FaultScore

Volkswagen FOX vs Volvo 960

Both cars' complete complaint records, side by side.

Read the totals carefully. NHTSA publishes no sales figures, so the car that sold more collects more complaints regardless of quality. The rows worth weighing are the proportions — the share of complaints that involved harm, and which part dominates.

Measure Volkswagen FOX Volvo 960
Complaints on file 105 259
Model years covered 1987–1993 1990–1997
Worst model year 1996
Best model year 1997
Crashes reported 2 33
Fires reported 3 16
Injuries reported 1 20
Deaths reported 0 0
Most complained-about part Engine & Cooling Engine & Cooling
Share of complaints involving harm 5.7% 26.6%

Volkswagen FOX by year

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks

Engine & Cooling 29 27.6%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 22 21.0%
Transmission & Drivetrain 9 8.6%
Electrical System 9 8.6%
Fuel & Propulsion 9 8.6%
Seat Belts 7 6.7%
Body & Structure 6 5.7%
Doors, Latches & Locks 4 3.8%

Volvo 960 by year

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks

Engine & Cooling 51 19.7%
Brakes 30 11.6%
Airbags 24 9.3%
Electrical System 23 8.9%
Acceleration & Cruise Control 20 7.7%
Steering 15 5.8%
Body & Structure 10 3.9%