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
- 15
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1990
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1990: 15 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 15 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Fuel system, gasoline
5 of 15 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing fuel pump and filler pipe and cap.
Show 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-03-03
Visibility
2 of 15 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing heater core.
Power train
2 of 15 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing gear position indication (prndl).
Engine and engine cooling
2 of 15 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and cooling system.
Electrical system
2 of 15 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing interior/under dash and wiring.
Show complaint excerpts
Driving the vehicle saw under the dash smoke, apparent electrical short, wiring caught on fire, vehicle complete burned.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-08-28
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
1991-12-09Engineering analysisClosed 1992-06-12 Heater core failure
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R
1992-05-22Fuel system, gasoline92V058000 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.
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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
1990 Volkswagen FOX — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Fuel system, gasoline: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 92V058000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 95V105000 · Engine and engine cooling
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, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1990 Volkswagen FOX have?
- 2 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.