VW Scirocco 3(13)
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
280 PS
2.0L TSI Benzin
Scirocco R — king of front-wheel drive
Legendary!211–235 PS
2.0L TFSI Benzin
8 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The VW Scirocco 3 is available with 6 engine variants — from 122 to 280 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The VW 2.0L TDI (Diesel, 170–184 PS) has the CFGC (2.0L TDI) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The VW 2.0L TDI CR (Diesel, 136–177 PS) comes with 2 different engines: CBBB (2008–2014, Stay Away!) und CBDB (2008–2014, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L TDI CR!
The VW 1.4L TSI (Benziner, 122–125 PS) has the CAXA (1.4L TSI) — rated: "Stay Away!", 5 known weaknesses.
The VW 1.4L TSI Twincharger (Benziner, 160 PS) has the CAVD (1.4L TSI Twincharger) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The VW 2.0L TFSI (Benziner, 211 PS) has the CCZB (2.0L TFSI) — rated: "Stay Away!", 8 known weaknesses.
The VW 2.0L TSI (Benziner, 200–265 PS) comes with 2 different engines: CAWB (2008–2014, Stay Away!) und CDLA (2009–2014, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L TSI!
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Rear spring breakage Rear coil springs typically break at the lowest coil seating due to corrosion. Problem occurs with original and lowered suspension. Shock absorbers worn after approximately 90,000–130,000 km. Symptoms: Thumping or banging from the rear, one side of the rear end sitting low, unstable handling from 100,000 km | Low |
Alternatives
Audi R8 4S
Sportwagen (2015–2023)
BMW M2 F87
Sportwagen (2015–2021)
Ford Mustang S550
Sportwagen (2015–2024)
Mercedes-Benz AMG GT C190
Sportwagen (2015–2021)
Subaru WRX VA
Sportwagen (2015–2021)
Subaru STI VA
Sportwagen (2015–2021)
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 91 weaknesses have been documented for the VW Scirocco 3 (2008–2017) — 82 engine-related and 9 vehicle-related. 6 problem engines: CAXA (1.4L TSI), CAVD (1.4L TSI Twincharger), CCZB (2.0L TFSI), CBBB (2.0L TDI CR), CAWB (2.0L TSI), CBDB (2.0L TDI CR). Typical issues affect Suspension, Rust, Gearbox, Body.
Scirocco (CBBB, 2008–2014) — Stay Away!: Timing chain wear, Increased oil consumption from piston rings, Water pump failure. Power: 170–177 PS.
Scirocco (CBDB, 2008–2014) — Stay Away!: EGR valve and EGR cooler fail after update, Water pump leaking, coolant loss, Emissions scandal recall (EA189 emission software). Power: 136–140 PS.
Scirocco (CFGC, 2010–2014) — Be Careful: Timing belt failure and water pump failure, DSG mechatronics failure at high mileage, EGR cooler leaking — coolant loss. Power: 170–184 PS.
Scirocco (CUUB, 2014–2017) — Be Careful: Water Pump Failure, Overheating Risk, Low Oil Pressure at Idle — Bearing Damage Possible, EGR Valve and EGR Cooler Coked Up. Power: 150 PS.
Scirocco (CUWA, 2014–2017) — Be Careful: Water Pump Failure with Overheating Risk, Low Oil Pressure at Idle — Bearing Damage Possible, EGR Valve and EGR Cooler Coked Up. Power: 177–184 PS.
Scirocco (CAXA, 2008–2014) — Stay Away!: Timing chain prematurely worn EA111, Timing chain stretched / tensioner failed, Increased oil consumption. Power: 122–125 PS.
Scirocco (CAVD, 2008–2014) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretches — engine damage risk, Piston ring land failure and massive oil consumption, Supercharger magnetic clutch failed. Power: 160 PS.
Scirocco (CCZB, 2008–2017) — Stay Away!: Oil consumption EA888 Gen1/2 2.0 TSI CCZB, Timing chain stretch EA888 2.0 TSI CCZB, Timing chain tensioner failure. Power: 211 PS.
Scirocco (CAWB, 2008–2014) — Stay Away!: EA888 Gen.1 chain tensioner wears prematurely, Variable oil pump delivers insufficient pressure, Increased oil consumption from piston rings. Power: 200 PS.
Scirocco (CDLA, 2009–2014) — Be Careful: High-pressure pump cam follower wears, Oil pump wet belt — failure risk, Crankcase ventilation (PCV valve) failed. Power: 265 PS.
Scirocco (CHHB, 2014–2017) — Be Careful: Timing chain rattle on cold start, Water pump / thermostat housing leaking, Turbocharger worn at high mileage. Power: 220 PS.
Scirocco (CXSB, 2014–2017) — Be Careful: Timing Belt Camshaft Sprocket Defective on Early Builds, Timing Chain Stretch — Manufacturing Defect, Camshaft Adjuster Seal Leaking. Power: 122–125 PS.
Scirocco (CULA, 2014–2017) — Be Careful: Oil Pump Delivers Too Little Pressure at Idle, Timing Chain Stretches in EA888 Gen.3, Water Pump Housing Leaking. Power: 179 PS.
Scirocco (CULC, 2014–2017) — Be Careful: Oil Pump With Insufficient Pressure at Low RPM, Turbocharger Failure from Bearing Damage, Timing Chain Stretches at High Mileage. Power: 220 PS.
Scirocco (CDLK, 2014–2017) — Be Careful: Oil pump with insufficient pressure, Turbocharger failure from bearing wear, Timing chain wear at high mileage. Power: 280 PS.
What to watch out for with the VW Scirocco? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee