Volkswagen Scirocco III facelift (137) (2014 – 2017)

Reliability score : 8.3/10

The Volkswagen Scirocco III (Type 137), initially launched in 2008, benefited from a mid-cycle facelift presented at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. This aesthetic refresh (new bumpers, LED taillights, integration of three gauges on the dashboard in homage to the original model) is accompanied above all by a complete overhaul of the engine range to meet the Euro 6 standard. In terms of reliability, this facelift is excellent news: it marks the abandonment of the problematic phase 1 engines (such as the 1.4 TSI Twincharger EA111 and the 2.0 TSI EA888 Gen2, which consumed a lot of oil, or the 2.0 TDI EA189 involved in Dieselgate). The facelifted Scirocco adopts modern and more reliable blocks (EA211, EA888 Gen3, and EA288 for the diesel). The model retains its excellent chassis (based on the PQ3

✅ Strengths

Overall reliability significantly improved on this phase 2 (Euro 6 engines)
2.0 TDI EA288 engine very economical, torquey, and rid of the EA189's flaws
Dynamic road handling and precise chassis (especially with DCC adaptive chassis control)
Timeless design that ages remarkably well
Interior finish quality and typical VW ergonomics

⚠️ Weaknesses

Very poor rear visibility (reversing camera or parking sensors essential)
Difficult access to the rear seats and trunk with a very high loading sill
DSG7 (DQ200) gearbox on the 1.4 TSI still prone to clutch wear in the city
Firm comfort, particularly with 18 or 19-inch wheels
Aging technical platform (PQ35 from the Golf V) compared to newer competitors

🎯 Verdict

The facelifted Volkswagen Scirocco III (2014-2017) is a highly recommendable purchase, particularly with the 2.0 TDI diesel engine (150 or 184 hp). The transition to the Euro 6 standard has eradicated the serious reliability problems of the phase 1 engines. The EA288 block is robust, extremely economical, and perfectly suited for long trips, provided that maintenance is scrupulously respected (DSG6 oil change, water pump). Avoid this diesel if you only drive in the city (risk of DPF/EGR clogging). For mixed use, the 2.0 TSI 220 hp is the ideal compromise combining reliability (EA888 Gen3) and driving pleasure.

Common issues

Dysfonctionnement de la vanne EGR (Recirculation des Gaz d'Échappement) Medium

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 450 – 850 €

Vérifier l'historique d'entretien et les symptômes (perte de puissance, voyant moteur).

Encrassement ou défaillance du FAP (Filtre à Particules) Medium

🔧 120 000 – 200 000 km

💶 800 – 2 200 € (nettoyage ou remplacement)

Privilégier les longs trajets réguliers pour une bonne régénération du FAP.

Problèmes de mécatronique ou d'embrayage sur boîte DSG High

🔧 100 000 – 180 000 km

💶 1 800 – 3 500 €

Tester la boîte en conduite (passages fluides, pas d'à-coups) et vérifier les vidanges DSG.

Fuite de la pompe à eau Medium

🔧 90 000 – 160 000 km

💶 400 – 700 €

Surveiller le niveau de liquide de refroidissement et les traces de fuite sous le véhicule.

Usure du volant moteur bi-masse (DMF) Medium

🔧 100 000 – 180 000 km

💶 1 000 – 1 800 € (souvent avec l'embrayage)

Écouter les bruits anormaux au ralenti ou lors des changements de vitesse.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£90 – 160
Timing belt	£600 – 1 100
Clutch	£800 – 1 500 (manuel) / £1 400 – 2 500 (DSG, hors mécatronique)
Complete brakes	£300 – 550
Estimated annual budget	£650 – 1 300

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.