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VOLKSWAGEN FOX Common Problems & Reliability

Based on 2,005 MOT tests from 101 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore. The figures below describe that VehicleScore sample. Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are not a claim that every VOLKSWAGEN FOX has the same fault.

VOLKSWAGEN FOX's have a average reliability rating of 440/999. The score was calculated from the average of every VOLKSWAGEN FOX that has had a registered MOT.

We calculated all of the below figures by getting the score from each vehicle make/model/year/fuel, which are each calculated a score. We then generate the average score, taking into account factors such as mileage and emissions.

Also check BHP & performance, road tax, fuel economy, and CO2 emissions for the VOLKSWAGEN FOX.

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Check a Volkswagen Fox before you buy

Enter your registration to see available vehicle history information including service records, MOT, mileage, write-off status, outstanding finance and more.

Volkswagen Fox side view
  • Service history

    Dealer & service records

  • MOT records

    Past & current MOT data

  • Write-off check

    Check for insurance write-offs

  • Finance check

    Outstanding finance & theft checks

Fuel TypeYearReliability ScoreAvg MileageSample Size
N/AN/A461/999Average80,556 miles2,742 vehicles
N/AN/A418/999Average79,388 miles2,439 vehicles

How reliable is the VOLKSWAGEN FOX?

Based on 2,005 MOT tests from 101 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore.

Vehicles

101

MOT tests

2,005

Pass rate

73%

Median mileage

84,285 mi

Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are inspection findings from this sample. They are not a statement that every VOLKSWAGEN FOX has the same fault. The median VehicleScore in this sample is 533 out of 999.

Common VOLKSWAGEN FOX MOT problems

These groups combine equivalent MOT comments, such as the same tyre note on different corners. Counts are comment occurrences in the sample, not a percentage of cars.

Tyre wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 397 advisory comments and 9 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record tyres that were worn, damaged, or close to the legal tread depth when the car was inspected.

What to inspect

Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE REAR TYRE SLIGHTLY DAMAGED/CRACKING OR PERISHING (5.2.3 (D) (II))

Coil spring issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 51 advisory comments and 28 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record coil springs that were corroded, fractured, or otherwise defective. They are counted separately from shock absorbers.

What to inspect

Look for a broken or heavily corroded spring and compare the ride height on both sides.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE REAR COIL SPRING CORRODED (5.3.1 (B) (I))

Shock absorber issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 51 advisory comments and 27 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record shock absorbers or dampers that were leaking, misting, or insecure. A light misting of oil on a damper is not an engine oil leak.

What to inspect

Look for oil misting on the damper body and listen for knocks over bumps.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS HAS LIGHT MISTING OF OIL (5.3.2 (B))

Registration plate condition

VehicleScore MOT data includes 60 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a number plate that was deteriorated, insecure, or did not meet the plate rules.

What to inspect

Check both plates are secure, clean, and clearly readable.

Example MOT wording: FRONT REGISTRATION PLATE DETERIORATED BUT NOT LIKELY TO BE MISREAD (0.1 (B))

Lambda sensor issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 37 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a lambda sensor reading or defect noted at the test.

What to inspect

Ask whether a sensor or emissions fault has been diagnosed since the test.

Example MOT wording: EXHAUST LAMBDA READING AFTER 2ND FAST IDLE OUTSIDE SPECIFIED LIMITS (8.2.1.2 (C))

Lamp and bulb faults

VehicleScore MOT data includes 33 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a lamp or bulb other than a headlamp or indicator.

What to inspect

Switch on the side, brake, fog, and number-plate lamps.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE FRONT POSITION LAMP NOT WORKING (4.2.1 (A) (II))

Oil leak

VehicleScore MOT data includes 33 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record an oil leak noted by the tester. Shock absorber misting is counted as a damper issue, not as an engine oil leak.

What to inspect

Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.

Example MOT wording: OIL LEAK, BUT NOT EXCESSIVE (8.4.1 (A) (I))

Anti-roll bar issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 23 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record wear or damage in the anti-roll bar, its links, or its bushes.

What to inspect

Listen for a knock when driving over uneven ground at low speed.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE FRONT ANTI-ROLL BAR LINKAGE BALL JOINT DUST COVER NO LONGER PREVENTS THE INGRESS OF DIRT (5.3.4 (B) (II))

VOLKSWAGEN FOX MOT reliability by year

A model year is only commented on when VehicleScore has at least 5 vehicles from that year.

YearVehiclesMOT testsPass rateRecurring issues seen
20111016974%Tyre wear, Indicator faults
20102648872.7%Tyre wear, Shock absorber issues
20092241472.9%Tyre wear, Headlamp faults
20082246872.9%Tyre wear, Coil spring issues
20071226972.9%Tyre wear, Shock absorber issues
2006511274.1%Tyre wear, Ball joint wear

What to check when buying a used VOLKSWAGEN FOX

This is an inspection checklist based on MOT comments in the VehicleScore sample. It does not mean the car you are looking at has these defects.

  • Tyre wear. Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

  • Coil spring issues. Look for a broken or heavily corroded spring and compare the ride height on both sides.

  • Shock absorber issues. Look for oil misting on the damper body and listen for knocks over bumps.

  • Registration plate condition. Check both plates are secure, clean, and clearly readable.

  • Lambda sensor issues. Ask whether a sensor or emissions fault has been diagnosed since the test.

  • Lamp and bulb faults. Switch on the side, brake, fog, and number-plate lamps.

  • Oil leak. Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.

  • Anti-roll bar issues. Listen for a knock when driving over uneven ground at low speed.

Buying a VOLKSWAGEN FOX?

Common problems tell you what can affect VOLKSWAGEN FOXs generally. VehicleScore can check the history of the actual car you're considering.

Where does this data come from?

VehicleScore analyses MOT histories from vehicles in its own dataset. Sample sizes vary by model, and a small sample is labelled as such. MOT data records roadworthiness and inspection defects. It does not capture every mechanical or electronic problem a car can have, and a comment on one test is not proof that the model has an inherent fault.

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