1989 Volkswagen Fox Problems
- Complaints
- 9filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 2campaigns 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
- 24 mpgcombined, 1.8L 4-cyl FWD · 22 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1989 Volkswagen Fox (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 9 consumer complaints for the 1989 Volkswagen Fox. The part named most often is engine cooling, with 5 complaints (56% of the total), followed by visibility (2) and electrical system (1). Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 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 cooling5 56%
- Electrical system1 11%
- Other or unknown1 11%
- Seat belts1 11%
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “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 coolant. The inside of my dashboard is extremely hot. A friend told me that a recall was issued for this problem in vw's. A vw repair shop told me there was no such recall given my VIN. I would like to know if there is a secret warranty for this.”
NHTSA complaint #710797, filed 1999-09Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “H a boyde and lancaster auto house volskwagen 95v105. Unfortunately repair for recall did not remedy the problem, driver has taken vehicle back on four different occasions, problem still has not been corrected.”
NHTSA complaint #802666, filed 1996-09Electrical system: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #853129, filed 1999-11Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1989 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 | 22 | 27 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Fox FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Fox Wagon FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 22 | 27 | 24 | $2,800 |
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.
Recall details for the 1989 Volkswagen Fox → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1989 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 1989 Volkswagen Fox have?
NHTSA recorded 9 consumer complaints for the 1989 Volkswagen Fox as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1989 Volkswagen Fox is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 5 complaints (56% of the total), followed by visibility with 2.
Has the 1989 Volkswagen Fox been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1989 Volkswagen Fox get?
The EPA rates the 1989 Volkswagen Fox (Fox, 1.8L 4-cyl) at 24 mpg combined, 22 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,800 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 31, 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.