1986 Volkswagen Scirocco problems
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.
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Common 1986 Volkswagen Scirocco problems
The 1986 Volkswagen Scirocco is known for several common problems that owners have reported. One of the most serious issues is related to the intake and exhaust gaskets, which can break and cause the car to run and start poorly. This problem can be quite frustrating, as it affects the overall performance of the vehicle.
Another common issue with the 1986 Volkswagen Scirocco is related to the drive axles. Some owners have reported going through multiple drive axles within a short period of time, which can be quite expensive to replace. However, it's worth noting that this may be more of an installation problem rather than a design flaw with the car itself.
Motor mounts and water pumps are also known to fail on the 1986 Volkswagen Scirocco. In some cases, these components may need to be replaced soon after purchasing the car. Additionally, the shocks on the car may be mushy, which can affect the overall handling and ride quality of the vehicle.
The fuel system is another area where the 1986 Volkswagen Scirocco can experience problems. Some owners have reported issues with the fuel pump not turning on, which can prevent the car from starting. In some cases, the problem may be related to the fuel pump relay or other components in the fuel system.
The engine and transmission combination on the 1986 Volkswagen Scirocco is generally well-regarded, but some owners have reported issues with the engine stalling or not starting under certain conditions. In some cases, the problem may be related to the fuel system or other components in the engine bay.
Finally, the 1986 Volkswagen Scirocco is known for having minimal rear-seat space, which can be a drawback for some buyers. However, the car does offer a large trunk and a practical driving atmosphere, making it a popular choice for those who prioritize performance and handling over interior space.
Is a VW Scirocco a reliable car?
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.
What is the common faults with a Scirocco?
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. However, dealers should replace these under warranty.
How much horsepower does a 1986 VW Scirocco have?
123 horsepower
The principal element in this metamorphosis is a new twin-cam, sixteen-valve, four-cylinder engine, producing 123 horsepower and 120 pounds-feet of torque. This powerplant so strongly stimulates the Scirocco that it can now keep up with any of its competitors.
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.
1986 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:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Volkswagen Scirocco vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1986 Volkswagen Scirocco complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Volkswagen Scirocco.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-01
- VIN: WVWCA0532GK
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: REFERENCE RECALL 91V201000: A RECALL ON 1987 VW 16V SCIROCCOS' FUEL TANK. MY 1986 16 V SCIROCCO WAS AN EARLY RELEASE OF THE 16V SCIROCCO MODEL; IT IS ACTUALLY A 1986 1/2. IT IS EXACTLY LIKE THE 1987 MODEL. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY MY CAR IS NOT COVERED BY THIS RECALL. I HAVE TRIED TO CONTACT THE MANUF. AND I HAVE NOT HAD ANY LUCK, SAME WITH DEALER SO FAR. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WCWCA0531GK
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL TANK HAS A CRACK IN IT. ALSO MANY OF THE SCIROCCOS WERE RECALLED, BUT OWNER'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. *AK
1986 Volkswagen Scirocco recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1986 Volkswagen Scirocco.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: FUEL PUMP, LOCATED INSIDE FUEL TANK, COULD SEIZE DURING HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES BECAUSE OF AN EXTREME FINE MESH FUEL FILTER RESTRICTING THE FUEL FLOW.
- Consequence: FUEL SUPPLY TO ENGINE WOULD BE PARTIALLY INTERRUPTED,RESULTING IN STALLING.
- Remedy: INSTALL A MODIFIED FUEL PUMP AND FILTER.
Other years of Volkswagen Scirocco
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