VehicleVerdict

1981 Volkswagen Scirocco problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1981 Volkswagen Scirocco — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 1981 compare to other Scirocco years?

Scirocco NHTSA complaints by model year, 1981 highlighted15 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 2 complaints1979: 1 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 0 complaints1985: 0 complaints1986: 2 complaints1987: 15 complaints1988: 3 complaints
Scirocco NHTSA complaints by model year, 1981 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Scirocco years to avoid →

Does the 1981 Volkswagen Scirocco have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

83V117000Fuel SystemNovember 9, 1983 · 930,000 units

Defect

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.

1981 Volkswagen Scirocco — common questions

Is the 1981 Volkswagen Scirocco reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1981 Volkswagen Scirocco have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1981 Volkswagen Scirocco. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.