The valvetrain of the three cylinder 1.2 runs on a chain instead of a belt.
Applies to the engine BMD.
vinkodex.Volkswagen FOX I common faults.
2005–2011. The fault list covers this generation and the engines in it. If the listing gives the exact version, pick it below.
What to watch for
What can go wrong on this car?
The list covers the generation, the engines and the transmissions. Once you pick the version, only the faults that apply to it stay.
critical2
The PD (pump injector) unit is held in the cylinder head by a single side bolt.
Applies to the engine BNM.
expensive1
PD TDI: camshaft and rocker wear
expensiveThe PD injectors (on the 1.4, 1.9 and 2.0 TDI alike) are driven by the camshaft itself, against more than 2,000 bar.
Applies to the engine BNM.
comfort1
The G62 sensor tells the engine control unit how hot the coolant is.
Applies to the engine BNM.
cheap repair1
G28 crankshaft speed sensor dropping out
cheap repairThe G28 sensor drops out as it heats up.
Applies to the engine BNM.
Official recall7 recallsShowThe manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done. The list covers the whole generation. We did not filter it by model year. Some apply only to a narrower production window.
Most recent: 31 August 2022
A12/01438/22Safety recallInjuries31 August 2022 · EU Safety GateThe propellant may deteriorate over time due to heat cycles and exposure to moisture. If the airbag is deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and metal fragments could pass through the cushion material causing injury to occupants. The product does not comply with the requirements laid down in the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 31/08/2022
A12/00222/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateCars initially used for internal purposes of Volkswagen AG might not have been correctly modified before they were sold to the general public. There is a possibility that certain safety systems of these cars are not correctly modified for street use.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/00923/24Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe driver airbag's gas generator may be faulty, resulting in uncontrolled inflation and the release of metal fragments. This increases the risk of injuries to the occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/01485/22Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe airbag propellant may deteriorate over time. In the event of an accident this can lead to the release of fragments of the front airbag from the generator housing, increasing the risk of injury. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/01892/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe vehicles affected may have been fitted with Takata gas generators which could allow the ingress of moisture and thus result in the degradation of the propellant. If the airbag deploys, this could cause the gas generator to burst, causing metal parts to enter the vehicle's interior, causing injuries to the occupants of the vehicle.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/02686/24Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time. If the airbags deploy, it could result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/03004/23Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe propellant in the front passenger airbag can deteriorate due to high humidity and temperature variations. In the event of an accident in which the airbag deploys, this could result in fragments from the inflator casing coming loose and injuring the vehicle’s occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
Engines and transmissions in this generation
A fault is often tied to the engine, not to the whole generation. You find the engine code in the registration document.
I · 2005–2011
Pick the version.
The fault list opens on the version page.
7 versions
EngineVersionPowerFuel · transmissionBody
1.2 l · 1198 cm³
BMD · CHFB
1.2
2005–2011
55 HPpetrol · manualhatchback1.2 l · 1198 cm³
BMD · CHFB
1.2 Optive
2005–2011 · Optive
55 HPpetrol · manualhatchback1.2 l · 1198 cm³
no engine code
1.2
2005–2011
60 HPpetrol · manualhatchback1.4 l · 1390 cm³
BKR
1.4
2005–2011
75 HPpetrol · manualhatchback1.4 l · 1390 cm³
BKR
1.4 Optive
2005–2011 · Optive
75 HPpetrol · manualhatchback1.4 l · 1422 cm³
BNM
1.4 TDI
2005–2011
70 HPdiesel · manualhatchback1.4 l · 1422 cm³
BNM
1.4 TDI Optive
2005–2011 · Optive
70 HPdiesel · manualhatchback
Neighbouring generations
I · 2005–2011
I (2005-2011). If the listing is from the changeover year, look at the neighbour too.
Previous generation
This is the earliest.
This generation
I · 2005–2011
Next generation
This is the latest.
Common questions
About this generation
Which years does this page cover?
2005–2011. The changeover year can fall in two generations. If the listing is from that year, look at the neighbour too.
Does the fault apply to every car like this?
No. It depends on the engine and the transmission too.
Is it free?
The fault list is.
Information, not an expert opinion
We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.
- A fault on the list does not mean the car you are looking at has it.
- A fault missing from the list does not mean the model is fault-free. Write-ups are made model by model. Not all of them are done.
- You decide whether to buy. This is no substitute for an inspection. That needs a workshop and a history check.