Menu

1988 Volkswagen FOXProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 23 owner complaints about the 1988 Volkswagen FOX, most often about the visibility. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

–
CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints232 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem7Visibility

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 8, 2009. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1988 Volkswagen FOX has problems

23 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
Visibility70
Engine and engine cooling60
Structure31
Latches/locks/linkages20
Power train21
Service brakes, hydraulic20
Fuel system, gasoline10
Equipment10

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

2 recalls

1988 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

1988 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
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1988 Volkswagen FOX, and the recalls they led to.

  1. HEATER CORE FAILUREEA91054 · closed Jun 12, 1992
    Led to recall 92V-050
In owners' words

What FOX owners report

Recent visibility complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

WHILE DRIVING COOLANT WAS LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH DASHBOARD ON DRIVER'S FEET. CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE HEATER COIL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Complaint 10059130 · Feb 13, 2004
WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT HEATER CORE BLEW UP, CAUSING ANTI-FREEZE TO SPRAY ON THE CONSUMER AND FAMILY, AND SMOKE SPARKS WERE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. *AK
Complaint 849775 · Oct 4, 1999

Own a 1988 FOX?

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