1986 Volkswagen Scirocco recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. FUEL PUMP, LOCATED INSIDE FUEL TANK, COULD SEIZE DURING HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES BECAUSE OF AN EXTREME FINE MESH FUEL FILTER RESTRICTING THE FUEL FLOW.
What could happen: FUEL SUPPLY TO ENGINE WOULD BE PARTIALLY INTERRUPTED,RESULTING IN STALLING.
The fix: INSTALL A MODIFIED FUEL PUMP AND FILTER.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1986 SCIROCCO.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volkswagen dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 87V053000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Summary: 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.
Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL PUMP.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH A DUAL FUEL PUMP SYSTEM.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (2), Gasoline (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (2)
01/17/2000 · Fuel system
REFERENCE RECALL 91V201000: A RECALL ON 1987 VW 16V SCIROCCOS' FUEL TANK. MY 1986 16 V SCIROCCO WAS AN EARLY RELEASE OF THE 16V SCIROCCO MODEL; IT IS ACTUALLY A 1986 1/2. IT IS EXACTLY LIKE THE 1987 MODEL. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY MY CAR IS NOT COVERED BY THIS RECALL. I HAVE TRIED TO CONTACT THE MANUF. AND I HAVE NOT HAD ANY LUCK, SAME WITH DEALER SO FAR…
05/29/1998 · Fuel system
FUEL TANK HAS A CRACK IN IT. ALSO MANY OF THE SCIROCCOS WERE RECALLED, BUT OWNER'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. *AK