Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 15 complaints on file for the 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
15
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System | 8 | 53% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 7 | 47% | new |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
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.
Defect
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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CONTACTED VW DEALERSHIP AFTER BEING NOTIFIED REPEATEDLY BY VWOA TO GET THE TANK REPLACED AND THEY REFUSED TO CHANGE IT AFTER HAVING THE CAR FOR A DAY AND PUTTING 30 MILES ON IT...AM I GOING TO BLOW UP NOW? ALSO..CIRCLIPS IN TRANSMISSION CASING MADE THE TRANSMISSION GRENADE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED.…”
“THE VW TRANSMISSION, KNOWN AS THE 020, ON THE 16V MODELS ARE GARBAGE. RING GEAR RIVITS SHEAR AND ARE PUNCHED THROUGH THE HOUSING DESTROYING THE UNIT COMPLETELY. I HAVE GONE THROUGH FIVE AND HAVE SEEN SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS FALL VICTOM TO THIS POORLY MANUFACTURED PART. VW CLAIMS NO RESPONSIBILITY AND…”
The record is thin — 15 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (8 complaints), transmission (7 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.