say goodbye to my beloved Corrado G60 (supercharger, not V6) after twelve years of ownership (two prior) and almost 200,000 miles. I have been searching for a comparable car, but have had no luck so far. The only minor issues I had with the car were occasionally losing items under the seat and middle console area, which could be difficult to retrieve, and the lack of a comfortable place to rest my right arm. Overall, it was a fantastic and enjoyable car that was also fuel-efficient when driven responsibly. It was a reliable and unique vehicle that I will always cherish.
Howard Bogan 2024-08-09
Hello! We wanted to let you know that the TMV pricing might not be entirely accurate. However, we believe that this rare beauty is worth every penny, and you can expect to pay around $7k to $8k for it. Thank you for considering this amazing vehicle!
Johnnie Moen 2024-07-28
It's great to hear that you enjoy driving this car so much that you're considering buying another one! It's worth noting that cooling issues are quite common, but it's good to know that you're aware of this. Additionally, it's important to keep in mind that maintenance costs can be quite high. Overall, it sounds like you're really enjoying your car!