1978 Volkswagen Scirocco problems

General information about Volkswagen-Scirocco
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Volkswagen Scirocco is a three-door, front-engine, front-wheel-drive, sport compact hatchback manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen in two generations from 1974 to 1992 and a third generation from 2008 until 2017. Production ended without a successor.

The Scirocco derives its name from the Mediterranean wind.

First generation (1974)

Volkswagen began work on the car during the early 1970s as the replacement for the aging Karmann Ghia coupe, and designated it the Typ 53 internally. Although the platform of the Golf was used to underpin the new Scirocco, almost every part of the car was re-engineered in favour of a new styling (penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro) which was sleeker and sportier than that of the Golf. The Scirocco debuted at the 1973 Geneva Motor Show.

Launched six months before the Golf, in order to resolve any teething troubles before production of the high volume hatchback started, the Scirocco went on sale in Europe in 1974 and in North America in 1975. Type 1 models featured a range of four-cylinder engines with displacements from 1.1 to 1.6 litres, with a 1.7 also offered in North America, all featuring a single-overhead camshaft and two valves per cylinder.

The design of the vehicle combined with the lack of D.O.T.-approved rectangular headlights, made it necessary to have four round headlights, two for low beam use and two for high beam use for all the cars imported to the US. Many European owners of Scirocco with smaller engines replaced the two rectangular headlights with four round headlights as to eliminate the differentiation between smaller and less powerful engines and larger and more powerful ones. However, the European "TS" version, for which maximum power was listed as 85 PS (84 hp; 63 kW), was easily distinguishable from the less powerful "L" and "S" (50 and 70 PS) versions which came with just two rectangular headlights. An automatic transmission option was added in January 1975. Automatic transmission-equipped Sciroccos were generally rare outside of North America.

The Scirocco GTi entered production in the summer of 1976, while the later cult Golf GTI wasn't unveiled until the autumn of the same year. Its high-revving, 81 kW / 110 horsepower 1.6-litre engine featured mechanical fuel injection, 175/70HR13 tires on 5.5Jx13 wheels, a larger duckbill style front spoiler, a red frame for the grille, and the standard car's solid front brake discs were replaced with 9.4 in (239 mm) ventilated discs. Anti-roll bars were also fitted front and rear.

During the production of the "Type 53", there were subtle changes to the body and trim. On cars produced after the summer break in August 1975 (for the 1976 model year), the conventional two wiper system changed to a single wiper which parks on the passenger side of the windscreen, while the driver also benefited from improved, lighter, steering linkage. However, air conditioning became available as an option on the domestic market in August 1975. The possibility to retrofit the installation, together with a larger battery, was offered to existing owners. In August 1977 (for model year 1978) the separate front side marker and turn signal, changed to a combination wrap-around orange lens. At the same time, behind the doors the B-pillar colour changed from body colour to black, which was thought to give the car a more pleasing profile. Other mid-life changes include the move from chrome bumpers with rubberised end caps to a plastic-coated one-piece wrap around bumper. In 1979, the one-piece "flag" style outside mirrors transitioned to a two-piece shrouded mirror. The car changed little before being replaced by the second generation in March 1981 (Europe).

There were also special variants throughout the Type 1 production. Most distinguishable by paint schemes and trim, there were special versions called "Sidewinder", "Sidewinder II", "Champagne Edition", "Champagne Edition II" and the "S". The Champagne Edition II only came in white with black accents and a Zender front spoiler. On the NA models the 1980 "S" versions came in only three colours, Alpine White, Black and Mars Red with unique colour accents. This "S" model differed from the base model by having blacked out chrome trim, day glow additions to the exterior trim, Recaro designed sports seats, white letter tires, sport strips and a standard five-speed transmission. This was followed by the 1981 "S" versions which only came in Cosmos Silver Metallic, Cirrus Gray Metallic and Mars Red without the colour accents. Steel sunroofs were an available option on both the "S" non-"S" vehicles. Unlike the sunroofs on the second-generation Sciroccos introduced in 1982, these earlier versions only tilted open. They did not slide back but could be removed and stored in a special fabric folder and placed in the trunk hatch. Not forgetting the addition of the "Storm" models, available in two colours with a run of 250 cars in each colour.

Social links

Common 1978 Volkswagen Scirocco problems

The Volkswagen Scirocco, introduced in 1975, was a sporty and appealing small coupe that marked the beginning of Volkswagen's front-wheel-drive line-up. However, as with any car, the Scirocco had its own set of common problems that owners have reported over the years.

Rot-prone body: The Volkswagen Scirocco Mk1, produced from 1973 to 1981, is known to have a body prone to rust, which became a significant issue a few years after purchase. This problem was common in many cars of the era, but the Scirocco's sleek design and minimalist body panels may have made the issue more apparent.

Fuel system issues: The Volkswagen Scirocco has experienced a significant number of recalls related to the fuel system, with 13 recalls listed for this issue alone. These problems range from fuel leaks to issues with fuel injection systems, which could potentially lead to engine performance issues or even fire hazards.

Brakes: Brake issues were another common problem for the Volkswagen Scirocco, with 9 recalls related to brakes listed on the recalls list. These issues include problems with brake lines, brake calipers, and brake boosters, which could potentially lead to reduced braking performance or even complete brake failure.

Structure: The Volkswagen Scirocco has experienced structural issues, with 9 recalls related to the car's structure listed on the recalls list. These issues include problems with the car's frame, suspension components, and fuel tank mounting, which could potentially lead to reduced vehicle stability or even accidents.

Equipment: Equipment issues were also a common problem for the Volkswagen Scirocco, with 7 recalls related to equipment listed on the recalls list. These issues include problems with the car's electrical systems, seat belts, and airbags, which could potentially lead to reduced safety or even accidents.

Electrical issues: The Volkswagen Scirocco has experienced electrical issues, with 5 recalls related to the car's electrical systems listed on the recalls list. These issues include problems with the car's wiring, ignition system, and battery, which could potentially lead to reduced vehicle performance or even accidents.

Aging fuel systems: As the Volkswagen Scirocco ages, issues with the car's fuel system may become more common. These issues include problems with fuel lines, fuel pumps, and fuel injectors, which could potentially lead to reduced engine performance or even engine failure.

Rust: Rust remains a significant issue for the Volkswagen Scirocco, particularly in areas such as the car's wheel arches, sills, and door frames. This issue can lead to reduced vehicle stability and even accidents if left unchecked.

In summary, the Volkswagen Scirocco Mk1 has experienced a range of common problems related to its fuel system, brakes, structure, equipment, electrical systems, and aging fuel systems. These issues have led to a significant number of recalls and could potentially lead to reduced vehicle performance or even accidents if left unchecked. Additionally, rust remains a significant issue for the car, particularly in areas such as the wheel arches, sills, and door frames.

Are Volkswagens Scirocco reliable?

As with the Golf, the Scirocco has an excellent reputation for interior build quality that stands the test of time, and the engines are reliable. The DSG auto gearbox has an early version of dual-clutch technology though, and is expensive to fix if it goes wrong.

Does VW Scirocco have problems?

Being based on Golf parts, the VW Scirocco has always had a decent reliability record. Most reports concern rattles and squeaks from the boot and windows - the latter are the hardest to fix. There has also been an issue with the boot mechanism on early cars, because the gas-filled support struts can fail.

Why did they stop making Scirocco?

As the company restructures in the wake of its diesel-related naughtiness, less profitable models are being killed off. The Scirocco's place in the range has been undermined by the success of the latest fast Golfs, which feel a lot more modern. It's a shame. I liked the Scirocco from the first time I drove it in 2008.

How many miles can a Scirocco last?

A car that's been well looked after is certainly a better purchase than one with less miles that hasn't been taken care of. A Scirocco should manage 150,000 miles on the clock, with some going past the 200,000 mile mark if well maintained.

Does VW Scirocco have problems?

Are Volkswagens Scirocco reliable?

How long do Scirocco engines last?

Re: Engine lifespan TDI

It's only just run in, engine will be good for a few hundred thousand miles if looked after.

Are Sciroccos expensive to maintain?

Thanks to its primarily-Golf underpinnings, servicing and maintenance costs are low on a Scirocco - and they don't go wrong often. However, as with any established car model, it has a number of more commonly reported problems. We're listing them below so you know what to look out for.

1978 Volkswagen Scirocco car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volkswagen Scirocco problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Service brakes problems
Hydraulic problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1978 Volkswagen Scirocco vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1978 Volkswagen Scirocco complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1978 Volkswagen Scirocco.

2011-07-25

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2010-10-21
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: VIN NUMBER = [XXX] VW DEALER 4724 ROOSEVELT WAY NORTHEAST, SEATTLE, WA (206) 634-3322 HAS NOT BEING HELPFUL WITH 1978 VOLKSWAGEN SCIROCCO SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC RECALL 83V116000. MY BRAKES FAILED GOING DOWN A HILL IN OCT 2010 FORTUNATELY I DOWNSHIFTED AND USE THE HANDBRAKES TO COME TO A STOP. I HAD TRULINE POINTED OUT TO ME THAT THERE WAS A RECALL IN 1983 AND I MIGHT BE ABLE TO HAVE VW MAKE THE REPAIR SINCE SAFETY RECALLS AE FOREVER. UNIVERSITY VW HAS NOT BEEN HELPFUL WITH MY PROBLEM AS I LEFT MY CAR THERE FOR NEARLY A MONTH AND ALL THEY COULD SAY WAS THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PARTS OR THEY ARE WAITING FOR FEEDBACK FROM VW HEADQUARTERS. I'D TRIED EMAILS AND PHONE CALLS TO UNIVERSITY VW AND STILL GETTING THE SAME REPLY. *TR

Add Complaint

1978 Volkswagen Scirocco recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 8 recalls for different components of the 1978 Volkswagen Scirocco.

1983-11-09

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
Summary: THE FUEL PUMP MAY STOP FUNCTIONING WITHOUT WARNING. THIS CAN OCCUR BECAUSE AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR IN THE FUSE PANEL MAY OVERHEAT AND INTERRUPT THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT.
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT THE FUSE BOX AND ITS CONNECTORS FOR CORROSION, AND CORRECT WHERE NECESSARY. A BYPASS ADAPTER TO THE FUEL PUMP ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT WILL BE INSTALLED.

1983-11-09

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: BRAKE LINES INSTALLED UNDERNEATH THE CARPETING IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT MAY RUST DUE TO THE ENTRY OF WATER AND ROAD SALT. IF RUSTING REMAINS UNCHECKED, IT PRODUCES LEAKS IN THE LINES AND BRAKE FLUID MAY BE LOST.
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE INTERIOR BRAKE LINES AT NO COST TO OWNER. OWNERS ARE ALSO ADVISED THAT ALL BRAKE LINES SHOULD BE INSPECTED AT TWO-YEAR INTERVALS.

1981-09-24

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Components: STRUCTURE:BODY
Summary: CORROSIVE DAMAGE AND INCREASED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP RELAY TO STOP FUNCTIONING. THE FUEL PUMP RELAY IS ONE OF SEVERAL RELAYS ON A RELAY BOARD LOCATED NEAR THE FIREWALL. CORROSION CAUSED BY RAIN ENTERING AN IMPROPERLY SEALED ANTENNA HOLE HAS BEEN THE SUBJECT OF PREVIOUS CAMPAIGNS, BUT ADDITIONAL MEASURES ARE REQUIRED TO ENSURE THAT THE PROBLEM IS CORRECTED.
Remedy: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE MODIFICATION HAS BEEN PERFORMED. IF NOT, A BYPASS WILL BE INSTALLED TO LOCATE THE FUEL PUMP RELAY AWAY FROM THE RELAY BOARD. ANY CORRODED RELAY BOARDS OR CONNECTORS WILL ALSO BE REPLACED.

1981-01-28

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
Summary: THE ACCELERATOR CABLE WHICH LEADS FROM THE TRANSMISSION LEVER TO THE THROTTLE HOUSING MAY MALFUNCTION. ACCELERATOR CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN BENT DURING INSTALLATION OR DURING SERVICING OF ENGINE COMPONENTS. THIS COULD CAUSE THE STEEL BAND CABLE TO BIND AND CAN RESULT IN DELAYED RESPONSE DURING DECELERATION, HIGH ENGINE IDLE AND HESITATION DURING ACCELERATION.
Remedy: THE ACCELERATOR CABLE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ONE. IN ADDITION, OTHER COMPONENTS OF THE ACCELERATION SYSTEM WILL BE CHECKED, LUBRICATED, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACED. THIS WILL BE DONE WITHOUT CHARGE.

1980-03-26

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Components: STRUCTURE:BODY
Summary: ON SOME VEHICLES, THE FENDER OPENING THROUGH WHICH THE ANTENNA CABLE IS ROUTED MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEALED. AS A RESULT, SPLASHED WATER FROM THE TIRES COULD ENTER PASSENGER COMPARTMENT THROUGH THE OPENING, ENTER THE FUSE RELAY BOARD AND CAUSE CORROSION OF THE TERMINALS. ALSO, BECAUSE WATER IS A GOOD CONDUCTOR OF ELECTRICITY, THE STARTER CAN BE ACTIVATED ACCIDENTALLY; THE HIGH FLOW OF ELECTRICITY MAY EXHAUST THE BATTERY WITHIN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THUS RESTARTING THE ENGINE WOULD BECOME IMPOSSIBLE AND PARKING LIGHTS AND EMERGENCY FLASHERS WOULD BECOME INOPERATIVE.
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, SEAL THE RADIO ANTENNA HOLES AND REPLACE CORRODED COMPONENTS WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER..

1979-05-17

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:RELAY
Summary: DUE TO AN IMPROPERLY SEALED ANTENNA MOUNTING HOLE, WATER COULD SEAP INTO THE FUSE RELAY BOARD. THE WATER ENTERING THE FUSE RELAY BOARD ACTS AS A CONDUCTOR OF CURRENT, THEREBY CHARGING THE STARTER.
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL SEAL ALL RADIO ANTENNA CABLE HOLES. IN ADDITION, ELECTRICAL PARTS OF THE RELAY/FUSE BOARD WILL BE CHECKED AND REPLACED IN THE CASE OF CORROSION.

1978-06-01

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Components: PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE
Summary: THE REAR AXLE BRAKE CABLE BRACKET IS ATTACHED TO THE OUTSIDE OF A FLANGE BOLT OF THE REAR AXLE. THIS BRACKET WAS NOT CORRECTLY INSTALLED DURING ASSEMBLY.
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL RELOCATE THE BRACKET AND INSTALL A NEW FLANGE, IF NECESSARY, WITHOUT CHARGE.

1977-10-18

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, THE TWO RUBBER ELBOWS, LOCATED AT EACH END OF THE PLASTIC PIPE LEADING FROM THE THROTTLE VALVE BODY HOUSING TO THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM PUMP, MAY BE DAMAGED AS A RESULT OF IMPROPER CLAMP INSTALLATION.
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE RUBBER ELBOW CONNECTIONS AND INSTALL NEW TYPE CLAMPS, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.