1990 Volkswagen FOX
Only 15 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 15 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 15 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 15 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
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
NHTSA ODI report, 19970303
2 of 15 total reports mention: visibility.
1 of 15 total reports mentions: structure.
1 of 15 total reports mentions: seat belts.
Show complaint excerpts
SHOULDER BELT NEEDS TO BE FASTEN TO START THE ENGINE. COPPER WIRES MOVED AND BROKE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950314
1 of 15 total reports mentions: power train.
SAFETY TIMELINE
HEATER CORE FAILURE
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.
Campaign 92V058000 — check if this car was fixed
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
1990 Volkswagen FOX — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 92V058000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 95V105000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1990 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 1990 Volkswagen FOX?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 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.