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1987 Volkswagen FOXProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 10 owner complaints about the 1987 Volkswagen FOX, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls3Free fix at dealersOwner complaints100 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem6Engine and engine cooling

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 17, 2003. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1987 Volkswagen FOX has problems

10 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling60
Visibility40
Equipment10
Structure10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

3 recalls

1987 Volkswagen FOX recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system

Recall 95V-105 · May 23, 1995 · 164,000 vehicles

Risk. A LEAK OR FAILURE OF THE HEAT EXCHANGER LOCATED UNDER THE DASHBOARD CAN ALLOW HOT COOLANT TO ESCAPE AND CAUSE INJURY TO THE FEET OF A PASSENGER.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Steering: steering wheel/handle bar

Recall 88V-187 · Dec 1, 1988 · 104,000 vehicles

Risk. IF THE ABOVE CONDITION IS PRESENT AND THE STEERING WHEELNUT IS TORQUED LOWER THAN SPECIFIED, BREAK OF THE FRICTION LOCK COULD RESULT INLOOSENING AND SEPARATION…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volkswagen.

Best & worst years

1987 vs. every other FOX year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the FOX median. How we score

'87'88'89'90'91'92'93
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
2 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1987 Volkswagen FOX, and the recalls they led to.

  1. HEATER CORE FAILUREEA91054 · closed Jun 12, 1992
    Led to recall 92V-050
  2. STEERING WHEEL SEPARATIONPE88102 · closed Jan 5, 1989
    Led to recall 88V-187
In owners' words

What FOX owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SYMPTOMS OF RECALL #95-V-10-5000 BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. RECALL DESCRIPTION: 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…
Complaint 10016121 · Apr 17, 2003
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. I'VE TALKED TO SEVERAL OTHER VW FOX OWNERS AND I'M TOLD OTHERS HAVE…
Complaint 10005099 · Feb 2, 2003
RECALL # 95V105000, RECALL CORRECTION, CAUSED AN INCREASE IN PRESSURE IN THE COOLING SYSTEM, CAUSING RADIATOR TO BURST. DEALER OR MANUFACTURER WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRS. *AK
Complaint 814655 · Aug 1, 1997

Own a 1987 FOX?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.