2019 Volkswagen Sharan: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2019 Volkswagen Sharan?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2019 Volkswagen Sharan than on all cars registered in 2019.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints5.2× usual
  Volkswagen Sharan

  11.5% All 2019 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.3% of all 2019 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 leaks3.4× usual
  Volkswagen Sharan

  3.1% All 2019 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0% of all 2019 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.

Common 2019 Volkswagen Sharan MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2019 Volkswagen Sharan MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  24% 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.

• Suspension
  13% 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
  12% 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
  6% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  4% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  3% 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.

Known faults on the 2019 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 2019 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 5.2× as often on the 2019 Volkswagen Sharan as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2019 Volkswagen Sharan as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?