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Volkswagen Sharan reliability

B · Good

MOT pass rates and common problems from 290,949 MOT tests of cars first registered 2001–2021.

Jump to: YearsEnginesCommon failures
71.3%pass first time
+2.3 ptsvs typical car
Beats 62%of cars
290,949MOT tests

Verdict

The Volkswagen Sharan passes its MOT first time on 71.3% of tests, 2.3 points higher than a typical car of the same age and mileage (69.0%). That puts it ahead of 62% of cars on UK roads once age and mileage are taken into account.

By year of first registration, the 2019 Sharan does best (beats 89% of cars) and the 2014 worst (beats 70%).

Of its engines, the 2.0 Diesel does best (beats 72%) and the 1.9 Diesel worst (beats 35%).

Better than average on brakes, visibility.

Watch these weak spots

Body & structure1.3×as often as a typical car
Seat belts & airbags1.3×as often as a typical car
Suspension arm bushes2.6×as often as a typical car
Indicator side repeaters2.4×as often as a typical car

MOT pass rate by age

First-time pass rate at each MOT by the car’s age in years.

40%50%60%70%80%90%3456789101112131415161718192083%83%79%73%64%56%51%47%50%
Volkswagen SharanTypical car, same age & mileage

Best and worst years

By year of first registration, ranked against all cars on UK roads after adjusting for age and mileage. Green = better than half of cars.

2001
Beats 46%
2002
Beats 43%
2003
Beats 34%
2004
Beats 35%
2005
Beats 38%
2006
Beats 33%
2007
Beats 30%
2008
Beats 32%
2009
Beats 32%
2010
Beats 46%
2011
Beats 75%
2012
Beats 72%
2013
Beats 69%
2014
Beats 70%
2015
Beats 70%
2016
Beats 79%
2017
Beats 75%
2018
Beats 79%
2019
Beats 89%
2020
Beats 54%
2021
Beats 30%

Engines

All years, most common first. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate.

EngineYearsTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel2006–2020212,73876.4%Beats 72%B
1.9 Diesel2001–201057,67748.6%Beats 35%D
1.4 Petrol2011–202120,53483.1%Beats 64%B

Where it fails

Each area compared with a typical car of the same age and mileage, in points of pass rate. Tap or hover an area to see what to check.

Exhaust: 3.2% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 3.6% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Suspension: 10.6% of tests fail on suspension, against 9.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Lights: 10.9% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 13.4% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Tyres: 7.6% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Brakes: 6.1% of tests fail on brakes, against 7.9% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Lights: 10.9% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 13.4% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Lights+2.5 ptsTyres: 7.6% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Tyres−0.5 ptsBrakes: 6.1% of tests fail on brakes, against 7.9% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Brakes+1.8 ptsSuspension: 10.6% of tests fail on suspension, against 9.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Suspension−1.0 ptsExhaust: 3.2% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 3.6% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Exhaust+0.4 ptsSuspension: 10.6% of tests fail on suspension, against 9.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Brakes: 6.1% of tests fail on brakes, against 7.9% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Tyres: 7.6% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Lights: 10.9% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 13.4% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Exhaust: 3.2% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 3.6% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Lights: 10.9% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 13.4% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Lights+2.5 ptsTyres: 7.6% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Tyres−0.5 ptsBrakes: 6.1% of tests fail on brakes, against 7.9% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Brakes+1.8 ptsSuspension: 10.6% of tests fail on suspension, against 9.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Suspension−1.0 ptsExhaust: 3.2% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 3.6% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Exhaust+0.4 pts
Better than typicalTypicalWorse than typical
Suspension: 10.6% of tests fail on suspension, against 9.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.

Every MOT area

Share of tests failing on each area, against a typical car of the same age and mileage (black line).

Lights & electrics
10.9% vs 13.4%
Suspension
10.6% vs 9.7%
Tyres
7.6% vs 7.2%
Brakes
6.1% vs 7.9%
Body & structure
4.5% vs 3.6%
Visibility
3.7% vs 5.1%
Emissions & leaks
3.2% vs 3.6%
Steering
1.7% vs 2.2%
Seat belts & airbags
1.6% vs 1.2%
Wheels
0.4% vs 0.5%

Buying one or MOT due? Check these

  • Suspension arm bushes 2.6× typical
    Listen for knocks over speed bumps and feel for wandering or vague steering.
  • Indicator side repeaters 2.4× typical
    Walk around with the lights on: bulb failures are the easiest MOT fails to avoid.
  • Tyre damage & cracking
    Look for cuts, bulges and cracking on both sidewalls of every tyre.
  • Headlight aim
    Park facing a wall at night: both dipped beams should sit level and dip to the left.
  • Tyre tread depth
    Check every tyre, including the inner edge, has at least 3 mm of tread. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems.
  • Brake pads
    Ask when the pads were last replaced and look for a brake-wear warning on the dash.

Pass rate by mileage

First-time pass rate by mileage at the test.

50%60%70%80%90%100%0k10k20k30k40k50k60k70k80k90k100k110k120k130k140k150k90%85%81%78%72%67%64%61%
Volkswagen SharanTypical car

Most common MOT failures

ItemThis carTypicalvs typical
Tyre damage & cracking4.6%3.6%1.3×
Suspension arm bushes3.3%1.3%2.6×
Sidelights3.0%3.2%0.9×
Headlight aim3.0%3.7%0.8×
Tyre tread depth2.7%3.1%0.9×
Drive shaft (CV) joints1.9%1.5%1.3×
Brake pads1.8%2.4%0.7×
Windscreen wipers1.7%2.3%0.7×
Brake lights1.7%2.3%0.7×
Handbrake performance1.5%1.7%0.9×

Specific defects found

Tester wording for the most frequent failure items, per 1,000 tests.

Defectper 1,000
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn51.6
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements29.7
Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements27.3
A tyre cords visible or damaged25.5
A suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc25.1
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning23.1
Engine MIL illuminated indicating a malfunction20.2
A tyre seriously damaged20.0
Check another car

Pick a make and model to see its MOT pass rate, best and worst years and weak spots.

Every year and engine

Tap a year to see its engines. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate.

2021 Volkswagen Sharan1 engine85.5% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.4 Petrol3,26385.5%Beats 30%D
2020 Volkswagen Sharan2 engines85.1% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel4,40385.1%Beats 62%B
1.4 Petrol1,88285.0%Beats 27%D
2019 Volkswagen Sharan2 engines85.4% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel25,64685.7%Beats 94%A
1.4 Petrol6,63984.1%Beats 46%C
2018 Volkswagen Sharan2 engines84.3% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel16,26884.6%Beats 84%A
1.4 Petrol3,30083.1%Beats 44%C
2017 Volkswagen Sharan2 engines82.2% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel22,30382.1%Beats 77%B
1.4 Petrol1,72883.3%Beats 58%C
2016 Volkswagen Sharan1 engine81.1% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel25,34781.1%Beats 79%B
2015 Volkswagen Sharan1 engine77.9% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel28,71677.9%Beats 70%B
2014 Volkswagen Sharan1 engine74.8% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel25,77774.8%Beats 70%B
2013 Volkswagen Sharan1 engine71.7% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel19,14471.7%Beats 69%B
2012 Volkswagen Sharan2 engines69.9% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel15,56568.8%Beats 68%B
1.4 Petrol1,82679.5%Beats 97%A
2011 Volkswagen Sharan2 engines68.6% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel16,31767.6%Beats 72%B
1.4 Petrol1,89676.6%Beats 94%A
2010 Volkswagen Sharan2 engines58.1% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel4,46660.0%Beats 54%C
1.9 Diesel2,48954.6%Beats 33%D
2009 Volkswagen Sharan2 engines52.5% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.9 Diesel4,37952.0%Beats 30%D
2.0 Diesel1,38253.9%Beats 39%D
2008 Volkswagen Sharan2 engines50.5% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.9 Diesel5,63250.7%Beats 33%D
2.0 Diesel2,02050.0%Beats 30%D
2007 Volkswagen Sharan2 engines48.7% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.9 Diesel7,63149.4%Beats 32%D
2.0 Diesel2,92446.7%Beats 24%D
2006 Volkswagen Sharan2 engines48.0% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.9 Diesel7,84248.2%Beats 33%D
2.0 Diesel2,46047.4%Beats 31%D
2005 Volkswagen Sharan1 engine48.5% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.9 Diesel10,96448.5%Beats 38%D
2004 Volkswagen Sharan1 engine46.2% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.9 Diesel7,96446.2%Beats 35%D
2003 Volkswagen Sharan1 engine44.9% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.9 Diesel5,70944.9%Beats 34%D
2002 Volkswagen Sharan1 engine47.4% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.9 Diesel3,41347.4%Beats 43%C
2001 Volkswagen Sharan1 engine49.0% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.9 Diesel1,65449.0%Beats 46%C

FAQ

What is the Volkswagen Sharan MOT pass rate?

71.3% of MOT tests on the Volkswagen Sharan were passed first time, based on 290,949 tests between 2018 and 2026 of cars first registered 2001–2021. A typical car of the same age and mileage passes 69.0% of the time.

Is the Volkswagen Sharan reliable?

On MOT results it rates B (good): it passes first time more often than a typical car of the same age and mileage and does better than 62% of cars on UK roads. MOT results cover safety and emissions items, not every kind of breakdown.

Which Volkswagen Sharan year is best?

Among years with enough data, the 2019 Sharan does best for its age and mileage: it beats 89% of cars on UK roads. The 2014 does worst: it beats 70%.

Which Volkswagen Sharan engine is best?

Across all years, the 2.0 Diesel does best: it beats 72% of cars on UK roads. The 1.9 Diesel does worst: it beats 35%.

What are the most common MOT failures on the Volkswagen Sharan?

The most common failure items are tyre damage & cracking, suspension arm bushes, sidelights. Compared with similar cars, suspension arm bushes comes up 2.6× as often.

How we calculate this. We use official MOT results for cars tested in Great Britain from 2018 to 2026. Each car is compared with typical cars of the same age and mileage, so old and new cars are judged fairly; “pts” are percentage points above or below them. Differences also reflect how cars are used and maintained, not only how they are built.