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Volkswagen Scirocco Mk3 (2008-2017) reliability

At a glance

Volkswagen Scirocco Mk3 built around 2017: about average at the MOT

Volkswagen Scirocco Mk3 models built around 2017 fail their MOT a little more often than similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Volkswagen Scirocco Mk3?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

17% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Scirocco Mk3 models built around 2017 ended in a fail (retests included), against 14% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Volkswagen Scirocco Mk3 models built around 2017 involves the tyres.

Volkswagen Scirocco Mk3
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2008-2017CoupePETROL / DIESEL

Based on 58,659 tests of Scirocco models registered 2008-2017.

About 1 in 40 Scirocco Mk3 MOTs (2.8%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2017 (8 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 5,920 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 15 Scirocco Mk3 MOTs (6.3%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2017 (8 years old).

Based on 5,920 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk3 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
2,40815.9%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
5,92017.4%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
6,52519.2%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
6,13222.7%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
5,20025.0%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
5,63425.9%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
6,80027.7%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
8,10128.4%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
7,36529.3%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
4,32628.7%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
24830.2%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 17 years old.

How the Scirocco Mk3 compares

At each age below, see how the Scirocco Mk3 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 270,316 tests across 17 Volkswagen models, built around 2017 (8 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateVolkswagen average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
2,40815.9%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
5,92017.4%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
6,52519.2%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
6,13222.7%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
5,20025.0%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
5,63425.9%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
6,80027.7%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
8,10128.4%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
7,36529.3%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
4,32628.7%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
24830.2%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Shock absorbers

Worth checking

Bounce-test each corner; check for oily streaks down the strut bodies.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other coupes to compare

Other coupes, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Scirocco Mk3.

  1. 1

    Porsche 911

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    6.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.2%
    Dangerous
    2.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94%

    Lower fail rate: 6.6%, against 17.4% for the Volkswagen Scirocco Mk3, both built around 2017.

    1,806 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  2. 2

    Jaguar F-Type

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    7.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.6%
    Dangerous
    2.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.3%

    Lower fail rate: 7.5%, against 17.4% for the Volkswagen Scirocco Mk3, both built around 2017.

    3 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    2,173 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  3. 3

    Audi TT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.6%
    Dangerous
    4.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.5%

    Lower fail rate: 10.6%, against 17.4% for the Volkswagen Scirocco Mk3, both built around 2017.

    8,828 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  4. 4

    BMW M2

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.6%
    Dangerous
    3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    89.8%

    Lower fail rate: 10.3%, against 17.4% for the Volkswagen Scirocco Mk3, both built around 2017.

    6 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,194 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

94%of all Volkswagen Scirocco cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

5 recalls in all

All 5 Scirocco Mk3 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 4 more

Top concerns

  • Starter motor may malfunction and overheat
  • Abs/esc system may fail
  • Airbag/belt tensioners may not trigger in event of an accident

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

Fail rate by engine size, built around 2017 (8 years old)

Engine sizes across all petrol Scirocco tests (not specific to Mk3).

1.0 to 1.4 litres17.0%1,650 tests1.4 to 2.0 litres14.3%1,686 tests
How Scirocco Mk3 cars have aged

How Scirocco Mk3 cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%46810121416Age at MOTBuilt around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 13.0% (3,560 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 15.1% (3,406 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 15.9% (3,288 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.3% (3,190 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.2% (3,119 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 14.0% (3,937 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 15.1% (3,807 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 16.6% (3,748 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.1% (3,659 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 18.2% (3,582 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 16.7% (4,058 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.3% (4,025 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 18.8% (3,952 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 19.8% (3,933 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 21.9% (3,883 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 18.7% (2,779 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 18.9% (2,707 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 21.4% (2,681 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 23.1% (2,675 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 24.5% (2,658 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 19.9% (3,381 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 21.7% (3,391 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 23.4% (3,330 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 24.3% (3,305 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 26.1% (3,245 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 22.6% (3,524 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 23.5% (3,506 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 25.3% (3,499 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 25.2% (3,341 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 26.8% (3,243 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 25.9% (5,017 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.3% (4,928 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.5% (4,670 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 28.4% (4,547 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.9% (4,347 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.6% (5,545 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 28.1% (5,235 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 28.5% (4,976 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 29.3% (4,681 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 28.5% (4,234 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.7% (4,629 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (4,429 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 28.3% (4,139 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 29.2% (3,858 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 28.3% (3,399 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 26.3% (482 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.3% (410 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 30.0% (363 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 28.6% (322 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 30.2% (248 tests, 2025 data)2008
First registered around 2017First registered around 2016First registered around 2015First registered around 2014
Mk3 variants compared

Scirocco Mk3 variants built around 2017

The fail rate for each Scirocco Mk3 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • SCIROCCO15.7%3,344 tests

Diesel

  • SCIROCCO19.7%2,573 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Volkswagen Sciroccos of this age

This list covers every Volkswagen Scirocco built around 2017, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk3 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    18.3%
    Advisory: 1,482Fail: 146 (9% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    12.5%
    Advisory: 851Fail: 228 (21% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    11.9%
    Advisory: 989Fail: 16 (2% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    9.8%
    Advisory: 618Fail: 87 (12% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Shock absorber has a light misting of oil

    9.1%
    Advisory: 580Fail: 80 (12% of the times it was found)

Based on 5,920 tests

Looking at a Volkswagen Scirocco Mk3?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2017 (8 years old), the Volkswagen Scirocco Mk3 (2008-2017) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 5,920 8-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 58,659 MOT tests on Volkswagen Sciroccos first registered between 2008-2017. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.