The Volkswagen Sharan has specific safety issues that you need to be aware of as an owner: jamming seatbelts in the third row, a disappointing four‑star Euro NCAP score and mediocre protection for rear passengers in certain crashes. These issues require regular checks and maintenance. Read on to find out exactly what you need to look out for.
Why the Sharan did not achieve five stars
Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme, an independent crash‑test organisation) retested the Volkswagen Sharan in 2019 and gave the model four out of five stars. That seems fine, but it is a step back compared with the five stars it received in 2010. The reason? Stricter test criteria and specific weaknesses that came to light. In frontal collisions the passenger compartment remains stable and protection for knees and thighs is good. But in the full‑width barrier test a major problem emerged: high loads on the shoulder belt of rear passengers. This resulted in marginal to poor chest protection in the back.
In side crashes the Sharan’s performance was mixed. The barrier test went very well with maximum points for all critical body regions. However, the side pole test produced a worrying result: the side door came loose during the impact. This increases the risk of occupants being thrown from the car. Despite adequate chest protection elsewhere, this detached door cost the Sharan valuable points. For more information about car problems with Volkswagen models you can find extensive details on our website.
‘ The problem is often caused by dirt or wear in the retractor mechanism. ’
Seatbelt problems in the third row of seats
Owners of the seven‑seater version regularly report problems with the seatbelts in the third row. The belts lock when pulling them out or tighten too much. This makes it difficult to fasten passengers, especially children, comfortably. The problem is often caused by dirt or wear in the retractor mechanism. After years of use the system may operate less smoothly.
Regularly test whether the belts in all rows pull out and retract properly. Pull the belt all the way out and let it slowly retract. Does the belt get stuck halfway or feel rough? Then maintenance or replacement is needed. Pay particular attention to the following warning signs:
- Belt pulls out with difficulty or gets stuck
- Retractor mechanism makes creaking noises
- Belt tightens too much on rear passengers
- Belt webbing shows signs of wear or fraying
Too much load on the shoulder belt
The test measurements showed that, in a frontal collision, the shoulder belt exerts too much force on the chest of rear passengers. This led to a penalty in the full‑width test. The belt tension or positioning in the rear is not optimally calibrated. In a real‑world crash this can cause more severe chest injuries than would otherwise be necessary.
Always adjust the belt height for optimum protection. The belt should run across the middle of the shoulder, not too close to the neck and not slipping off the shoulder. Do not wear thick winter coats under the belt, as this negatively affects the tension. For children you must by law use an appropriate child seat that suits their weight and height.
Whiplash risk for rear bench
The whiplash protection of the front seats scores well in tests, but for the rear seats it is only marginal. In a rear‑end collision there is therefore a higher risk of neck injury for rear passengers. The head restraints and seat structure provide less support than at the front.
Always adjust the head restraints on the rear bench correctly. The top of the head restraint should be level with the top of the head. If the head restraint is too low, it will not provide sufficient protection in a whiplash situation. Check this every time a new passenger sits in the back, especially on longer journeys.
‘ These updates can improve performance and help the system recognise new scenarios more effectively. ’
Safety systems that do work well
Despite the weaknesses mentioned, the Sharan does have good active safety systems. The Autonomous Emergency Braking system operates from 5 kilometres per hour and performs well against both vehicles and pedestrians and cyclists. Lane assist and speed limit recognition via camera and navigation map come as standard. The seatbelt reminder works for all seats with visual and audible warnings.
Make sure the software for these systems is up to date. When your car is serviced, ask whether updates are available for AEB and lane assist. These updates can improve performance and help the system recognise new scenarios more effectively. Keep the cameras and sensors clean for optimum performance.
Practical tips for Sharan owners
Make seatbelt checks a fixed part of your maintenance routine. Test all belts at least twice a year to ensure they work properly. Check not only whether they pull out and retract correctly, but also whether the buckle clicks in securely and releases easily. Replace belts at the slightest doubt about their condition, as a damaged belt may fail in an accident.
Pay attention to the side doors when getting in. Although detachment only occurred in the extreme side pole test, it is sensible to regularly check the hinges for play or rust. This applies especially to older Sharan models from before 2019. Rust around the door frame can weaken the structure over time.
Optimise the seat positions for maximum safety. Do not place the rear seats unnecessarily far forward, as this limits the crumple zone in a frontal collision. Use all available safety features actively and make sure passengers know how to use the belts correctly.
Older versus newer models
For Sharan models from before 2019, milder test standards applied that resulted in five stars. This does not automatically mean that these cars are less safe, but they were assessed under different criteria. Modern tests are stricter, with greater focus on child safety, safety systems and protection of vulnerable road users.
If you choose a used example, first check the complete safety equipment. Not all Sharan trims have the same standard specification. Ask the seller or dealer whether AEB and lane assist are fitted and about the condition of all seatbelts. If in doubt, have a specialist test the belt mechanisms.
‘ But these specific weaknesses do call for awareness and preventive action. ’
What this means for your driving experience
The safety issues mentioned do not mean that the Sharan is an unsafe car. The basic structure remains intact in crashes and most body regions are well protected. But these specific weaknesses do call for awareness and preventive action. Regular checking of the belts and correct adjustment of head restraints make a measurable difference.
Drive defensively and anticipate traffic situations to avoid side impacts. The detached door in the test is an extreme scenario, but it does illustrate where the structure is vulnerable. Use the active safety systems as an extra layer of protection and do not switch them off.
On the Carnews website you can find more in‑depth information about Volkswagen models, common car problems and practical maintenance tips. Discover which checks you can carry out yourself and when it is better to call in a specialist. You will also find comparisons with other seven‑seater cars and their safety performance, so you can make a well‑informed choice for your family situation.
Frequently asked questions
In Euro NCAP tests of the Volkswagen Sharan, high loads in the rear shoulder seatbelts were particularly noted, leading to marginal to poor chest protection for rear passengers. This indicates less‑than‑optimal belt tension and positioning, meaning that in a severe frontal impact the risk of chest and shoulder injuries for rear occupants increases. It is also mentioned that, in everyday use, the rear belts are sometimes experienced as too tight and uncomfortable, which may cause occupants to wear them incorrectly or loosen them. Despite generally good structural protection from the car itself, these belt‑related issues create a safety disadvantage especially for rear passengers.
Crash tests show that the Volkswagen Sharan generally has a strong passenger cell and provides good protection in frontal and side impacts. At the same time, the full‑width crash tests show that chest protection for rear passengers is moderate to poor due to high loads from the shoulder belt. The belts themselves function technically well, but their adjustment and distribution of force in the rear are suboptimal, which can lead to additional chest loading. These points contributed to four rather than five Euro NCAP stars in more recent tests.
Regularly check for fraying, damage, stiff retraction or sticking belts and have any worn or poorly retracting belt replaced immediately. Clean the belt guides, buckles and retractors (for example, remove crumbs and dirt from the buckle) and do not use aggressive cleaning agents on the belt webbing. Correctly adjust the height of the belt and head restraints and make sure the belt lies flat across chest and hips, not across the neck or stomach; if necessary, adjust the seat position. In case of doubt, or after a collision, always have the belts and belt tensioners checked by a VW dealer and replaced if needed.
Look for fraying, tears, discolouration and stiff spots in the belt webbing, a jerky or incomplete retraction mechanism and a buckle that does not click in smoothly or releases again. At the rear, check the fit and height adjustment of the shoulder belts especially carefully, because crash tests measured higher belt loads on the chest there. Inspect the chassis around the door openings and B‑pillars for signs of (re)sprayed paint, deformation, rust or poorly aligned doors, as the Sharan showed a detached door in the side pole test. Check whether all doors close properly, do not “spring” in the latch and have no play in the hinges or striker plates.
