1987 Volkswagen FOX
Only 10 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 10 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1987 | 10 |
| 1988 | 23 |
| 1989 | 9 |
| 1990 | 15 |
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1992 | 5 |
| 1993 | 18 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 10 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 10 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SYMPTOMS OF RECALL #95-V-10-5000 BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030417
I OWN AN '87 VOLKSWAGEN FOX. I'M TOLD BY MANY PEOPLE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE COOLANT BYPASS VALVE. I'VE TAKEN THE CAR TO A COUPLE VW DEALERSHIPS AND ALSO CALLED VWOA AND THEY TELL ME MY CAR WAS NOT AFFECTED BY THE RECALL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030202
DEMONTROND AUTOMATIVE 96V105/TD. AFTER RECALL WORK WAS PERFORMED VEHICLE OVERHEATED ON TWO OTHER OCCASIONS, 11-2-96 AND 11-23-96. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19961126
3 of 10 total reports mention: visibility.
1 of 10 total reports mentions: visibility.
Show complaint excerpts
HEATER BYPASS VALVE FAILED. *DSH
NHTSA ODI report, 19960601
1 of 10 total reports mentions: structure.
1 of 10 total reports mentions: equipment.
SAFETY TIMELINE
STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION
UNDER HEAVY LOAD CONDITIONS, THE REAR TIRE SIDEWALLS MAY CHAFE AGAINST THE WHEEL HOUSING.
Remedy: INSTALL A DIFFERENT TYPE SPORT WHEELS OR INSTALL STANDARD WHEELS.
Campaign 87V162000 — check if this car was fixed
STEERING WHEEL/SHAFT DESIGNED TO USE SURFACE FRICTION MAY LOOSE THIS FRICTION IF GREASE OR OIL IS PRESENT ON THE CONESHAPED SURFACE OF THE STEERING SHAFT.
Remedy: REMOVE THE STEERING WHEEL OF VEHICLES AND CLEAN FRICTION SURFACE AND INSTALL A SPRING RETAINER, REPLACE THE STEERING WHEEL NUT WITH A SELF LOCKING NUT.
Campaign 88V187000 — check if this car was fixed
HEATER CORE FAILURE
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 O
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 UNDERNEAT
Campaign 95V105000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1987 Volkswagen FOX — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 87V162000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 88V187000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 95V105000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1987 Volkswagen FOX reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1987 Volkswagen FOX?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:cooling system, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 Volkswagen FOX have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.