1989 Volkswagen Fox problems

General information about Volkswagen-Fox
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Volkswagen Fox is a subcompact car produced and designed by Volkswagen of Brazil and sold in Latin America from 2003 until 2021 and in Europe from 2005 until 2011, where it was sold as the city car offering. The Fox was produced as a 3-door and 5-door hatchback. There is also a mini SUV version called Fox Xtreme (previously CrossFox) and a mini MPV/station wagon model called Suran, SpaceFox, SportVan or Fox Plus depending on the market.

Earlier use of the nameplate

Volkswagen acquired the rights to the name in 1969, by purchasing NSU. The original NSU Fox was a motorbike first seen in 1949, and Volkswagen had subsequently used the "Fox" name in some markets for special edition Volkswagen Polos. The Audi 80 produced in the 1970s also used the name Fox on vehicles sold in Australia and the United States. The Australian version was assembled locally by Volkswagen Australasia Ltd.

North America (1987–1993)

The Fox was a variant of the Voyage manufactured by Volkswagen do Brasil and marketed by Volkswagen in North America as an entry level subcompact from 1987 until 1993. Initially offered as a 2-door and 4-door sedan as well as a 2-door wagon, the wagon was discontinued in 1991 along with the 2-door for the Canadian market, the same year the 4-door sedan (as well as the 2-door, in the United States) received a mild restyling.

The Fox featured a longitudinal mounted 1.8L, 81 PS (60 kW; 80 hp) 4-cylinder gasoline engine, sharing components with the Volkswagen Golf — along with a 4-speed manual transmission for the standard 2-door and 4-door sedan and a 5-speed manual transmission for the "GL" sport model — an automatic transmission was not offered. There was no power steering available. The Fox had power assisted disk brakes in the front and drums in the rear. The Fox did not have an anti-lock braking system.

According to the U.S. EPA, the 4-speed manual transmission averaged 24 mpg‑US (9.8 L/100 km; 29 mpg‑imp) on the new combined driving cycle with the 5-speed manual transmission able to produce 23 mpg‑US (10 L/100 km; 28 mpg‑imp) on the new driving cycle. Under the old test protocol, the Volkswagen Fox was able to produce 26 mpg‑US (9.0 L/100 km; 31 mpg‑imp) with the 5-speed transmission and 27 mpg‑US (8.7 L/100 km; 32 mpg‑imp) with the 4-speed transmission.

Early models (1987–1989) featured the Bosch CIS-E also known as KE-Jetronic electro mechanical fuel injection, using an oxygen sensor to assist in fuel management. Later models featured (1990 – 1993) Bosch Digifant electronic fuel injection. In Canada, the Fox from 1987 to 1989 was offered with the simpler Bosch CIS fuel injection (K-Jetronic) without an oxygen sensor for the engine fuel management system.

Due partly to booming sales of the Passat, Jetta, Golf and the price of the Fox compared to other manufacturers at the time, the Fox faded out fast, making it a rare car - particularly so the facelift (1990 – 1993) models. Fewer were being produced for North America due to the lack of demand. Volkswagen also priced the car very low, to compensate for the ever more expensive German-made cars, and Volkswagen of America lost money on every Fox sold in the early years.

Originally, the Fox's squared off front end featured sealed beam halogen headlamps; after 1991 models received revised sheet metal with flush glass headlamps (MK2).

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Common 1989 Volkswagen Fox problems

The Volkswagen Fox, produced from 1985 to 2001, has been a popular choice for car owners due to its compact size and affordability. However, as with any vehicle, the Fox has had its fair share of issues and complaints from owners.

One of the most common problems with the 1989 Volkswagen Fox is leaky fuel injectors. This issue can lead to a decrease in fuel efficiency, poor engine performance, and even engine damage if left untreated. The fuel injectors are responsible for delivering fuel to the engine, and if they become damaged or worn, they may not be able to properly regulate the flow of fuel. This can result in leaks and other issues that can affect the overall performance of the car.

Another common problem with the 1989 Volkswagen Fox is electrical issues. Owners have reported problems with the car's electrical system, including issues with the battery, alternator, and starter motor. These issues can cause the car to have difficulty starting, or it may not start at all. In some cases, the car may also experience intermittent electrical problems, such as flickering lights or malfunctioning gauges.

The Fox's transmission has also been a source of complaints, with some owners reporting issues with the car's gears not working properly. This can cause the car to shift roughly or make strange noises when shifting. In some cases, the transmission may even slip or fail altogether, which can be a serious safety issue.

The engine is another area where the 1989 Volkswagen Fox has had issues. Some owners have reported problems with the engine running poorly or not starting at all. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including problems with the fuel system, ignition system, or engine management system.

The car's windows have also been a source of complaints, with some owners reporting issues with the window regulators. These issues can cause the windows to move up and down unevenly or not at all, which can be a major inconvenience.

In addition to these specific issues, some owners have reported more general problems with the 1989 Volkswagen Fox, including poor build quality and a lack of reliability. These issues can be frustrating for owners, as they can lead to frequent repairs and maintenance.

In summary, the 1989 Volkswagen Fox has had a number of common problems, including leaky fuel injectors, electrical issues, transmission problems, engine issues, and window regulator issues. These issues can affect the overall performance and reliability of the car, and can be frustrating for owners. However, with proper maintenance and care, many of these issues can be prevented or addressed before they become major problems.

Is a VW Fox reliable?

It didn't matter to them that there were better city cars around because the Fox was roomy, reasonably refined and generally reliable. A decade after its demise, the Fox is still worth considering as cheap transport.

How many miles will a VW Fox do?

Performance

Power	54 bhp
Torque	108 Nm, 80 ft-lb
CO2 Emissions	139 g/km
Euro Emissions Standard	4
Miles Per Tank	517 miles

Why did VW stop making the Fox?

Does a VW Fox have a timing chain?

Answered by Honest John

The 1.2 3-cylinder is chain cam; the 1.4 is belt cam.

Is a VW Fox reliable?

Why did VW stop making the Fox?

How safe is VW Fox?

For safety, the Volkswagen Fox features an advanced dual-stage crash structure, side airbags and front and rear anti-roll bars that help absorb crash forces. It also has electronic stability control to help prevent skids. The Fox also has a 5-star overall crash-test score, making it a safe pick for drivers.

Does VW Fox have air conditioning?

Interior shown features optional 'Climatic' semi-automatic air conditioning, Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) and front fog lights.

1989 Volkswagen Fox car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volkswagen Fox problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Engine and engine cooling problems
Visibility problems
Electrical system problems
Unknown or other problems
Seat belts problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Volkswagen Fox vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1989 Volkswagen Fox complaints

The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Volkswagen Fox.

1999-11-19

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1999-02-19
VIN: 9BWGA0303KP
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: 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

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1999-09-01

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 9BWBA0300KP
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: 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.

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1997-03-24

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: SERVICE BULLETIN WORK DONE UNSATISFACTORY, STILL HAVING PROBLEMS WITH COOLING SYSTEM. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

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1996-10-18

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 9BWGA0302KP
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: DEFECTIVE COOLING SYSTEM--RECALL. WANTS TO BE REIMBURSED FOR REPAIRS.

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1996-09-19

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-12-12
VIN: 9VWA0309KP0
Components: VISIBILITY
Summary: 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

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1996-06-03

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-10-24
VIN: 9BWBA030XKP
Components: VISIBILITY
Summary: BENT HEATER HOSE CAUSES DEFROSTER TO FAIL, OBSCURING VISION OCCASIONALLY. *DH

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1995-11-28

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-09-28
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT LOCKS WITH NO PRIOR WARNING. TT

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1995-10-18

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-09-18
Crash: 1
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: MUFFLER SYSTEM FELL APART/HUNG UP ON REAR TIRE, CAUSING ACCIDENT.(OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT) *SD

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1995-05-24

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-05-23
VIN: 9BWGA0306KP
Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Summary: MAIN LATCH CAME LOOSE, PLASTIC LATCH BROKE AND FLEW BACK, STRICKING AND BREAKING WINDSHIELD, BUCKLED HOOD AND BROKE HINGES. TT

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1989 Volkswagen Fox recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1989 Volkswagen Fox.

1995-05-23

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Summary: 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.

1988-12-01

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Components: STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Summary: 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.