Used car guide

1991 Volkswagen Corrado: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Volkswagen Corrado first registered in 1991: we looked at the 317 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 317 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

317MOTs of 1991 cars, done in 2023–2025
78%pass first time (all 1991 cars: 71%)
4,000typical miles a year
22%had brakes flagged

Common 1991 Volkswagen Corrado MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1991 Volkswagen Corrado MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    22% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Lights and electrics
    20% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Suspension
    18% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Tyres
    15% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    13% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    11% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1991 Volkswagen Corrado

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Volkswagen Corrado?

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Other years

Every year of the Volkswagen Corrado compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
1996270Brakes 29%
1995968Brakes 30%
1994804Brakes 32%
1993514Brakes 37%
1992545Brakes 30%
1990201Brakes 33%
1989–Too few tests

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Volkswagen Corrado cars first registered in 1991. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score