MYRModel Year Report

1989 Volkswagen FOX

○ Not enough data
1989 Volkswagen FOX
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:52:21.410Z

Only 9 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 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Volkswagen FOX Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1989 highlighted. 1987: 10 complaints 1987 1988: 23 complaints 1988 1989: 9 complaints 1989 1990: 15 complaints 1990 1991: 1 complaints 1991 1992: 5 complaints 1992 1993: 18 complaints 1993
1989: 9 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
198710
198823
19899
199015
19911
19925
199318

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 9 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

3 of 9 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.

VISIBILITY

2 of 9 total reports mention: visibility.

SEAT BELTS

1 of 9 total reports mentions: seat belts.

Show complaint excerpts

DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT LOCKS WITH NO PRIOR WARNING. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19951128

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 of 9 total reports mentions: latches/locks/linkages.

Show complaint excerpts

MAIN LATCH CAME LOOSE, PLASTIC LATCH BROKE AND FLEW BACK, STRICKING AND BREAKING WINDSHIELD, BUCKLED HOOD AND BROKE HINGES. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950524

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 of 9 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

MUFFLER SYSTEM FELL APART/HUNG UP ON REAR TIRE, CAUSING ACCIDENT.(OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT) *SD

NHTSA ODI report, 19960425

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19890223 — steering

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

I 19911209 — EA (closed 19920612)

HEATER CORE FAILURE

R 19950922 — engine and engine cooling

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

1989 Volkswagen FOX — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 88V187000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 95V105000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1989 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 1989 Volkswagen FOX?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:cooling system, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1989 Volkswagen FOX have?

2 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.