Volkswagen Scirocco III common faults.

2008–2014. The fault list covers this generation and the engines in it. If the listing gives the exact version, pick it below.

What to watch for

What can go wrong on this car?

The list covers the generation, the engines and the transmissions. Once you pick the version, only the faults that apply to it stay.

critical5

1.2 / 1.4 TSI (EA111): timing chain and chain tensioner

critical

A few seconds of chain rattle on a cold start, later a permanent noise; the chain stretches and the tensioner does not hold it.

Applies to the engine CAXA, CAVD, CTHD.

1.6 and 2.0 TDI: the EGR cooler leaks internally and coolant disappears without a trace

critical

The EGR cooler cools the recirculated exhaust gas before it enters the intake again, and coolant flows through it while it does so.

Applies to the engine CBBB.

Repair: 600–1,500 EUR

2.0 TDI (EA188, EA189): the hex drive of the oil pump rounds off

critical

The balance shaft module drives the oil pump through a hexagonal shaft stub.

Applies to the engine CBBB, CFGB, CFGC.

1.6 and 2.0 TDI: the belt driving the oil pump runs in oil and crumbles

critical

On these engines the oil pump is driven by its own small toothed belt, and that belt runs in the hot engine oil.

Applies to the engine CFHC.

Repair: 200–600 EUR

2.0 / 1.8 TSI (EA888 gen1 to gen2): the timing chain tensioner lets go

critical

With the 2008 EA888 VW switched from a belt to a chain, and the tensioner of the first two generations turned out weak: as the ratchet mechanism ages it does not hold its position when the engine stops and the oil pressure disappears.

Applies to the engine CAWB, CCZB.

expensive3

DQ250 (6 speed wet DSG): mechatronics and clutch pack

expensive

The solenoids of the mechatronics unit wear out: slow or harsh shifting, then limp mode.

Applies to the transmission DQ250.

2.0 TFSI (EA113): the high pressure pump cam follower wears through

expensive

The same layout as in the naturally aspirated FSI, only in the turbocharged 2.0: the high pressure fuel pump is driven by the camshaft through a flat cam follower that relies on an oil film.

Applies to the engine CDLA.

DQ200 (7 speed dry DSG): mechatronics

expensive

A thin wall of the mechatronics valve body can crack, which causes a loss of pressure.

Applies to the transmission DQ200.

7 more faults belong to this generation. On the version page, only the ones that apply stay.

Official recall1 recallsShow

The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done. The list covers the whole generation. We did not filter it by model year. Some apply only to a narrower production window.

A12/0909/17Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The earth connection of the ABS/ESP system may be interrupted as a result of thermomechanical overload. This would lead to the failure of the ABS/ESP system and the risk of an accident.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

Engines and transmissions in this generation

A fault is often tied to the engine, not to the whole generation. You find the engine code in the registration document.

III · 2008–2014

Pick the version.

The fault list opens on the version page.

42 versions

EngineVersionPowerFuel · transmissionBody

Neighbouring generations

III · 2008–2014

III (Typ 13). If the listing is from the changeover year, look at the neighbour too.

Previous generation

This is the earliest.

This generation

III · 2008–2014

Next generation

This is the latest.

Common questions

About this generation

Which years does this page cover?

2008–2014. The changeover year can fall in two generations. If the listing is from that year, look at the neighbour too.

Does the fault apply to every car like this?

No. It depends on the engine and the transmission too.

Is it free?

The fault list is.

Information, not an expert opinion

We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.

A fault on the list does not mean the car you are looking at has it.
A fault missing from the list does not mean the model is fault-free. Write-ups are made model by model. Not all of them are done.
You decide whether to buy. This is no substitute for an inspection. That needs a workshop and a history check.

Details in the terms