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1990 Volkswagen Fox GL 4dr Sedan

The 1990 Volkswagen Fox GL 4dr Sedan is an 81-hp 1.8-liter inline-4 sedan with a 4-speed manual and front-wheel drive. It starts at $8,310 MSRP and is rated at 24 mpg combined.

It makes 81 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 93 lb-ft of torque at 3250 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway (24 mpg combined).

The Fox measures 163.4 inches long on a 92.8-inch wheelbase.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSedan
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$8,310 ($20,664 *)
Engine
Engine Type1.8L I4
Displacement1.8 L
Horsepower81 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque93 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm
ValvetrainSOHC, 8-valve
Injection TypeBosch Digifant electronic fuel injection
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFWD
Transmission
Transmission4-speed manual
Fuel Economy
City22 MPG
Highway27 MPG
Combined24 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular gasoline
Tank Capacity12 gal
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front14.0 in
Wheels Rear14.0 in
Dimensions & Weight
Length163.4 in
Width63 in
Height53.7 in
Wheelbase92.8 in
Ground Clearance5.5 in
Interior
Headroom Front36.6 in
Legroom Front41.1 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

2 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1990 Volkswagen FOX. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

May 23, 1995 · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

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 95V105000

Apr 14, 1992 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

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.

NHTSA campaign 92V058000

15 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1990 Volkswagen FOX

Owner Complaints

15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1990 Volkswagen FOX (2 a fire). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Fuel System5
Gasoline5
Electrical System2
Engine And Engine Cooling2
Power Train2
Visibility2
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Mar 29, 2001 · Fuel System, Gasoline, Electrical System
“WIRES THAT CONTROL CAR BURNED OUT ON HIGHWAY, AND VEHICLE SHOOK AND KEPT CUTTING OFF. FUEL PUMP WAS NOT PUMPING FUEL THROUGH OUT CAR.*AK”
Jul 4, 2000 · Fuel System, Gasoline
“LEFT TURN ONLY AND HARD ACCELERATION ENGINE WILL FALTER LIKE STARVED FOR FUEL. WILL OCCUR WITH FULL OR EMPTY FUEL TANK. REPLACED FUEL PUMP TWICE.”
Jun 3, 1998 · Unknown Or Other
“RECALL LOCATION.”
Apr 27, 1998 · Fuel System, Gasoline
“FUEL FILLER FAILURE.”
Jun 9, 1997 · Power Train
“OWNER TRIED TO PUT THE CAR IN THIRD GEAR AND THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF. *AK”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1990 VOLKSWAGEN FOX. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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