Used car guide

1990 Volkswagen Scirocco: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 1990 Volkswagen Sciroccos, from 131 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 131 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

131MOT tests in 2025
68%pass first time (all 1990 cars: 73%)
3,500typical miles a year
26%had brakes flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 1990 Volkswagen Scirocco MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    26% 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.

  • Suspension
    26% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    25% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    16% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    16% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

  • Tyres
    12% 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.

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

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2018656Tyres 29%
20174,593Tyres 32%
20165,246Tyres 32%
20155,362Suspension 35%
20143,678Suspension 36%
20134,309Suspension 37%
20124,173Suspension 43%
20115,717Suspension 48%
20105,842Suspension 50%
20094,835Suspension 48%
2008879Suspension 50%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1990 Volkswagen Sciroccos registered in 1990. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score