Volkswagen Sharan common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with a Volkswagen Sharan?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

• DSG problems (early cars)

  Cars registered 2010–2013 · Early DSG cars

  Some early cars had DSG gearbox problems.

  At the viewing: Check the paperwork for gearbox work and drive it carefully in traffic.

  Source: What Car?: used Volkswagen Sharan (2010-2022) reliability

• Electrical faults

  Cars registered 2010–2022 · All engines

  Most faults are electrical, in the air con and sat nav. It scored a lowly 78% in What Car?'s survey.

  At the viewing: Test the air con, sat nav and electric sliding doors.

  Source: What Car?: used Volkswagen Sharan (2010-2022) reliability

Common Volkswagen Sharan MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints

  up to 8.7× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Body structure rust or damage

  up to 5.5× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath and along the sills for flaky rust or fresh underseal hiding it.

• Suspension arm

  up to 5.3× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings

  up to 3.4× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2009.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints

  up to 2.7× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Front strut mounts and bushes

  up to 11.8× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

  Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

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

Volkswagen Sharan MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2011 Volkswagen Sharan did best (68% passed first time, 6 points above all 2011 cars) and the 2009 did worst (50%, 9 points below all 2009 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Volkswagen Sharan

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has the DSG had any work?
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 8.7× as often on the Volkswagen Sharan as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the body structure rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 5.5× as often on the Volkswagen Sharan as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 5.3× as often on the Volkswagen Sharan as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?