Volkswagen Scirocco MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 48,808 MOT tests on the Volkswagen Scirocco carried out in 2023. 30% failed at the first attempt, which is slightly above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 Sciroccos passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1986 to 2018. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2009 models did best (62% passed, +2.6 points against the average for 14-year-old cars), while 1991 models fared worst (65%, −4.7 points). Tested cars had covered 85,953 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was suspension, found on 10.6% of tests (slightly above the 8.9% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "fractured or broken", on 4.6% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 48,808
- First-time pass rate
- 70%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −1.6 points
- Average mileage at test
- 85,953
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Scirocco?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Scirocco MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 647 | 85% | 84% | +0.3 points | 37,409 |
| 2017 | 4,664 | 81% | 82% | −0.3 points | 45,714 |
| 2016 | 5,331 | 80% | 79% | +1.3 points | 55,932 |
| 2015 | 5,497 | 77% | 75% | +1.2 points | 67,067 |
| 2014 | 3,758 | 74% | 72% | +1.9 points | 77,117 |
| 2013 | 4,429 | 70% | 68% | +2.0 points | 87,352 |
| 2012 | 4,435 | 67% | 66% | +1.2 points | 97,526 |
| 2011 | 6,178 | 63% | 63% | +0.3 points | 104,271 |
| 2010 | 6,489 | 61% | 60% | +0.4 points | 109,342 |
| 2009 | 5,574 | 62% | 59% | +2.6 points | 113,334 |
| 2008 | 1,020 | 59% | 57% | +1.4 points | 104,576 |
| 1992 | 96 | 65% | 68% | −3.4 points | 124,412 |
| 1991 | 89 | 65% | 70% | −4.7 points | 125,838 |
| 1990 | 137 | 71% | 71% | −0.2 points | 118,199 |
| 1989 | 92 | 71% | 72% | −1.1 points | 114,900 |
| 1988 | 85 | 73% | 71% | +2.0 points | 118,014 |
| 1987 | 78 | 72% | 72% | +0.1 points | 113,732 |
| 1986 | 53 | 74% | 71% | +2.2 points | 104,741 |
Why the Volkswagen Scirocco fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Scirocco | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 10.6% | 8.9% |
| Lights and electrics | 10.6% | 11.3% |
| Tyres | 9.3% | 6.3% |
| Brakes | 7.1% | 6.8% |
| Visibility | 3.9% | 4.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.4% | 3.1% |
| Body and structure | 1.5% | 3.5% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.9% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 0.7% | 0.4% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.5% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1fractured or broken4.6%
- 2not working4.6%
- 3tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.4%
- 4ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.9%
- 5inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.4%
- 6less than 1.5 mm thick2.3%
- 7too low2.1%
- 8has ply or cords exposed2.1%
- 9efficiency below requirements1.8%
- 10has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.5%
Common Scirocco MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Scirocco, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 17.8% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 12.3% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 8.1% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 7.5% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 7.4% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 5.3% |
| has a serious fluid leak | Suspension | 4.7% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.3% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 4.1% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 2.8% |
Tips to help your Scirocco pass
Based on where Sciroccos most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 10.6% of Scirocco tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 7.1% of Scirocco tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Compare with other models
Is the Scirocco ULEZ compliant? See the Volkswagen Scirocco ULEZ check, or view all Volkswagen models.
Other Volkswagen models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 48,808 first MOT tests of the Volkswagen Scirocco carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 48,808 first MOT tests of the Volkswagen Scirocco.
What is the Volkswagen Scirocco MOT failure rate?
In our data, 30% of 48,808 first MOT attempts on the Volkswagen Scirocco ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Volkswagen Scirocco fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were suspension (10.6% of tests), lights and electrics (10.6% of tests), tyres (9.3% of tests).
Which Scirocco year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2009 cars performed best: 62% passed first time, +2.6 points against the average for 14-year-old cars. The weakest was 1991, at 65% (−4.7 points).
How many miles had a typical Volkswagen Scirocco covered at its MOT?
The average was 85,953 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2018 cars averaged 37,409 miles and 1986 cars 104,741.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Volkswagen Scirocco?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 17.8% of tests, in the tyres area. 9.3% of Sciroccos failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Scirocco's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 48,808 Sciroccos in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 59% to 85% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.Read the guide
Check any Scirocco's MOT history
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