VehicleVerdict

1987 Volkswagen FOX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 15 complaints on file for the 1987 Volkswagen FOX — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

15

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1987 compare to other FOX years?

FOX NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 highlighted29 complaints1987: 15 complaints1988: 24 complaints1989: 12 complaints1990: 16 complaints1991: 1 complaints1992: 8 complaints1993: 29 complaints
FOX NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all FOX years to avoid →

What are the most common 1987 Volkswagen FOX problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers747%
Engine640%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)17%
Body & Structure17%

Does the 1987 Volkswagen FOX have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

95V105000EngineMay 23, 1995 · 164,000 units

Defect

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.

88V187000SteeringDecember 1, 1988 · 104,000 units

Defect

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.

87V162000Tires & WheelsOctober 20, 1987 · 138 units

Defect

UNDER HEAVY LOAD CONDITIONS, THE REAR TIRE SIDEWALLS MAY CHAFE AGAINST THE WHEEL HOUSING.

Consequence

PROLONGED CHAFING CAN CAUSE PREMATURE TIRE WEAR ANDCOULD RESULT IN SUDDEN LOSS OF AIR.

Remedy

INSTALL A DIFFERENT TYPE SPORT WHEELS OR INSTALL STANDARD WHEELS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers

“THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SYMPTOMS OF RECALL #95-V-10-5000 BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. RECALL DESCRIPTION: 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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 17, 2003

1987 Volkswagen FOX — common questions

Is the 1987 Volkswagen FOX reliable?

The record is thin — 15 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1987 FOX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (7 complaints), engine (6 complaints), body & structure (1 complaints).

Does the 1987 Volkswagen FOX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1987 Volkswagen FOX. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1987 Volkswagen FOX under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.