1988 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.

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Common 1988 Volkswagen Scirocco problems

The Volkswagen Scirocco Mk2, produced between 1981 and 1992, was known for its excellent handling and variety of models. However, as with any car, there are common problems that owners have reported, particularly with the 1988 models.

One of the most common issues is rust, which is a concern for many classic cars. Rust can affect various parts of the vehicle, including the bodywork and the fuel system. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent rust and address any issues before they become more serious.

Another issue that owners have reported is problems with the ageing fuel system. This can manifest in various ways, such as difficulty starting the car, particularly in cold weather. One owner reported that their 1988 Scirocco had trouble starting in the cold, taking too long to start, and that fuel cleaner did not help. The owner had already checked the battery and replaced the spark plugs, so the issue was likely related to the fuel system.

Fuel-injection problems have also been reported, particularly in the 1988 Scirocco GTX model. This can affect the car's performance and fuel efficiency, and may require professional diagnosis and repair.

In addition to these specific issues, the Volkswagen Scirocco Mk2 has been subject to various recalls over the years, particularly related to the fuel system, brakes, electrical components, and structure. For example, there was a recall in 1983 related to a fuel system problem that affected nearly a million cars.

Overall, while the Volkswagen Scirocco Mk2 is known for its excellent handling and performance, owners should be aware of potential issues related to rust, ageing fuel systems, and fuel-injection problems. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these issues and ensure that the car remains in good condition.

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.

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.

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.

What is the top speed of a 1988 Scirocco?

1988 Volkswagen Scirocco
Class Group	B-Class
Top Speed	129 mph
0-60	7.6
Horsepower	137

Does VW Scirocco have problems?

Is a VW Scirocco a reliable car?

What is the top speed of a 1988 Scirocco?

1988 Volkswagen Scirocco
Class Group	B-Class
Top Speed	129 mph
0-60	7.6
Horsepower	137

Why did VW stop making Scirocco?

There were plans for a new Scirocco powered by combustion engines, but then Dieselgate happened and VW had to rethink its priorities. The coupe did not rank high on that list and as such it will take a while until a new one will be released – that is if there is actually going to be a direct replacement…

1988 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 1988 Volkswagen Scirocco vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Date Of Incident: 1996-10-01
VIN: WVWCB0535JK
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: THE FUEL TANK CRACKED AND NOW FUEL IS LEAKING OUT OF THE TANK. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS YEAR BUT DEALER SAID THAT IT WAS NOT ON MY VEHICLE. *AK

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1988 Volkswagen Scirocco recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1988 Volkswagen Scirocco.

1991-11-18

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Summary: A CRACK CAN DEVELOP IN THE FUEL TANK ADJACENT TO A SEAM WELD IN THE REAR OF THE TANK.
Consequence: FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE CRACKED FUEL TANK WHICH COULDCATCH FIRE IN THE PRESENCE OF A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
Remedy: CHECK VEHICLE WITH A SPECIALLY DESIGNED TOOL FOR THE PRESENCE OF A FUEL TANK CRACK, AND REPLACE FUEL TANK IF DEFECT IS FOUND.