Volkswagen Scirocco: common faults & what to check

Which Volkswagen Scirocco are you looking at?

1 generation variant documented. Pick the shape you recognise: the faults, the servicing and the timeline below all narrow to it. Free, no account needed.

Engine not documented

1 variant documented

2008–2017Mk32008–2017Mk3Engine not documented for this generationEngine not documentedDocumented issues5 knownSee faults & what to checkKickTyres illustration, not a photograph.

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

Start your free check on this Volkswagen Scirocco

No plate needed. You get the risk score, the buyer's checklist and the guided inspection for the exact car you picked above — not the whole nameplate.

The checks worth doing on a Volkswagen Scirocco before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

• Serious issue

  Insist on a cold start: feel the bonnet is cold, then listen at the front of the engine with the bonnet open as it starts.

  See why

  Timing chain tensioner failure (2.0 TSI EA888 gen 1/2 CAWB/CCZB)

  The non-R 2.0 TSI Scirocco uses the chain-driven EA888 (gen 1 CAWB, then gen 2 CCZB). The original tensioner's ratchet can wear so the tensioner piston backs off when the engine is stopped, and on a later start the chain can jump teeth, causing valve and piston damage. VW revised the tensioner for engines built from around 2013, and the gen 3 EA888 in the 2014 facelift is not affected. Many cars have had the updated tensioner fitted, but it cannot be assumed without an invoice. There is no recall or extended warranty in NZ/AU.

  What you would notice

  • Short rattle of about a second on a cold or part-warm start
  • Engine warning light with camshaft position or timing codes
  • Sudden non-start or rough running after a loud clatter

  Typically $900–$9,000 to put right.

• Serious issue

  Ask the seller not to start the car before you arrive, and put your hand on the bonnet to confirm it is cold.

  See why

  Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure (1.4 TSI twincharger EA111 CAVD/CTHD)

  The pre-facelift 1.4 TSI twincharger (EA111, codes CAVD and later CTHD) drives its cams with a chain whose tensioner lets the chain run slack for a moment on each cold start. Over time the chain stretches and can jump a tooth, which bends valves and can write off the engine. Stretch is often seen from 60,000 to 100,000 km, sooner on cars with long oil change intervals. VW revised the chain and tensioner during production, and the 2014 facelift moved to the EA211 1.4 TSI with a belt, which does not share this fault. There is no recall or extended warranty in NZ/AU.

  What you would notice

  • Rattle or chain clatter for 1 to 3 seconds on a cold start
  • Engine warning light with camshaft timing codes
  • Rough idle or hesitation after the rattle
  • Engine will not start after a loud clatter (chain jumped)

  Typically $2,200–$8,500 to put right.

• Serious issue

  Watch the dash during the test drive: a flashing engine light means an active misfire.

  See why

  Cracked piston ring lands, misfire and low compression (1.4 TSI twincharger EA111 CAVD/CTHD)

  The 1.4 TSI twincharger, especially the higher-output CAVD fitted from 2008 to about 2012, is known for cracked piston ring lands. Low speed pre-ignition, early injector spray patterns and running on 91 or 95 fuel instead of the 98 RON it needs all load the pistons until a ring land breaks. The result is a persistent misfire on one cylinder, low compression and oil use, and the fix is new pistons or a replacement engine. Later CTHD engines are improved but not immune if run on low octane fuel. There is no recall or extended warranty.

  What you would notice

  • Flashing engine warning light or a steady misfire, often on one cylinder
  • Shaking at idle that does not clear when warm
  • Blue smoke from the exhaust and oil use between services
  • Loss of power and pinging under load

  Typically $4,500–$10,000 to put right.

• Costly issue

  Start the car and watch the gear display: it must not flash.

  See why

  7-speed DSG DQ200 (0AM) clutch judder and mechatronic failure (1.4 TSI)

  The 1.4 TSI Scirocco with DSG uses the 7-speed dry-clutch DQ200. Common problems are judder pulling away or in 2nd gear from glazed clutch friction, and failure of the mechatronic unit, often from a cracked pressure accumulator housing or worn clutch control valves (covered by VW technical bulletin TPI 2018171). A failing unit flashes the gear display, drops into limp mode or loses drive altogether. VW recalled sister models in Australia in 2015 for a defective accumulator housing in this gearbox, but the Scirocco was not named in that notice, so a fix cannot be assumed.

  What you would notice

  • Shudder or judder pulling away or at low speed in 1st and 2nd
  • Flashing P R N D S gear display or a gearbox warning
  • Clunky or slow gear changes, or sudden loss of drive
  • Car will not select drive when cold, or stays in one gear

  Typically $1,800–$4,500 to put right.

• Costly issue

  Drive the car from cold and again once fully warm.

  See why

  6-speed DSG DQ250 (02E) mechatronic faults and temporary loss of drive (2.0 TSI, R and 2.0 TDI)

  The 2.0 TSI, Scirocco R and 2.0 TDI use the 6-speed wet-clutch DQ250. Its mechatronic unit (solenoids, sensors and control module in one) can fail, giving harsh or delayed changes, a gearbox warning and limp mode. Scirocco R owners also report a 'false neutral' where drive drops out briefly when slowing for junctions, traced to software (fixed by a VW update) or the input shaft speed sensor. Skipping the 60,000 km DSG oil and filter change makes both more likely.

  What you would notice

  • Momentary loss of drive when slowing to a junction or roundabout
  • Harsh 2-3 or 3-4 changes, or delayed engagement when hot
  • Gearbox warning or flashing gear display, limp mode

  Typically $500–$4,500 to put right.

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Volkswagen Scirocco’s documented faults are repairs other models share. Each page lists the documented NZ cost for every model it affects.

• Timing Chain Replacement Cost
• DSG and Dual-Clutch Gearbox Repair Cost

Other Volkswagen models