Volkswagen Sharan problems

The Volkswagen Sharan is known as a spacious and comfortable family car, ideal for long journeys and everyday use. However, behind its practical appearance lie a number of well-known technical issues that are important for owners and buyers. Good preparation and knowledge of these weak spots can help to avoid unexpected costs and safeguard reliability. Understanding these points of attention, and the ways in which expensive repairs can be prevented, is very important.

The Sharan has been a favourite with large families for many years thanks to its flexible interior with up to seven seats and convenient sliding doors. The model combines the solidity you expect from Volkswagen with a high level of comfort and plenty of space. However, as with many models featuring advanced technology, there are specific car problems with Volkswagen that also occur with the Sharan. Understanding these issues is therefore not a luxury, but a necessary step for anyone considering or owning a Sharan.

Why the Sharan is an interesting choice

Before discussing the possible problems in detail, it is useful to explain why the Sharan is so popular. Its popularity is based on a combination of characteristics that set it apart in the MPV segment. The main advantages are the large interior space and the flexible seat configuration. The rear seats can be folded completely into the floor, creating a flat load area. The electric sliding doors offer easy access, especially in tight parking spaces and with child seats. In addition, the Sharan is known for its stable and comfortable driving behaviour, which makes it a pleasant car for long distances.

The importance of understanding common problems

Every car has its own set of points of attention, and the Volkswagen Sharan is no exception. For both current owners and potential buyers of a used example, it is important to know which components are prone to faults or wear. Knowing about these problems helps you to search more specifically for a well-maintained example, ask the right questions during a viewing, and budget for future maintenance. It makes it possible to recognise symptoms at an early stage and intervene in time, which can prevent larger and more expensive repairs.

Points of attention with TSI and TDI engines

The Sharan has been supplied with various petrol (TSI) and diesel (TDI) engines. Although these engines generally deliver good performance, they have specific vulnerabilities.

TSI petrol engines

A well-known problem with the earlier generations of 1.4 TSI engines is the timing chain. This can stretch, which leads to a rattling noise when starting from cold. If this is not rectified in time, the chain can jump or break, resulting in serious engine damage. It is important to check whether the chain and tensioners have been replaced as a preventive measure, especially on models from before 2012.

TDI diesel engines

The 2.0 TDI engines are strong and economical, but they also have some weaknesses. The EGR valve (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) can become clogged with soot, which leads to loss of power, a jerky-running engine and an illuminated engine warning light. The particulate filter (DPF) can also become blocked, particularly in cars that are driven mainly on short journeys. This results in reduced performance and can be expensive to have cleaned or replaced.

Common problems with the DSG transmission

Many Sharan models are equipped with a DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox. This transmission provides quick and smooth gear changes, but can also cause problems. Faults in the mechatronics unit, the control unit of the gearbox, occur regularly. Symptoms of this include jerky gear changes, loss of drive, or a warning indicator lighting up on the dashboard. Wear of the clutch plates can also cause problems. Regular oil changes (every 60,000 kilometres) are very important for the DSG gearbox to extend its service life.

Electrical faults and electronics

Modern cars are equipped with a lot of electronics, and the Sharan is no exception. This entails an increased risk of electrical faults. Problems with sensors, such as parking sensors or the rain sensor, do occur. The infotainment system can sometimes freeze or refuse to operate certain functions. Another point of attention is the wiring, particularly the wiring loom running to the tailgate and the sliding doors. Due to repeated opening and closing, broken wires can occur here, which leads to failure of the lighting, the reversing camera or the central locking.

Wear to the suspension, running gear and brakes

The Volkswagen Sharan is a heavy car, and that weight places extra strain on the suspension components. Control arm bushes and wheel bearings are parts that can wear out more quickly than on a lighter car. Worn components in the suspension are often noticeable through rattling or knocking noises when driving over uneven surfaces. The brakes are also heavily loaded. The condition of the brake discs and pads requires extra attention, as these are subject to accelerated wear due to the high vehicle weight.

Problems with the interior and the electric sliding doors

The electric sliding doors are one of the most appreciated features of the Sharan, but at the same time a potential weak point. The mechanisms can jam or refuse to close, often due to a defective sensor, motor, or a problem in the wiring loom. It is important to test the operation of the doors thoroughly. The interior finish itself is of a high standard, but after years of intensive family use, wear may be visible on seat upholstery, buttons and plastic panels.

Air conditioning and heating systems

A properly functioning climate control system is indispensable in a large family car. In the Sharan, the air conditioning compressor can fail, resulting in a loss of cooling capacity. Leaks in the system also occur. If the air conditioning is no longer ice-cold, an inspection is necessary. A hissing noise when switching it on may indicate a low refrigerant level, often caused by a leak.

What to check when buying a used Sharan

When buying a Volkswagen Sharan, it is advisable during the viewing and test drive to assess the condition of the car using this checklist:

• Service history: A fully completed service book is important. It is also important that the oil changes on the DSG gearbox have been carried out on time.
• Engine (cold start): Rattling noises on a cold start may indicate a stretched timing chain (TSI).
• DSG transmission: Driving in different modes can reveal jerks, hesitation, or strange noises during gear changes.
• Electric sliding doors: Opening and closing the doors several times, both with the buttons and with the handles, provides insight into their operation. The doors should open and close smoothly and fully.
• Electronics: It is advisable to test all electrical functions, including the infotainment system, parking sensors and the reversing camera.
• Suspension and running gear: During a test drive on a less even road, rattling or knocking noises can be noticed.
• Air conditioning: The operation of the air conditioning can be checked by seeing whether it starts blowing cold air quickly.

Preventive maintenance and possible solutions

Many of the problems mentioned can be prevented or reduced in severity through consistent and preventive maintenance. Adhering to the prescribed maintenance intervals is essential. In particular, the oil changes for the DSG gearbox are not something to cut corners on. If there is any doubt about the timing chain, it is advisable to have a specialist garage carry out an inspection. Keeping the guide rails of the sliding doors clean can relieve strain on the mechanisms. By being alert to the first symptoms, such as a strange noise or a malfunctioning function, the risks can be limited and it is often possible to prevent a small defect from developing into a major and expensive repair.

The Volkswagen Sharan: a reliable family car with points of attention

The Volkswagen Sharan is an excellent family car that offers plenty of space, comfort and practical usability. Its popularity is justified, but it is not a car without weak points. The engine, DSG gearbox and electrical systems require attention. An example with a complete service history and low mileage is the safest choice. With the right knowledge and a proactive attitude towards maintenance, the risks can be limited and you can fully enjoy everything this versatile MPV has to offer.