1991 Volkswagen Fox problems
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 1991 Volkswagen Fox problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1991 Volkswagen Fox, several common problems have been reported:
- Leaky Fuel Injectors: In the 1996 Fox model, there have been complaints about leaky fuel injectors. This issue can lead to fuel leaks and affect the performance and efficiency of the vehicle.
- Electrical Problems: Electrical issues have been a common complaint among Volkswagen Fox owners. These problems can manifest as the battery draining quickly, headlights malfunctioning, or dashboard warning lights illuminating unexpectedly. Faulty alternators, damaged wiring, or malfunctioning batteries are often the culprits behind these electrical issues.
- Transmission Concerns: Transmission problems have also been reported, including issues with the clutch, gear slipping or grinding, and difficulty shifting gears. These problems may arise from worn-out clutch plates, gearbox malfunctions, or low transmission fluid levels. Addressing transmission issues promptly is crucial to prevent further damage to the vehicle.
- Window Regulator Malfunction: Complaints have been made about bad window regulators in the 2010 Fox model. Malfunctioning window regulators can lead to difficulties in opening or closing windows, affecting the overall convenience and functionality of the vehicle.
- Whining and Chugging: Some owners of the 1989 Fox have reported issues with whining and chugging. These symptoms can indicate underlying engine or mechanical problems that may require professional diagnosis and repair.
- Gear Problems: In the 1991 Fox model, complaints about gears not working properly have been noted. Issues with gears can impact the drivability and safety of the vehicle, necessitating attention and potential repairs to ensure smooth operation.
These common problems with the 1991 Volkswagen Fox highlight the importance of regular maintenance, timely repairs, and professional inspections to address issues promptly and maintain the vehicle's performance and reliability.
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?
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.
Does a VW Fox have a timing belt?
Thetiming belt kit of your FOX is necessary for the synchronisation of the movements of the pistons and valves in the engine. It is very important to regularly check your timing belt parts. In general, you need to change the timing belt kit of your FOX every five years or every 74.500 miles.
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.
Why did VW stop making the Fox?
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.
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 |
What are VW Fox like?
The Fox is a comfortable city car. With a ride that's soft rather than sporty, it's more than capable of tackling speed bumps. The four-cylinder engine is relatively quiet, helping to make the Fox a good long-distance cruiser.
1991 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:
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Volkswagen Fox vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1991 Volkswagen Fox complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Volkswagen Fox.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING AT 55 MPH AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION HOOD FLIPPED BACKWARDS, HITTING WINDSHIELD AND SHATTERING GLASS. CONSUMER PULLED VEHICLE OVER. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
1991 Volkswagen Fox recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1991 Volkswagen Fox.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: THE FUEL HOSE ATTACHED TO THE FUEL DISTRIBUTION RAIL ON THE ENGINE MAY SHRINK BEYOND THE CLAMP FORCE OF THE FUEL HOSE CLAMPS, ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK.
- Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAN CAUSE AN UNDERHOOD FIRE IF THE FUEL COMES IN CONTACT WITH A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
- Remedy: REPLACE THE FUEL HOSE ATTACHED TO THE FUEL RAIL AND INSTALL A NEW SPRING TYPE SELF-TIGHTENING CLAMP.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: METAL FUEL LINES WITH AN INCORRECT CONTOUR WERE INSTALLED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE INCORRECT CONTOUR CAN CAUSE THE METAL FUEL LINE TO RUB AGAINST THE INTAKE MANIFOLD.
- Consequence: PROLONGED RUBBING OF THE FUEL LINE AGAINST THE INTAKEMANIFOLD COULD CAUSE A FUEL LINE LEAK, AND RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIREIF THE LEAKING FUEL LINE IS EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
- Remedy: REPLACE FUEL LINE WITH CORRECTLY CONTOURED FUEL LINE.
Negative 1991 Volkswagen Fox car reviews
Positive 1991 Volkswagen Fox car reviews
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You've got yourself a very reliable car that handles well and saves you some cash on gas!
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Your Volkswagen Fox has been incredibly reliable, even when faced with unexpected challenges like wasps building a nest on the engine block! It still runs smoothly and handles beautifully.
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This was my first new car! At the time, it was the cheapest economy car available. Most of my friends drove Hondas and Toyotas, but I wanted to be different. I initially wanted the two-door wagon, but I got the Coupe instead because I couldn't drive a five-speed. I loved the way it drove. It was so easy to steer around, and it was so light that the 80 HP engine was enough. It was also very easy to maintain, and nothing ever broke down. The interior wasn't fussy and was simple, but that was perfect for me. The only regret I had was that I didn't buy the option of air conditioning. I learned to live without it, but it was sometimes very hard in the Southern California climate. I miss it a lot, and I wish I hadn't lost the car when another driver trying to beat a yellow light hit my car. I don't remember if it had an airbag, but it didn't go off.
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This car is the most reliable car I have ever driven. With 160k miles on it, it still runs as well as it did when we first got it. It's the perfect backup car. In the 120k miles we have put on it, we have only had two major problems: the paint faded and started to chip, and the radiator broke. Other than regular maintenance, there have been no other costs. It was well worth every penny.
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Good car, it sounds like it has treated you well! Keeping up with regular maintenance is key, but it's great to hear that it has been reliable for you. The automatic safety belts are a great safety feature, ensuring that the car won't start unless the safety belt is plugged in. At 125k miles and still running like a champ, it sounds like you got a good price for a reliable mode of transportation!
Other years of Volkswagen Fox
Are you having problems with your 1991 Volkswagen Fox?
Malcolm Fadel 2025-01-04
My grandparents kindly bought me a car because my parents needed to take back the one they had given me. Unfortunately, the Fox I received requires frequent repairs and is not very reliable.