Used car guide

2002 Volkswagen Sharan: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2002 Volkswagen Sharans, from 124 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 124 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

124MOT tests in 2025
57%pass first time (all 2002 cars: 60%)
5,700typical miles a year
64%had suspension flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2002 Volkswagen Sharan MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    64% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Brakes
    48% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Lights and electrics
    44% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Tyres
    31% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Rust and bodywork
    23% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    18% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Looking at a Volkswagen Sharan?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20211,160Tyres 29%
20201,622Tyres 27%
20196,557Tyres 24%
20183,298Tyres 28%
20173,479Tyres 30%
20163,220Tyres 29%
20153,109Suspension 36%
20142,708Suspension 39%
20132,117Suspension 43%
20122,040Suspension 46%
20112,086Suspension 46%
2010602Suspension 61%
2009393Suspension 61%
2008459Suspension 64%
2007533Suspension 67%
2006468Suspension 67%
2005474Suspension 65%
2004297Suspension 66%
2003187Suspension 65%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2002 Volkswagen Sharans registered in 2002. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score