2015 Volkswagen Sharan: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2015 Volkswagen Sharan?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2015 Volkswagen Sharan than on all cars registered in 2015.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints3× usual
  Volkswagen Sharan

  21.6% All 2015 cars

  7.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 1.4% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

• Suspension arm4.7× usual
  Volkswagen Sharan

  5.6% All 2015 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.1% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

• Engine oil leaks2.1× usual
  Volkswagen Sharan

  7.2% All 2015 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.1% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Link ball joint covers2.6× usual
  Volkswagen Sharan

  2.6% All 2015 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.5% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2015 Volkswagen Sharan MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2015 Volkswagen Sharan MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  36% 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.

• Tyres
  34% 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.

• Brakes
  20% 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
  12% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  7% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Known faults on the 2015 Volkswagen Sharan

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Electrical faults

  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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2015 Volkswagen Sharan

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

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2015 Volkswagen Sharan as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 4.7× as often on the 2015 Volkswagen Sharan as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2015 Volkswagen Sharan as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?