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
- 10
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1987
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1987: 10 complaints
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.
Engine and engine cooling
6 of 10 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing cooling system and hoses/lines/piping/fittings.
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, 2003-04-17
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, 2003-02-02
Engine hoses too small for engine valves, causing hoses to split/bulge.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-01-22
Visibility
4 of 10 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing heater core and electrical heating element.
Show complaint excerpts
Heater bypass valve failed.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-06-01
Structure
1 of 10 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing body.
Equipment
1 of 10 total reports mentions: equipment, most commonly citing air conditioner.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1988-09-15Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-01-05 Steering wheel separation
-
R
1988-10-20Wheels87V162000 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.
-
R
1989-02-23Steering88V187000 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.
-
I
1991-12-09Engineering analysisClosed 1992-06-12 Heater core failure
-
R
1995-09-22Engine and engine cooling95V105000 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…
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…
Buy-smart checklist
1987 Volkswagen FOX — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 87V162000 · Wheels
- Recall 88V187000 · Steering
- Recall 95V105000 · Engine and engine cooling
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, accounting for 60% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1987 Volkswagen FOX have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.