The thinking family's seven-seat MPV
The Sharan is VW's full-size MPV, sold in two generations: Mk1 (1995-2010, shared with SEAT Alhambra and Ford Galaxy) and Mk2 (2010-2022). The Mk2 dominates the used market from around £8,000-£15,000 for 2015-2019 models. It is roomier and more refined than the Touran, and undercuts the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer on price while offering genuinely usable seven seats. Discontinued in 2022 with no direct replacement, making good examples increasingly sought after by large families.
We track 5 known issues across the Volkswagen Sharan range, including 2 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Volkswagen Sharan? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
7M (1995–2010) — Petrol options included the 2.0, with 1.9 TDI on the diesel side. Our database flags 5 known issues on this generation, 2 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Structural corrosion affecting vehicle rigidity (£1,500–£4,000 to address).
7N (2010–2023) — Petrol options included the 1.4 TSI, 1.4 TSI, 1.4 TSI, 1.4 TSI, with 2.0 TDI on the diesel side. Our database flags 5 known issues on this generation, 2 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Structural corrosion affecting vehicle rigidity (£1,500–£4,000 to address).
The Sharan suffers from severe structural corrosion that reduces the rigidity of the vehicle assembly. MOT data shows this model fails at 48.1 times the fleet average for structural corrosion that seriously compromises safety. The problem affects both diesel and petrol variants, with particular severity on 2.0-litre models between 40,000-60,000 miles. This is not surface rust but fundamental structural deterioration that affects the car's crashworthiness and basic integrity.
Structural corrosion compromises crash protection and can lead to MOT failure on safety grounds. The vehicle may be unsafe to drive if corrosion is extensive. Professional structural repairs typically cost £2,000-£5,000 but many cars are written off as beyond economical repair when structural integrity is compromised.
Inspect the wheel arches, sills, jacking points and door bottoms carefully. Press gently on sills to check for soft spots. Look underneath for corrosion on structural components. Check the MOT history for corrosion-related advisories or failures.
Corrosion around subframe mounting points compromises the structural integrity within 30cm of suspension component mounting areas. 0-litre variants. This corrosion affects the prescribed areas that support suspension loads and can lead to catastrophic failure of suspension mounting points.
Subframe mounting corrosion can lead to sudden suspension component detachment while driving, creating an immediate danger to vehicle control. The car should not be driven if significant corrosion is present in these prescribed areas. Professional repair requires extensive welding and structural work costing £1,500-£4,000.
Inspect the wheel arches, sills, jacking points and door bottoms carefully. Press gently on sills to check for soft spots. Look underneath for corrosion on structural components. Check the MOT history for corrosion-related advisories or failures.
The Sharan experiences accelerated wear of suspension bushes, pins and joints. MOT data shows this model fails at 23.9 times the fleet average for excessive suspension wear, affecting all engine variants but particularly severe on 2.0-litre models around 100,000-120,000 miles. The large size and weight of the vehicle, combined with typical family loading patterns, places high stress on suspension components.
Worn suspension bushes affect handling, braking stability, and tyre wear patterns. The vehicle remains safe to drive but handling deteriorates progressively. Multiple bushes typically need replacement together, with total costs reaching £800-£1,500 for a comprehensive suspension bush renewal.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
Shock absorber failure is significantly more common on the Sharan than the general car population. MOT data shows this model fails at 15.3 times the fleet average for shock absorber damage or severe leakage, particularly affecting 2.0-litre petrol variants between 60,000-80,000 miles. The combination of vehicle weight and typical family use accelerates shock absorber wear.
Failed shock absorbers significantly increase braking distances and reduce vehicle stability, particularly in emergency manoeuvres. The vehicle can be driven but handling and safety are compromised. Shock absorbers should typically be replaced in pairs per axle, with costs of £400-£800 for a full set including fitting.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
Flexible brake hoses on the Sharan deteriorate at a significantly higher rate than average. The problem particularly affects 2.0-litre petrol variants around 60,000-80,000 miles. Age and exposure to road salt accelerate hose degradation beyond normal service life.
Brake hose failure can lead to complete loss of braking on the affected circuit. Modern cars have split brake circuits so total brake failure is unlikely, but braking distances will increase dramatically. The vehicle should not be driven if brake hose damage is suspected. Brake hose replacement typically costs £200-£500 including system bleeding.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
For the full breakdown of all 5 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Volkswagen Sharan common problems page.
Based on 199k real DVSA MOT tests, the Volkswagen Sharan fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is seat mounting fault at 105x the fleet average, followed by mandatory tell-tale for direction indicators mi... (39x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Volkswagen Sharan MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 10k miles) typically costs £80–£120 at an independent garage.
The bigger-ticket items to budget for include dsg transmission fluid (£250–£350), timing belt (£400–£600).
See the full Volkswagen Sharan service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Volkswagen Sharan has some well-documented weak points, including 2 safety-critical issues that demand careful checking. The right example, properly maintained, can still be a sound purchase — but cutting corners on the pre-purchase inspection is not advisable. 2015-2019 post-facelift Mk2 models are the best: improved interior, reliable 2.0 TDI 150 engine, and better infotainment. The six-speed manual is more reliable than the DSG. Mk1 models from 2006-2010 are budget alternatives where VW had resolved earlier transmission issues. Avoid early Mk2 cars (2010-2012) which had DSG problems, and any Mk1 with the 1.9 TDI and DPF issues.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Volkswagen Sharan, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 5 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 5 known Volkswagen Sharan issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.