Used car guide

2008 Volkswagen Scirocco diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the diesel Volkswagen Scirocco first registered in 2008 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 147 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 147 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

147MOTs of 2008 diesel cars, done in 2023–2025
62%pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%)
8,800typical miles a year
46%had suspension flagged

Common 2008 Volkswagen Scirocco diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Volkswagen Scirocco diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    46% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Tyres
    41% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Lights and electrics
    33% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Brakes
    27% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Driveshafts and joints
    12% of testsRough price £60–£350

    At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    10% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Known faults on the 2008 Volkswagen Scirocco diesel

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Volkswagen Scirocco diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Volkswagen Scirocco?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Volkswagen Scirocco compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20181,929Tyres 31%
201713,734Tyres 32%
201615,731Tyres 32%
201516,220Tyres 33%
201411,126Tyres 35%
201313,061Tyres 35%
201212,846Suspension 37%
201117,801Suspension 43%
201018,500Suspension 47%
200915,594Suspension 43%
2004–Too few tests
1993–Too few tests
1992273Brakes 32%
1991245Brakes 36%
1990414Lights and electrics 27%
1989–Too few tests
1988–Too few tests
1987–Too few tests
1986–Too few tests
1985–Too few tests
1984–Too few tests
1983–Too few tests
1982–Too few tests
1981–Too few tests
1980–Too few tests
1979–Too few tests
1978–Too few tests
1977–Too few tests
1976–Too few tests

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Volkswagen Scirocco cars first registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score