1993 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 1993 Volkswagen Fox problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the Volkswagen Fox 1993, several common problems have been identified:
- Leaky Fuel Injectors: Owners have reported issues with leaky fuel injectors in the 1996 Fox. This problem can lead to fuel leaks, affecting the performance and efficiency of the vehicle. To address this, owners should inspect the fuel injectors for leaks, cracks, or damage. If any issues are found, it is recommended to seal them with adhesive or replace the damaged injectors.
- Starting Issues: Some owners have complained about the car not starting and only making clicking sounds in the 1993 Fox. This issue can be frustrating and may be caused by various factors such as a faulty starter, battery issues, or electrical problems. Owners should check the battery, starter, and electrical connections to diagnose and resolve the starting problem effectively.
- Window Regulator Problems: Complaints have been made about bad window regulators in the 2010 Fox. Window regulator issues can result in malfunctioning windows, making it difficult to open or close them. Owners experiencing this problem should inspect the window regulators for damage or wear and consider repairing or replacing them to ensure proper window functionality.
- Transmission Concerns: Owners have reported transmission problems in the Volkswagen Fox. Transmission issues can manifest as difficulty shifting gears, slipping gears, or unusual noises during gear changes. To address transmission problems, owners should have the transmission system inspected by a professional to identify the root cause and perform necessary repairs or replacements.
- Engine Troubles: Some owners have experienced engine-related complaints with the Volkswagen Fox. Engine issues can include misfiring, loss of power, rough idling, or poor performance. It is crucial for owners facing engine problems to conduct a thorough diagnostic check to pinpoint the specific issue, which could range from spark plug issues to fuel system problems, and take appropriate measures to rectify the engine concerns effectively.
How reliable is the Volkswagen Fox?
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 was the VW Fox discontinued?
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.
How reliable is the Volkswagen Fox?
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 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.
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 |
1993 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
- Seat belts problems
- Visibility problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1993 Volkswagen Fox vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1993 Volkswagen Fox complaints
The NHTSA has received 24 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1993 Volkswagen Fox.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-12-01
- VIN: 9BWBB230XPP
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING A LONG DISTANCE, THE VEHICLE STALLED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHERE THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE WIRING HARNESS, THE AIRFLOW SENSOR, AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER ASSEMBLY. *AK THE PREVIOUSLY LOST 2-3 QUARTS OF OIL FRONT OIL SEAL FAILED, FUSES KEPT FAILING AT THE FUEL PUMP. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. *SC THE OIL SEALS AND WATER PUMP FAILED. *JB
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT UPPER TORSO BUCKLE STICKS OUT, IT IS JUST A FEW INCHES FROM THE HEAD. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 9BWGB2304P0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER HAD RECALL 95V105000 REPAIRS DONE IN 1995, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. COOLANT WAS LEAKING INTO HEAT EXCHANGER UNDERNEATH DASH. WOULD ALSO LEAK UNDERNEATH PASSENGER'S SEAT. STEAM FROM COOLANT COMES THROUGH VENTS. CAN'T SEE TO DRIVE. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-26
- VIN: 9BWGA2307PP
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
- Summary: VEHICLE IS LEAKING COOLANT UNDERNEATH AND IN ENGINE AREA. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK RADIATOR AND HEATER CORE ARE DEFECTIVE CAUSING COOLANT TO SPLASH ALL OVER VEHICLE. *JG
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-01-17
- VIN: 9BWBA2305PP
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AND TRYING TO TURN ON HEATER. FLUID STARTED COMING OUT OF VENTS ONTO PASSENGERS OF VEHICLE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-10
- VIN: 9BWBA2309PP
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY FOUND OUT THAT CLUTCH WAS HARD TO PRESS. CLUTCH PLATE FELL OFF, CAUSING CLUTCH SYSTEM TO FAIL. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-05
- VIN: 9BWBA2308PP
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-12-06
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING HEAT EXCHANGER FAILED, CAUSING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO PASSENGER'S COMPARTMENT. VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED UNDER RECALL 95V105000 DEALER AND MANUFAFCTURER WILL BE NOTIFIED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-14
- Fire: 1
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TRAVELING 45MPH, STARTED TO SMELL GAS. HEARD AN EXPLOSION. STOPPED & GOT OUT OF VEHICLE. NOTICED SMOKE THEN FLAMES. FIRE DEPT. CALLED & PUT FLAMES OUT. EVERYTHING UNDER THE HOOD WAS BURNED OR MELTED. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL PUMP FAILED. GAS HOSES DISNTEGRATED CAUSING GAS TO LEAK.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER HAD TO TIE MUFFLER AND TAIL PIPE TO CAR, DUE TO DISINTEGRATED RUBBER PART THAT HELD UNIT TO VEHICLE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: BATTERY FAILED TWICE, SECOND TIME ALTERNATOR FAILED CAUSING DAMAGE TO BATTERY.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WINDSHIELD RESERVOIR DISINTEGRATED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 9BWGA2307PP
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: HOT COOLANT ESCAPED INT PASSENGER SIDE, RECALL DIDNOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM, COLLANT STILL COMES ON THE PASSENAGER SHOES.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 9BWGA2309PP
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: SPEEDOMETER FAILED.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 9BWGA2309PP
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL LINES WERE LEAKING GAS PRIOR TO RECALL.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-22
- VIN: 9DWGA2307PP
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM: RECALL #95V105; HAD THE WORK DONE LAST YEAR AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN ON 7-22-97. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS LOCK INTO THE UNIT AND WILL NOT COME OUT. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE DRIVER'S SIDE HAS BEEN REPLACED. PLEASE DESCRIBE IN DETAIL. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-15
- VIN: 9BWGA2300PP
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT AND SHOULDER BELT FAILURE, WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, THE MANUAL SEAT BELTS ON THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE ARE VERY LOOSE, THEY DO NOT LOCK IN PLACE.*AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-24
- VIN: 9BWGA2309PP
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WINDSHIELD WIPER FIXTURE LOOSENED, CAUSING WIPERS TO BECOME ENTANGLED.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 9BWBB2302PP
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: PASSENGER/DRIVER SHOULDER BELTS STICKS W/POOR RETRACTORS AND BOTH LAP BELTS FAIL TO RELEASE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 9BWBB2302PP
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: PASSENGER/DRIVER SHOULDER BELTS STICKS W/POOR RETRACTORS AND BOTH LAP BELTS FAIL TO RELEASE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-16
- VIN: 9BWBA2301PP
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: GEARS WILL NOT CHANGE WHILE DRIVING. DEALER CANNOT FIX BECAUSE OF DESIGN CHANGE. TT
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-16
- VIN: 9BWBA2301PP
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CLUTCH NO LONGER HAS SPRING TO RETURN TO ORIGINAL POSITION; WAS REPLACED BY A CABLE GOING DIRECTLY TO ENGINE/HOUSING. *AK
1993 Volkswagen Fox recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1993 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.
Negative 1993 Volkswagen Fox car reviews
Positive 1993 Volkswagen Fox car reviews
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The VW Fox is a fantastic car! It's built to last and mine has over 160,000 miles and is still going strong. Of course, there are some minor problems that come with older vehicles, but those are to be expected. I highly recommend this car to anyone who wants a German-engineered car that's fun to drive and has great fuel economy.
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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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I have a red 1993 Fox Wolfsburg (4drs). It drives very smoothly on the highway and it's also very peppy. The gas mileage is excellent. Parts aren't too expensive and it's a solid car. I would definitely recommend it to anyone, whether they're on a tight budget or not, who wants a great and reliable car.
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If you're in the market for a fuel-efficient commuter car or a zippy city car, the VW Fox is a great choice. You can't go wrong with it!
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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 dependable mode of transportation.
Other years of Volkswagen Fox
Are you having problems with your 1993 Volkswagen Fox?
Ethel Muller 2024-10-21
It sounds like you had a great experience with your first car! It may not have been the most thrilling ride, but it was definitely affordable and reliable. It's a shame that VW no longer produces this economical sedan.
Nils Block 2024-03-06
I've been driving my 1993 Volkswagen Fox for over a year now. Although the odometer hasn't worked since I've owned it, this car has been great and is easy on gas. It's definitely an eye-catcher! Unfortunately, my brother-in-law is taking the car now, but I know he'll enjoy it just as much as I have. The car has only experienced normal wear and tear, with no major mechanical malfunctions. I would highly recommend this car to anyone, especially if you're a fan of Volkswagens. The manual transmission is fantastic and the suspension is tight, making it a blast to drive around corners. Hang on tight! I absolutely love VWs.