1987 Volkswagen Fox Problems
- Complaints
- 10filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 25 mpgcombined, 1.8L 4-cyl FWD · 23 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1987 Volkswagen Fox (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 10 consumer complaints for the 1987 Volkswagen Fox. The part named most often is engine cooling, with 6 complaints (60% of the total), followed by visibility (4) and equipment (1). NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling6 60%
- Equipment1 10%
- Body and structure1 10%
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “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 also gotten the run-around when trying to get the recall work done.”
NHTSA complaint #10005099, filed 2003-02Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “Dealer will not perform recall (95v105) work for the heater core valve because the consumer has A/C system that did not come from the factory and it is blocking access to the valve. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #549561, filed 1999-10Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1987 Volkswagen Fox version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fox FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 23 | 27 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Fox GL Wagon FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 23 | 27 | 25 | $2,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 95V105000May 23, 1995Engine and engine cooling › Cooling systemCovers: Volkswagen Fox 1987–1993
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.
- 88V187000Dec 1, 1988Steering › Steering wheel/handle barCovers: Volkswagen Fox 1987–1989
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.
- 87V162000Oct 20, 1987WheelsCovers: Volkswagen Fox 1987
Under heavy load conditions, the rear tire sidewalls may chafe against the wheel housing.
Recall details for the 1987 Volkswagen Fox → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE88102Steering wheel separationClosed · Sep 15, 1988
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1987 Volkswagen Fox.
Other model years of the Volkswagen Fox
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | 18 | 90,000 | 2 | — | 25 | — | Stable |
| 1992 | 5 | — | 2 | — | 25 | — | Not enough data |
| 1990 | 15 | — | 2 | — | 24 | — | Stable |
| 1989 | 9 | — | 2 | — | 24 | — | Not enough data |
| 1988 | 23 | 164,955 | 2 | — | 24 | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 10 | — | 3 | — | 25 | — | Not enough data |
All Volkswagen Fox model years
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1987 Volkswagen Fox have?
NHTSA recorded 10 consumer complaints for the 1987 Volkswagen Fox as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1987 Volkswagen Fox is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 6 complaints (60% of the total), followed by visibility with 4.
Has the 1987 Volkswagen Fox been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1987 Volkswagen Fox get?
The EPA rates the 1987 Volkswagen Fox (Fox, 1.8L 4-cyl) at 25 mpg combined, 23 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.