Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards.
Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.
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Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the
Volkswagen FOX. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.
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Important: This assistant provides context from aggregated NHTSA data.
Always check your specific VIN on
NHTSA.gov
for vehicle-specific recall information.
Key Takeaways
A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Volkswagen FOX,
based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.
Coverage spans model years 1987–1993 with 16 recall campaigns and 105 complaints in NHTSA data.
Years with the most recall activity: 1991 (3), 1987 (3), and 1993 (2).
Years with the most complaint volume: 1993 (29), 1988 (24), and 1990 (16).
Top recall themes: Fuel and emissions, Engine and cooling, and Other.
Most reported complaint areas (across all years): Engine and engine cooling:cooling system, Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:heater core, Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch.
Complaints are not proof of a defect, but repeated themes can be useful signals when researching a used vehicle.
Always check your specific VIN for open recalls (open recalls are VIN-specific and can change over time).
Recall Themes
Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas.
Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.
Fuel and emissions
2 campaigns · Years: 1990–1993
These campaigns relate to fuel delivery or emissions components where leaks or failures can raise safety risk.
Official notices (evidence):
92V058000
· Fuel system, gasoline: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
91V087000
· Fuel system, gasoline: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Engine and cooling
1 campaign · Years: 1987–1993
These campaigns relate to engine or cooling components where failures can lead to stalling or overheating risk.
Official notices (evidence):
95V105000
· Engine and engine cooling: Cooling system
Other
1 campaign · Years: 1987
These campaigns do not fit a single dominant theme, or the component taxonomy is broad.
Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the
Volkswagen FOX in NHTSA complaint data are
Engine and engine cooling:cooling system, Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:heater core, Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch.
Jump to Model Year
Year-by-Year Overview
Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer
complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and
complaints, not risk predictions.
Model Year
Recalls
Complaints
Details
1993
2
29
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:cooling system, Power train:clutch assembly:pedal/hand lever(motorcycle), Seat belts:front:buckle assembly.
1992
2
8
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Power train:driveline:driveshaft, Seats, Structure:body.
1991
3
1
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch.
1990
2
16
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump, Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:heater core, Electrical system:wiring:interior/under dash.
1989
2
12
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:cooling system, Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:heater core, Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.
1988
2
24
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:cooling system, Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:heater core, Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch.
1987
3
15
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:heater core, Engine and engine cooling:cooling system, Engine and engine cooling.
What to Do Next
Check open recalls by VIN on the official NHTSA site (open recalls are VIN-specific).
If buying used, ask for proof of recall remedy completion (dealer paperwork helps).
If symptoms match common complaint themes, consider a mechanic inspection before purchase or long trips.
A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model.
The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.
Most common areas involved:
Engine and engine cooling
, Fuel system
and Steering
Show recall evidence by year
1993
Fuel system, gasoline: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings:
Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Engine and engine cooling: Cooling system:
Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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 occur.
1992
Fuel system, gasoline: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings:
Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Engine and engine cooling: Cooling system:
Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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 occur.
1991
Fuel system, gasoline: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings:
Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Metal fuel lines with an incorrect contour were installed in the engine compartment. The incorrect contour can cause the metal fuel line to rub against the intake manifold.
Fuel system, gasoline: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings:
Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Engine and engine cooling: Cooling system:
Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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 occur.
1990
Fuel system, gasoline: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings:
Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Engine and engine cooling: Cooling system:
Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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 occur.
1989
Steering: Steering wheel/handle bar:
Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Engine and engine cooling: Cooling system:
Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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 occur.
1988
Steering: Steering wheel/handle bar:
Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Engine and engine cooling: Cooling system:
Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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 occur.
1987
Wheels:
Safety recall involving the wheels area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Under heavy load conditions, the rear tire sidewalls may chafe against the wheel housing.
Steering: Steering wheel/handle bar:
Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Engine and engine cooling: Cooling system:
Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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 occur.
Other Volkswagen Models
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Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data.
This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be
treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.
For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official
NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.
