Vehicle recall 83V116000 · November 9, 1983

Volkswagen Rabbit and Scirocco

Brake lines installed underneath the carpeting in the passenger compartment may rust due to the entry of water and road salt.

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

Summary: Brake lines installed underneath the carpeting in the passenger compartment may rust due to the entry of water and road salt. If rusting remains unchecked, it produces leaks in the lines and brake fluid may be lost.
Remedy: The dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the interior brake lines at no cost to owner. Owners are also advised that all brake lines should be inspected at two-year intervals.
Notes: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles.system: service brakes; brake lines.consequences of defect: failure of one braking circuit of the dual systemincreases the vehicle stopping distance and may result in a vehicle accident.failure of both may cause total loss of brakes.note: owners are cautioned to have vehicles with failed brakes towed to thedealer. Indication of failure is evidenced by soft resistance of the pedal ortravel of the pedal almost to the floor.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign: 83V116000
Reported to NHTSA: November 9, 1983
Filed by: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Owner notification: January 18, 1984
Vehicles potentially affected: 661,585
Initiated by: NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation
Components: Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 83V116000 on nhtsa.gov, with the manufacturer’s documents

Vehicles covered

As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.

Volkswagen Rabbit (1975-1979): 1979, 1978, 1977, 1976, 1975
Volkswagen Scirocco (1975-1979): 1979, 1978, 1977, 1976, 1975

Has your Volkswagen been repaired?

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NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. Recall repairs are free.