Volkswagen Corrado Recall R/1996/073: Possibility Of Coolant Leakage Into Passenger Compartment, Who Is Affected And What To Do

DVSA reference R/1996/073. Data updated daily from DVSA.

Low
How serious
8 Nov 1996
Launched
1,159
vehicles in the UK
R/1996/073
DVSA reference

Volkswagen recalled Corrado vehicles built between 1 August 1988 and 31 December 1989. Operation of the vehicle for prolonged periods with the cooling system at very high temperatures can result in cooling system damage which in rare instances may cause rupturing of the heat exchanger In consequence high temperature coolant may enter the. The recall notice describes the fix as: the fitment of a bypass valve to the heat exchanger inlet and a non-return valve to the system. At the same time the heat exchanger box will be lined with absorbent foam. You won't usually pay for it.1

What’s Wrong

Operation of the vehicle for prolonged periods with the cooling system at very high temperatures can result in cooling system damage which in rare instances may cause rupturing of the heat exchanger In consequence high temperature coolant may enter the.

DVSA's Original Wording

Concern: POSSIBILITY OF COOLANT LEAKAGE INTO PASSENGER COMPARTMENT Defect: Operation of the vehicle for prolonged periods with the cooling system at very high temperatures can result in cooling system damage which in rare instances may cause rupturing of the heat exchanger In consequence high temperature coolant may enter the Remedy: Recall the affected vehicles for the fitment of a bypass valve to the heat exchanger inlet and a non-return valve to the system. At the same time the heat exchanger box will be lined with absorbent foam.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

The Risk

If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could result in cooling system damage which in rare instances may cause rupturing of the heat exchanger In consequence high temperature coolant may enter the.

The Fix

The recall notice describes the fix as: the fitment of a bypass valve to the heat exchanger inlet and a non-return valve to the system. At the same time the heat exchanger box will be lined with absorbent foam.

Are You Affected?

Corrado built between 1 August 1988 and 31 December 1989 may be included. Volkswagen estimates 1,159 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Volkswagen, because not every car in the date range may be included.

What To Do Now

  1. Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Volkswagen.
  2. Book with any franchised Volkswagen dealer, quoting the DVSA reference R/1996/073. See how to get a Volkswagen recall fixed.
  3. Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
LaunchedVehicle and faultSeverityReference
Corrado, Golf, PassatInsecurity of fan bladeUrgentR/1996/008
CorradoChafing of wiring looms and possible fuel leakageUrgentR/1993/028

This is one of 220 Volkswagen recalls in DVSA’s data. The Volkswagen recall launched before it was R/1996/008 on 12 Feb 1996, for insecurity of fan blade. The one launched after it was R/1996/108 on 18 Dec 1996, for loss of tyre pressure. You can also see every Volkswagen recall and all recalls launched in 1996.


Source: DVSA recall R/1996/073, launched 8 November 1996. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.

Sources

  1. The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.