Volkswagen Sharan reliability
The Volkswagen Sharan fails its MOT about as often as most cars 6 to 10 years old: 22.8% of 15,517 tests failed in 2023, against 24.4% on average.
10 DVSA recalls for the Volkswagen Sharan
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
Takata front drivers or passenger airbag replacement
Urgent Safety Warning – Do Not Drive Your Vehicle Our information shows your vehicle was originally allocated to or used for an extended period of time in a region with a climate zone considered to as HIGH RISK. Issue: The front airbag in your VW vehicle contains an ageing inflator propellant that may explode when deployed due to long-term exposure to heat and humidity. Risk: If the airbag inflator explodes metal fragments may be ejected causing life-threatening or fatal injuries to anyone in the vehicle.
Fix: The front airbag must be replaced. Immediate Action Required: Stop driving your vehicle immediately. Contact the Takata Stop Drive helpline at 0113 526 9646 (MONDAY to FRIDAY 9:00AM to 5:00PM to arrange your recall service.
Recalled models: SHARAN · 44 vehicles
Takata Front airbag
The function of the driver airbag inflators can degrade due to air and moisture ingress.
Fix: Replace airbag
Recalled models: SHARAN (7N) · 70 vehicles
A condenser may fail in the airbag control unit
A condenser in the airbag control unit may fail.
Fix: The software of the airbag control unit must be updated.
Recalled models: SHARAN · 17,988 vehicles
Starter motor may malfunction and overheat
On vehicles with diesel engines and stop/start system the starter motor may be permanently activated because the return spring in the solenoid switch is bent or broken. If the permanent current supply to the starter motor is not noticed overheating of the component with local scorching damage and a vehicle fire is possible.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the solenoid switch.
Recalled models: SHARAN · 16,625 vehicles
Passenger airbag may not deploy as intended
A connection between the detonator and generator in the front passenger airbag module may not be correctly welded. Therefore the airbag may not be triggered in the event of a collision.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the front passenger airbag module.
Recalled models: SHARAN · 32 vehicles
Side airbag gas generator canister may fail
For certain vehicles manufactured within a specific period it is possible that the gas generator housing may be damaged if a side airbag is deployed. If the airbag/s were deployed the gas generator could explode and dislodge small metal parts which could cause injury to the vehicle occupants.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the dates of manufacture for the left and or right side airbags. Where a possibly affected airbag is found it will be replaced.
Recalled models: SHARAN · 38 vehicles
Twin-mass flywheel may fail and result in a vehicle fire
It has been advised that the twin-mass flywheel can become damaged because of poor internal installation. This can result in a failure of the twin-mass flywheel and under unfavourable circumstances a vehicle fire.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the twin-mass flywheel replaced.
Recalled models: SHARAN · 1,521 vehicles
Bolts of the tandem fuel pump cover may break
It is advised that on some vehicles fitted with a 3 and 4 cylinder pump injector engine the bolts of the tandem fuel pump cover may break due to a bolt production fault. As a result the pump housing will not be tight and a diesel fuel leak may occur.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the pump checked for being of a certain manufacture. If found to be within the affected range the pump housing cover bolts will be replaced.
Recalled models: SHARAN · 49,701 vehicles
Windscreen wiper motor may fail
The windscreen wiper motor may cease to work because of an electrical software fault.
Fix: Replace the windscreen wiper motor of all affected vehicles.
Recalled models: SHARAN · 235 vehicles
Freezing of door locks
Rainwater may accumulate in the front door latch mechanism and whilst in a frozen condition may inhibit correct operation of the latches.
Fix: Recall the affected vehicles and protect/lubricate the front door latch mechanisms with a special water repellent grease
Recalled models: SHARAN · 869 vehicles
Checking a Volkswagen Sharan before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.