VOLKSWAGEN FOX 1990: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

General Information

NHTSA Campaign ID Number: 95V105000

Make Model Year
VOLKSWAGEN FOX 1990
Date Owners Notified Date Received by ODI Date Added to Database
1995-09-22 1995-05-23 1995-05-31

Production Dates: 1986-10-01 - 1993-07-01

Manufacturers Involved: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

Potential Number Of Units Affected: 164000

Report Initiator: MFR MFR Report

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.

Notes

SYSTEM: ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION:PASSENGER CARS.NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME,PLEASE CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.