Volkswagen Scirocco Common Problems and Solutions
Rough Idling and Excessive Fuel Consumption
Problem:
During a cold start, the idling feels very rough. This is usually accompanied by obviously excessive fuel consumption and an illuminated Check Engine light.
Solution:
Check your intake manifold. There is a very good chance that it has become clogged with carbon deposits. Removing those deposits should resolve all of the issues. However, it could be that the intake manifold is damaged, in which case you will need to order your replacement part from our Scirocco parts list and replace it.
Difficulty level
Rough Idling and Excessive Fuel Consumption
Problem:
During a cold start, the idling feels very rough. This is usually accompanied by obviously excessive fuel consumption and an illuminated Check Engine light.
Solution:
Check your intake manifold. There is a very good chance that it has become clogged with carbon deposits. Removing those deposits should resolve all of the issues. However, it could be that the intake manifold is damaged, in which case you will need to order your replacement part from our Scirocco parts list and replace it.
Difficulty level
Front tyre wear
Problem:
On the 2.0L diesel version it is particularly common on these vehicles for the front tyres to wear down very quickly. In fact you should expect no more than around 15-17000 miles from the front tyres.
Solution:
Keep an eye on the front tyre wear and make sure that the tread doesn't go lower than the legal limit of 1.6mm. Watch the video below to see how to change a tyre:
Difficulty level
Steering wheel switches problems
Problem:
If you are finding that the switches on the steering wheel are not working properly then this is a known issue with the VW Scirocco. This is due to a fault with the airbag.
Solution:
You will need to get the airbag problem fixed to resolve the issue. Get a specialist to look at it before changing anything.
Difficulty level
Glove box lid failure
Problem:
It is common on these vehicles for the glove box lid to prematurely fail. You may have noticed that it doesn't close properly, or rattles when closed.
Solution:
If you are facing this problem, the only way to fix it, is to fit a new glove box lid.
Difficulty level
DPF warning light
Problem:
On diesel engines for the new Volkswagen Scirocco, you may have noticed that the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) warning light has come on the dashboard. This happens when you drive the car around town, as the DPF doesn't heat up enough to burn off the unwanted particles.
Solution:
To solve this problem you will need to take the car onto the open road like the motorway or the A-road and, drive at around 50-60mph in third gear for about 15 minutes to burn off these particles. This should turn off the DPF warning light on the dashboard. If this doesn't work you will need to replace the DPF, changing the oil and oil filter at the same time.
Difficulty level
Poor engine running
Problem:
If you have noticed that the engine on your Scirocco is running very poorly and is very hesitant or jerky, you most likely have an issue with the spark plugs. The new version of the Scirocco is known for this problem.
Solution:
You will need to replace the spark plugs to resolve the issue.
Difficulty level
ABS Failure/ESC Failure
Problem:
The anti-lock braking system (ABS) and/or the electronic stability control (ESC) systems are failing.
Solution:
The cause of a recall of those cars affected, there are two possible solutions to this issue. The first is a simple software upgrade, which can be done quickly and easily at your nearest VW dealer. In rarer cases, you will need to look through our parts list for a replacement ABS/ESC control unit and replace the faulty one.
Difficulty level
Boot Won't Stay Open
Problem:
The door to the boot won't remain open.
Solution:
The Scirocco has a famous issue with its boot mechanism, which has a very flimsy gas-filled support strut design. If your car is still under warranty, then a dealer should offer to replace these for free. If your car is not still under warranty (or if you'd prefer to do this quick task yourself), then you can order replacement struts from us and easily replace them yourself.
Difficulty level
ABS Failure/ESC Failure
Problem:
The anti-lock braking system (ABS) and/or the electronic stability control (ESC) systems are failing.
Solution:
The cause of a recall of those cars affected, there are two possible solutions to this issue. The first is a simple software upgrade, which can be done quickly and easily at your nearest VW dealer. In rarer cases, you will need to look through our parts list for a replacement ABS/ESC control unit and replace the faulty one.
Difficulty level
Drop in Performance
Problem:
The car is not performing as well as it used to.
Solution:
If you notice a drop in performance levels, then there's a very good chance that you have a leak in your high-pressure service pipes. You'll need to locate the leak as your first step. If the leak is small, then you may be able to make a quick repair with some adhesive. If the leak is larger, then you will have to replace the relevant section of the pipe, which you can order from our parts page.
Difficulty level
Drop in Performance
Problem:
The car is not performing as well as it used to.
Solution:
If you notice a drop in performance levels, then there's a very good chance that you have a leak in your high-pressure service pipes. You'll need to locate the leak as your first step. If the leak is small, then you may be able to make a quick repair with some adhesive. If the leak is larger, then you will have to replace the relevant section of the pipe, which you can order from our parts page.
Difficulty level
Boot Won't Stay Open
Problem:
The door to the boot won't remain open.
Solution:
The Scirocco has a famous issue with its boot mechanism, which has a very flimsy gas-filled support strut design. If your car is still under warranty, then a dealer should offer to replace these for free. If your car is not still under warranty (or if you'd prefer to do this quick task yourself), then you can order replacement struts from us and easily replace them yourself.
Difficulty level