TroubleAtlas Score
VOLKSWAGEN CORRADO (1990–1995): Full Technical Specs & OBD2 Diagnostics
Built 1990–1995 · all production years covered on this single page
2.8L VR6 • Gasoline
© Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA
TroubleAtlas Score
An independent value score for the Volkswagen Corrado (1990–1995) — reliability, safety, cost, parts, upkeep and documentation. Owing nothing to the manufacturer.
Scorecard · each voice 0–10
Reliabilityn/a
Safety & recallsn/a
Repair cost3.7
Parts & repairability7.3
Maintenance & durabilityn/a
Documentation & support3.9
Independent · Verified · Never for sale
Every figure on this Volkswagen Corrado (1990–1995) page is aggregated and cross-checked against more than 6.6 million real workshop operations, NHTSA records and OEM technical sources — and updated continuously. No invented estimates.
The Volkswagen Corrado (1990–1995) uses Castrol Edge 5W-30 engine oil. Its battery is group H6 (BCI), rated at 600A cold-cranking amps. It is powered by a 2.8L VR6 engine. Its OEM tyre size is 215/55 R16. Use the sections below for verified fluids, battery, OEM tyres, the maintenance schedule, recommended parts and the most commonly reported OBD2 fault codes for this vehicle.
Common problems
Common repairs
Fluids & lubricants
Battery
Fault codes (OBD2)
Dashboard lights
Parts comparator
Accessories & tools
Tyres
Recalls & TSB
Complaints
Workshops nearby
COMMON PROBLEMS
Transmission fault signal (TCM)MODERATE
The transmission module detected a fault — check separate transmission codes.
Related codes: P0700
Misfire / Loss of cylinderMODERATE
Rough running, idle vibration, power loss.
Related codes: P0300
Thermostat: coolant temperature lowLOW
Thermostat stuck open — engine does not reach operating temperature.
Related codes: P0128
Battery/system voltage lowLOW
System voltage below 10V — check alternator, battery or wiring.
Related codes: P0562
P0011LOW
Check with an OBD2 scanner.
Related codes: P0011
COMMON REPAIRS
Front brake pads
Difficulty: Medium
1.1h
€77 – €99
Rear brake pads
Difficulty: Medium
1.2h
€84 – €108
Engine oil change
Difficulty: Easy
0.4h
€28 – €36
ABS Module
Difficulty: Hard
2.7h
€189 – €243
AVERAGE INDICATIVE COSTS
Prices may vary by area and workshop.
Full service
€ 120 – € 200
Full brake service
€ 180 – € 300
Spark plug replacement
€ 80 – € 140
Electronic diagnosis
€ 40 – € 70
OFFICIAL LABOUR TIMES (OLP)
Standard labour hours from a database of 6.6M+ real shop operations, with an indicative labour-cost estimate for your country.
Brakes8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| ABS Module | 2.7h | € 121–€ 202 |
| ABS Pump | 3.4h | € 153–€ 255 |
| ABS Tone Ring | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Front | 1.1h | € 49–€ 82 |
| ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Rear | 1.1h | € 49–€ 82 |
| Brake Bleed - All Four | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Brake Booster | 3.4h | € 153–€ 255 |
| Brake Booster Check Valve | 0.4h | € 18–€ 30 |
Cooling8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Coolant Bypass Pipe | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Coolant Flush | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Coolant Reservoir | 0.7h | € 31–€ 52 |
| Coolant Temperature Sensor | 0.7h | € 31–€ 52 |
| Cooling Fan Assembly | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Cooling Fan Motor | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Cooling Fan Relay | 0.4h | € 18–€ 30 |
| Engine Oil Cooler | 2.7h | € 121–€ 202 |
Electrical8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Airbag - Driver | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Airbag - Passenger | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Airbag - Side | 2.7h | € 121–€ 202 |
| Airbag Module/Computer | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Alternator | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Alternator Belt | 0.7h | € 31–€ 52 |
| Amplifier | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Antenna | 0.7h | € 31–€ 52 |
Engine8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Camshaft Position Sensor | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Camshaft R&R | 10.8h | € 486–€ 810 |
| Connecting Rod Bearings | 20.2h | € 909–€ 1515 |
| Crankshaft Position Sensor | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Crankshaft R&R | 27.0h | € 1215–€ 2025 |
| Cylinder Head R&R | 8.1h | € 364–€ 607 |
| Cylinder Head Resurface | 10.8h | € 486–€ 810 |
| Engine Mount - Front | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
Exhaust8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Air Injection Check Valve | 1.1h | € 49–€ 82 |
| Catalytic Converter - California | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Catalytic Converter - Direct Fit | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Catalytic Converter - Universal | 2.7h | € 121–€ 202 |
| Downpipe | 2.7h | € 121–€ 202 |
| EGR Cooler | 4.1h | € 184–€ 307 |
| EGR Tube | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| EGR Valve | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
Fuel system8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Charcoal Canister | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| EVAP Purge Valve | 1.1h | € 49–€ 82 |
| EVAP Vent Valve | 1.1h | € 49–€ 82 |
| Fuel Cap | 0.1h | € 4–€ 7 |
| Fuel Filler Neck | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Fuel Filter | 0.7h | € 31–€ 52 |
| Fuel Filter - In-Tank | 2.7h | € 121–€ 202 |
| Fuel Injector - Single | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
HVAC8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| AC Accumulator | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| AC Clutch Coil | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| AC Compressor | 3.4h | € 153–€ 255 |
| AC Compressor Clutch | 2.7h | € 121–€ 202 |
| AC Compressor Oil Add | 0.7h | € 31–€ 52 |
| AC Condenser | 3.4h | € 153–€ 255 |
| AC Evaporator | 8.1h | € 364–€ 607 |
| AC Expansion Valve (TXV) | 5.4h | € 243–€ 405 |
Steering8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Center Link/Drag Link | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Electric Power Steering Module | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Electric Power Steering Motor | 3.4h | € 153–€ 255 |
| Idler Arm | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Pitman Arm | 1.6h | € 72–€ 120 |
| Power Steering Fluid Flush | 0.7h | € 31–€ 52 |
| Power Steering Gear Box | 4.7h | € 211–€ 352 |
| Power Steering Hose - High Pressure | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
Suspension8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Air Line | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Air Spring/Air Bag | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Air Suspension Compressor | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Air Suspension Height Sensor | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Air Suspension Valve Block | 2.7h | € 121–€ 202 |
| Ball Joint - Lower | 2.4h | € 108–€ 180 |
| Ball Joint - Upper | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Ball Joints - Upper and Lower | 4.1h | € 184–€ 307 |
Transmission8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Kickdown Cable | 1.1h | € 49–€ 82 |
| Neutral Safety Switch | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Overdrive Solenoid | 2.7h | € 121–€ 202 |
| Shift Cable | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Shift Linkage | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Transmission Control Module | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Transmission Cooler Lines | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Transmission Filter | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
WORKSHOP LABOUR RATES BY COUNTRY
Average independent-workshop hourly labour rates, to estimate repair costs in your country.
🇩🇪Germany€95/h
🇪🇸Spain€55/h
🇫🇷France€75/h
🇮🇹Italy€45/h
🇬🇧UK£80/h
🇺🇸USA$120/h
Reference rate
€45/h
Source: Eurostat 2024
💧 FLUIDS & LUBRICANTS
📋 RECALLS & TSB (6)
NHTSA 91V068000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Date: 22/04/1991
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.
NHTSA 95V178000
Engine And Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Fan
Date: 20/09/1995
IMPROPER MATERIAL WAS USED IN MANUFACTURING THE RADIATOR FAN MOTOR SHAFT CAUSING THE SHAFT TO WEAR AND BECOME NOISY.
NHTSA 93V102000
Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood
Date: 14/06/1993
AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS MAY HAVE BEEN ROUTED TOO CLOSE TO A SHEET METAL EDGE. THE WIRING CAN BECOME DAMAGED DURING NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION DUE TO CHAFING, RESULTING IN AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.
NHTSA 92V058000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
Date: 14/04/1992
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.
NHTSA 98V295000
Engine And Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Date: 13/11/1998
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 PRE…
NHTSA 96V115000
Engine And Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Date: 01/07/1996
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.
COMMON OBD2 CODES TO CHECK
P0420
P0420
Powertrain
P0171
P0171
Powertrain
P0300
P0300
Powertrain
P0128
P0128
Powertrain
P0455
P0455
Powertrain
P0700
P0700
Transmission
P0442
P0442
Powertrain
P0172
P0172
Powertrain
P0401
P0401
Powertrain
All documented fault codes for this vehicle
The most documented diagnostic codes for this model, by system and severity. Tap a code for the full guide.
P0455
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0442
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0440
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.78h avgP0420
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.24h avgP0300
powertrain
HIGH⏱ 1.22h avgP0172
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.13h avgP0171
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.95h avgP0730
transmission
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0700
transmission
HIGH⏱ 1.25h avgP0401
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0011
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 5.4h avgU0100
network
HIGHP0562
electrical
MEDIUM⏱ 0.58h avgP0128
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.88h avg
DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS — UNIVERSAL GUIDE
88 warning lights classified by urgency. Appears on your vehicle? Check the urgency level.
Show all dashboard warning lights
🔴 IMMEDIATE STOP — pull over
Oil Pressure WarningEngine
Engine Temperature WarningCooling
Brake System WarningBrakes
Immobilizer / Key FaultSecurity
Doors OpenChassis
Hood Open DualChassis
Trunk Open DualChassis
Ignition MalfunctionEngine
WheelEngine
Lights Ignition Steering MalfunctionChassis
Dsg Transmission Too HotTransmission
Electronic Parking Brake EngagedBrakes
Brake System MalfunctionBrakes
Brake WearBrakes
Engine CoolantEngine
Engine Oil Pressure LowEngine
12V Alternator MalfunctionElectrical
Cruise Control MalfunctionADAS
Brake PedalBrakes
Front Assist Collision WarningADAS
Differential Lock MalfunctionEngine
AdblueFuel
Error In Hybrid SystemElectrical
Central Warning LightLighting
🟠 WARNING — check soon
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) / Check EngineEngine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)Emissions
Battery / Charging SystemElectrical
Low Fuel WarningFuel
ABS WarningBrakes
Brake Pad Wear IndicatorBrakes
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)Brakes
Power Steering WarningSteering
ESC / Stability Control FaultChassis
Tire Pressure Warning (TPMS)Chassis
Transmission Temperature WarningTransmission
Transmission / Gearbox FaultTransmission
Airbag / SRS WarningActive safety
EGR / Exhaust Gas Recirculation FaultEmissions
Catalytic Converter / Emissions FaultEmissions
AdBlue / DEF Level LowEmissions
Coolant Level LowCooling
Hybrid / EV System WarningHybrid
EV Charge System FaultHybrid
12V Battery (Hybrid/EV Auxiliary)Hybrid
Suspension Fault / Air SuspensionSuspension
CAN Bus / Network Communication FaultNetwork
Water in Fuel FilterFuel
Diesel Injector FaultFuel
Steering Angle Sensor FaultSteering
Turbo / Boost Pressure FaultEngine
Regenerative Braking Fault (Hybrid/EV)Hybrid
AdBlue Level Low (VW) (Volkswagen)Emissions
EPC — Engine Control (VW) (Volkswagen)Engine
Glow Plug Fault (VW) (Volkswagen)Engine
DSG Fault (Volkswagen)Transmission
TpmsTyres
Open Rear LidEngine
Ignition Switch Starter ButtonEngine
Electronic ImmobilizerEngine
Fuel Tank Almost EmptyFuel
Front Fog Lights Switched OnLighting
Parking Lights Switched OnBrakes
Driving Lights Burned OutLighting
Adaptive Front Lighting System MalfunctionLighting
Headlight Range Adjustment MalfunctionLighting
🟡 MONITOR
Fuel Cap / Evap SystemEmissions
4WD / AWD SystemDrivetrain
Bulb Failure WarningLighting
Headlight Range / Leveling FaultLighting
Service / Maintenance DueMaintenance
A/C System FaultHvac
Clutch Wear WarningTransmission
Cruise Control / ACC FaultADAS
DPF Regeneration (VW) (Volkswagen)Emissions
🔵 INFORMATION
Engine Temperature Low (Blue)Cooling
Glow Plug / Diesel PreheatEngine
Traction Control / ESC OffChassis
Seatbelt ReminderActive safety
Rear Fog Light IndicatorLighting
Lane Departure / LDWS WarningADAS
Forward Collision Warning (FCW/AEB)ADAS
Blind Spot Monitor FaultADAS
Rear Parking Sensor / Camera FaultADAS
Windshield Washer Fluid LowMaintenance
Door Open WarningBody
Hood / Trunk Open WarningBody
Gear Shift Indicator (Manual)Transmission
Sport / Performance Mode ActiveTransmission
REPORTED COMPLAINTS & PROBLEMS (NHTSA)
148 owner complaints filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Volkswagen Corrado across model years 1990–1995. These are real, verified reports submitted by vehicle owners.
2 crash reports 5 fires 12 injuries
Complaints by model year (most reported first)
Model year 199249
Model year 199348
Model year 199039
Model year 19917
Model year 19944
Model year 19951
Most reported components (all years)
Visibility65
Engine And Engine Cooling47
Electrical System16
Seat Belts9
Fuel System6
Gasoline6
Sample reports
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 OVERHEA… (MY 1990)
THIS SERVES AS NOTIFICATION OF AN INCIDENT WHICH I WAS URGED TO REPORT TO THE NHTSA VIA THE CORRADO CLUB OF AMERICA. THE OFFICIAL NHTSA INVESTIGATION NUMBER IS EA98-012. THE INCIDENT WAS NOT REPORTED TO VW OF AMERICA BY MYSELF, BUT PERHA… (MY 1993)
COOLANT LEAKAGE FROM DUCTS ONTO FLOOR AND STEAM RELEASED THROUGH FRONT WINDOW VENTS, CAUSING LOSS OF VISIBILITY. *AK (MY 1993)
HEATER CORE FAILED WHILE CAR WAS IN MOTION; DRIVER AND PASSENGER RECEIVED SEVERE BURNS TO FEET AND LEGS, AND AN ACCIDENT WAS NARROWLY AVOIDED. (MY 1992)
Source: NHTSA complaints database (U.S. data.gov). Figures cover production years 1990–1995.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Volkswagen Corrado have any safety recalls?
Yes — 6 official NHTSA recall campaign(s) affect this model, mainly: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING. Check the recalls section for your exact year/VIN.
What does fault code P0300 mean on the Volkswagen Corrado?
Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0128 mean on the Volkswagen Corrado?
Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature — thermostat stuck open or faulty This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0011 mean on the Volkswagen Corrado?
A Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1) This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
Are brakes problems common on the Volkswagen Corrado?
Yes — 5 of 124 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the brakes. One owner reported: “$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 T…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are electrical problems common on the Volkswagen Corrado?
Yes — 18 of 124 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the electrical. One owner reported: “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, …” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are engine problems common on the Volkswagen Corrado?
Yes — 33 of 124 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the engine. One owner reported: “TL* 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 VEHICL…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
What tyres does the Volkswagen Corrado (1990–1995) use?
The original OEM tyre size for the Volkswagen Corrado (1990–1995) is 215/55 R16. Compatible alternative sizes: ["185/55R15", "195/45R16", "185/60R14", "245/45R19", "205/50R15"]. See the Tyres section on this page to compare offers from the main suppliers.
What is the right battery for the Volkswagen Corrado (1990–1995)?
The battery specified for the Volkswagen Corrado (1990–1995) is group H6 (BCI), with a cold cranking rating of 600A. See the Battery section on this page for the main cross-references between brands.
What engine oil should I use on the Volkswagen Corrado (1990–1995)?
The engine oil specification for the Volkswagen Corrado (1990–1995) is Castrol Edge 5W-30. Always use the viscosity grade approved by the manufacturer: a different oil can reduce engine protection and void the warranty. Check the change interval in the Maintenance section.
Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Volkswagen Corrado (1990–1995)?
Commonly documented OBD2 codes across many vehicles include: P0420, P0300, P0171. Find the full description, likely causes and estimated repair costs in the OBD2 Codes section on this page.
How often should the Volkswagen Corrado (1990–1995) be serviced?
Routine maintenance for the Volkswagen Corrado (1990–1995) typically includes an oil change every 6,000–9,000 miles (10,000–15,000 km), an air filter every 12,000–18,000 miles (20,000–30,000 km) and a brake inspection every 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Check the full plan with specific intervals in the Scheduled Maintenance section on this page.
Considering buying a Volkswagen Corrado (1990–1995)? Use this guide to check expected maintenance costs, the most reported fault codes and parts availability on the market. Real data, zero commercial estimates.