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1989 Volkswagen FOXProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 9 owner complaints about the 1989 Volkswagen FOX, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints91 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem5Engine and engine cooling

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 19, 1999. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1989 Volkswagen FOX has problems

9 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 cooling51
Visibility20
Electrical system10
Latches/locks/linkages10
Seat belts10

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

2 recalls

1989 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

1989 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 1989 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 engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

CONSUMER WHILE DRIVING WOULD LOSE POWER. COMPUTER SYSTEM WENT CRAZY, OIL LIGHT/BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS IT WOULD BE OKAY. THEN IT WOULD START ACTING UP AGAIN. DEALER SAID CAR NEEDED HEATING VALVES. *AK
Complaint 853129 · Nov 19, 1999
THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP EARLIER THIS YEAR BECUASE THE ECU HAD FIALED. DEALERSHIP ALSO TOLD ME THAT MY HEATER CORE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE A CLOUDY SUBSTANCE WAS ENTERING THE CAR THROUGH THE VENTS ALONG WITH A PECULIAR ODOR. THE CAR RUNS EXTREMELY HOT, ALTHOUGH THERE IS PLENTY OF…
Complaint 710797 · Sep 1, 1999

Own a 1989 FOX?

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