1989 Volkswagen FOX: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
5 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
Not available median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1989 model year. Data snapshot: . 0 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:Heater Core is the most frequently named component, appearing in 2 of 5 complaints (40.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:Heater Core | 2 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe | 1 |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages:Hood:Latch | 1 |
| Seat Belts:Front:Webbing | 1 |
Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:Heater Core: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe: 1; Latches/Locks/Linkages:Hood:Latch: 1; Seat Belts:Front:Webbing: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
No usable failure mileage is recorded. 5 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 2 |
1995: 3; 1996: 2
Pattern summary
Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:Heater Core leads the component reports. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 488977 · 1995-10-18 (October 18, 1995)
MUFFLER SYSTEM FELL APART/HUNG UP ON REAR TIRE, CAUSING ACCIDENT.(OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT) *SD
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 488977 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 505230 · 1996-06-03 (June 3, 1996)
BENT HEATER HOSE CAUSES DEFROSTER TO FAIL, OBSCURING VISION OCCASIONALLY. *DH
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 505230 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 802666 · 1996-09-19 (September 19, 1996)
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. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 802666 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 965797 · 1995-05-24 (May 24, 1995)
MAIN LATCH CAME LOOSE, PLASTIC LATCH BROKE AND FLEW BACK, STRICKING AND BREAKING WINDSHIELD, BUCKLED HOOD AND BROKE HINGES. TT
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 965797 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 975547 · 1995-11-28 (November 28, 1995)
DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT LOCKS WITH NO PRIOR WARNING. TT
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 975547 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
2 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
88V187000 · Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar
Reported: 1988-12-01 (December 1, 1988)
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.
Consequence: 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 OF THE STEERING WHEEL.
Remedy: REMOVE THE STEERING WHEEL OF VEHICLES AND CLEAN FRICTION SURFACE AND INSTALL A SPRING RETAINER, REPLACE THE STEERING WHEEL NUT WITH A SELF LOCKING NUT.
NHTSA campaign record ↗95V105000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System
Reported: 1995-05-23 (May 23, 1995)
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.
Consequence: 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. HOT COOLANT CAN ALSO STEAM UP THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE TEMPORARILY IMPAIRING THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A BYPASS VALVE KIT WHICH IS DESIGNED TO ROUTE EXCESSIVELY HOT COOLANT TO THE ENGINE WITHOUT FLOWING THROUGH THE HEAT EXCHANGER. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSTALL A PLASTIC COVER UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE TO ENSURE THAT THE PASSENGER IS NOT EXPOSED TO HOT COOLANT IN THE EVENT OF A LEAK.
NHTSA campaign record ↗