1990 Volkswagen Fox: problems, recalls and reliability

2 recalls and 15 owner complaints on record; most reports concern fuel system, gasoline; the 1991 model year looks more trouble-free.

Data updated weekly · latest recall May 1995

recalls

owner complaints

fire reports

typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

2 fire reports

Common problems Recalls Specs Other years FAQ

Common problems

Computed from 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Limited data: only 15 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.

Fuel System, Gasoline (fuel pump, tank, lines)5 complaints

Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)2 complaints

Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)2 complaints

Visibility (windshield, wipers, defroster, mirrors)2 complaints

Seat Belts1 complaint

Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)1 complaint

“Wires that control car burned out on highway, and vehicle shook and kept cutting off. Fuel pump was not pumping fuel through out car.*ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 2001

“Driving the vehicle saw under the dash smoke, apparent electrical short, wiring caught on fire, vehicle complete burned. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 1996

“Left turn only and hard acceleration engine will falter like starved for fuel. Will occur with full or empty fuel tank. Replaced fuel pump twice.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline

Show 1 more owner reports

“Owner states while in the gas station his vehicle caught fire, owner notes that fire started in the rear of the vehicle, he belives it may have been the fuel pump. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline

Recalls - 2 campaigns

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM95V105000 · May 1995

IN THE EVENT OF A COOLING SYSTEM COMPONENT FAILURE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN, THE COOLANT CAN OVERHEAT CAUSING THE COOLING SYSTEM PRESSURE TO RISE TO A LEVEL WHERE A LEAK IN THE HEAT EXCHANGER CAN OCCUR.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A BYPASS VALVE KIT WHICH IS DESIGNED TO ROUTE EXCESSIVELY HOT COOLANT TO THE ENGINE WITHOUT FLOWING THROUGH THE HEAT EXCHANGER. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSTALL A PLASTIC COVER UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE TO ENSURE THAT THE PASSENGER IS NOT EXPOSED TO HOT COOLANT IN THE EVENT OF A LEAK.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS92V058000 · Apr 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.

Remedy: REPLACE THE FUEL HOSE ATTACHED TO THE FUEL RAIL AND INSTALL A NEW SPRING TYPE SELF-TIGHTENING CLAMP.

Specifications

Factory options offered for the 1990 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.

Body stylesSedan/Saloon · Wagon

How other years compare

1990 (this page)15 complaints · 2 recalls 19911 complaints · 3 recalls

Check your exact Fox by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

Open VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1990 Volkswagen Fox reliable?

NHTSA has 15 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Volkswagen Fox. The most complained-about area is fuel system, gasoline.

Does the 1990 Volkswagen Fox have open recalls?

2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling:cooling system. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.