Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 9 complaints on file for the 1991 Volkswagen Corrado — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
9
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 2 | 22% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 2 | 22% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 11% | new |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 11% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 11% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 1 | 11% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 1 | 11% | ▼ down |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
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.
Defect
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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“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”
“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”
“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…”
The record is thin — 9 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1991 Volkswagen Corrado. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Corrado years to avoid are 1992, 1993, 1990. The cleanest record among Corrado years belongs to 1989.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.