Volkswagen FOX reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Volkswagen FOX is a city car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 82 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 385 of 442, and 48.3% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is exhaust system (5.5% of tests).
Ranked 385 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 20 of 26 city cars
In 2024, 26,108 Volkswagen FOXes aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 48.3% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Volkswagen FOX is 22% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
48.3%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
5,300
Typical age at test: 15 years
Volkswagen FOX MOT failure rate by age
Most common Volkswagen FOX MOT faults
- Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases5.5% of tests
- Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.3% of tests
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively5.3% of tests
- Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits5.2% of tests
- Stop lamp: not working5.1% of tests
- Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid5.0% of tests
What the Volkswagen FOX fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 22.8% | ▲ 1.3× as often |
| Suspension | 20.6% | ▲ 1.4× as often |
| Visibility | 13.3% | ▲ 2.0× as often |
| Body and structure | 11.9% | ▲ 1.9× as often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 11.3% | ▲ 2.1× as often |
| Brakes | 9.9% | About average |
| Tyres | 6.5% | About average |
| Steering | 3.8% | ▲ 1.3× as often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.7% | ▼ 52% less often |
| Wheels | 0.2% | ▼ 50% less often |
What MPG does the Volkswagen FOX do?
Official economy for the Volkswagen FOX ranges from 42.2 to 47.9mpg across the 6 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2007–2010). A typical petrol version manages 45.6mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Volkswagen FOX?
Any Volkswagen FOX first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Volkswagen FOX registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £200 to £275 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carVolkswagen FOX specs and running costs
Official figures for 6 versions sold in the UK between 2007 and 2010.
Fuel types
Petrol
Official economy
42.2–47.9 mpg
CO2
139–159 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fox 1.2 (55ps)M5 · listed 2010 | Petrol | 47.9 mpg | 139g | £200 |
| Fox 1.4 (75ps)M5 · listed 2010 | Petrol | 42.2 mpg | 159g | £275 |
| Fox 1.2 (55 PS)M5 · listed 2008 | Petrol | 46.3 mpg | 144g | £225 |
| Fox 1.4 (75 PS)M5 · listed 2008 | Petrol | 42.2 mpg | 159g | £275 |
| Fox (from NOV 06 Wk 45 >) 1.2 (55 PS)M5 · listed 2007 | Petrol | 45.6 mpg | 148g | £225 |
| Fox (from NOV 06 Wk 45 >) 1.4 (75 PS)M5 · listed 2007 | Petrol | 42.2 mpg | 159g | £275 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement.
What a Volkswagen FOX costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 45.6mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Volkswagen FOXBuying a used Volkswagen FOX?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Volkswagen FOX with other city cars
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Volkswagen models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Volkswagen FOX reliable?
Its MOT record is worse than average: the Volkswagen FOX is 22% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 82 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Volkswagen FOX?
The most common MOT fault is “Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases”, found in 5.5% of tests. It fails on exhaust and emissions and visibility more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Volkswagen FOX do?
Official economy for the Volkswagen FOX ranges from 42.2 to 47.9mpg across the 6 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2007–2010). A typical petrol version manages 45.6mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Volkswagen FOX?
Any Volkswagen FOX first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Volkswagen FOX registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £200 to £275 a year.
›How many Volkswagen FOXes fail their MOT?
48.3% of Volkswagen FOXes aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Volkswagen FOX combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.