Volkswagen Sharan years to avoid? MOT pass rate by year
Volkswagen Sharan years with MOT pass rates below the average for vehicles first used in the same year: 2021. Above it: 2011–2019. The other year can't be told apart from average.
- Below the average for their first-use year2021
- Above the average for their first-use year2011–2019
- Can't be told apart from average2020
The MOT pass rate is one signal, not the whole story. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't record gearbox or engine faults, and a pass rate also reflects mileage and upkeep, so the table shows median mileage too. Whatever the year, the car in front of you matters more than its model's average.
First-time pass rate, all years together: initial tests passed with no repairs. 95% range 77.9% to 78.9%.
In 2025, 78.4% of the 31,326 initial MOT tests on Volkswagen Sharan cars were passed with no repairs. The same-age average, for all vehicles first used in the same years, was 75.6%. That is 2.8 points above the same-age average.
Check a specific Sharan
Volkswagen Sharan MOT pass rate by year
| Year | Chart | Testsmedian miles | Passed first time | Against all vehicles that year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021age 4 | 1,16332,100 | 84.9%±2.2 | −2.3 ptsall: 87.2% | |
| 2020age 5 | 1,61746,000 | 86.5%±1.8 | +0.5 ptsall: 86.0% | |
| 2019age 6 | 6,541115,300 | 85.8%±0.9 | +2.3 ptsall: 83.5% | |
| 2018age 7 | 3,29977,200 | 84.0%±1.3 | +3.1 ptsall: 80.9% | |
| 2017age 8 | 3,47695,200 | 80.6%±1.4 | +2.4 ptsall: 78.2% | |
| 2016age 9 | 3,210103,000 | 78.9%±1.5 | +4.0 ptsall: 74.9% | |
| 2015age 10 | 3,088106,400 | 74.9%±1.6 | +3.0 ptsall: 71.9% | |
| 2014age 11 | 2,705106,600 | 71.5%±1.8 | +2.9 ptsall: 68.6% | |
| 2013age 12 | 2,118110,900 | 68.0%±2.1 | +2.2 ptsall: 65.8% | |
| 2012age 13 | 2,030108,200 | 67.4%±2.1 | +3.9 ptsall: 63.5% | |
| 2011age 14 | 2,079119,400 | 67.5%±2.1 | +6.3 ptsall: 61.2% |
Tests are initial MOT tests in 2025, not retests. Median miles is the middle odometer reading at the test: half had more, half had less. ± is the 95% margin of error in points (Wilson interval): a difference smaller than that could be chance. Years without a link have fewer than 10,000 tests, so they are listed here but don't have their own page.
When a car's mileage doesn't add upDoes mileage matter?
89.3% of Volkswagen Sharan tests under 30,000 miles passed first time, against 76.8% at 120,000 miles or more. For all vehicles of the same age and mileage, the figures are 89.2% and 68.9%.
| Miles at the test | Tests | Passed first time | Against all vehicles, same age and mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 30,000 | 1,630 | 89.3%±1.6 | +0.1 ptsall: 89.2% |
| 30,000–59,999 | 5,970 | 83.8%±1.0 | +2.5 ptsall: 81.3% |
| 60,000–89,999 | 6,562 | 77.2%±1.1 | +4.7 ptsall: 72.6% |
| 90,000–119,999 | 5,209 | 73.9%±1.3 | +6.7 ptsall: 67.3% |
| 120,000 or more | 11,943 | 76.8%±0.8 | +7.9 ptsall: 68.9% |
Against all vehicles of the same age and mileage, Sharan tests were about average under 30,000 miles and above average at 30,000 miles or more.
Mileage is only one factor. How a car has been driven and looked after matters too. These figures show an association across all Volkswagen Sharan tests in 2025, not what mileage does to a particular car.
Mileage is the odometer reading at the initial test. Each band is compared with all vehicles first used in the same year with a reading in the same band, weighted by this model's own tests in each year. Bands need at least 1,000 tests. 12 tests (under 0.1%) had no usable odometer reading and are left out. How we count
Common Sharan problems at the MOT
MOT records show roadworthiness faults, not engine or gearbox problems. Each year page compares that year's failure areas with all vehicles first used in the same year.
Most common MOT failures on the Volkswagen Sharan
| Defect | Share of failed tests | All vehicles, same age |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension arm pin or bush excessively wornSuspension | 16.4%1,109 tests | 4.1% |
| Tyre has ply or cords exposedTyres | 12.8%867 tests | 5.0% |
| Malfunction indicator lamp inoperative or indicates a malfunctionNoise, emissions, leaks | 11.8%800 tests | 5.4% |
| Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mmTyres | 10.6%715 tests | 8.8% |
| Brake pads less than 1.5 mm thickBrakes | 7.5%509 tests | 7.8% |
| Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cordsTyres | 6.3%428 tests | 5.8% |
| Coil spring fractured or brokenSuspension | 5.7%386 tests | 8.9% |
| Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirtSuspension | 5.2%354 tests | 2.1% |
| Position lamp not workingLights and electrics | 5.2%351 tests | 6.2% |
| Wiper does not clear the windscreen effectivelyWindscreen, wipers, mirrors | 4.2%284 tests | 6.9% |
These are failures recorded at initial MOT tests in 2025. Retests are not counted. "All vehicles, same age" is the same defect's share of failed tests for all vehicles first used in the same years, weighted by the Sharan's failed tests in each year. How we count
What to check when viewing a Sharan
Tyres
- Check the tread on every tyre. The legal minimum for cars is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread.
- Look for cuts, bulges, and wear on only the inner or outer edge, which can point to an alignment problem.
- Check that the spare wheel or the tyre repair kit is there.
Suspension
- Push down hard on each corner. The car should rise once and settle, not keep bouncing.
- On the test drive, listen for knocks or clunks over speed bumps and potholes.
- The car should sit level when parked on flat ground.
Lights and electrics
- Ask the seller to help you check every light: dipped and main beam, brake lights, indicators, fog lights and the number plate lamp.
- Look for cracked, misted or yellowed headlight lenses.
- Warning lights on the dashboard should come on with the ignition and go out once the engine starts.
Then read the car's own MOT history. Advisories in the same area at several tests are worth asking about.
Check a Sharan's MOT historyAfter an MOT advisory
Tyres
Of Volkswagen Sharan cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a tyre advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 11.0% failed on tyres, against 6.6% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 3,855 and 11,047 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 18.7% of those with a tyre advisory and 25.5% of the others.
Brakes
Of Volkswagen Sharan cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a brake advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 6.7% failed on brakes, against 3.1% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 2,358 and 12,519 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 21.5% of those with a brake advisory and 24.3% of the others.
Suspension
Of Volkswagen Sharan cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a suspension advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 13.9% failed on suspension, against 9.1% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 3,013 and 11,687 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 21.3% of those with a suspension advisory and 24.5% of the others.
Similar cars are the same model, first-use year and mileage band. Areas are the DVSA's top-level groups, so the later fail may not be the fault that was advised. These figures describe what happened to these cars. They don't show what a repair would have changed.
How we worked this outAll models compared, with the dataVolkswagen Sharan questions
Which Volkswagen Sharan years have lower MOT pass rates?
Compared with all vehicles first used in the same year, these model years have below-average MOT pass rates: 2021. Above average: 2011–2019. The rest can't be told apart from average. A pass rate is one signal: it also reflects mileage and upkeep, and doesn't record engine or gearbox faults.
Is the Volkswagen Sharan reliable?
MOT results show only part of the picture. In 2025, 78.4% of initial MOT tests on Volkswagen Sharan cars were passed with no repairs, against a same-age average of 75.6%. That is 2.8 points above average. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't measure breakdowns, engine or gearbox faults, or repair costs.
What are the most common Volkswagen Sharan problems at the MOT?
The most common failure areas are tyres (in 33.6% of failed tests), suspension (in 32.0% of failed tests) and lights and electrics (in 27.4% of failed tests). A failed test can count in more than one area.
What mileage is normal for a 10-year-old Volkswagen Sharan?
At their 2025 MOT tests, Volkswagen Sharan cars first used in 2015, about 10 years old, had a median of 106,400 miles. Half had more and half had less.
How do I check a specific Sharan's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free check. It lists that car's own MOT results, the faults and advisories recorded and the mileage at each test, and flags repeated advisories and mileage that goes down.
Check a car's MOT history for freeWhat MOT data can't tell you about any Volkswagen Sharan
Outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and plate changes aren't in MOT records. For a particular car, you need a history check.
Compare history checksWhat MOT history doesn't showOther Volkswagen models
- Volkswagen Golf+4.8 pts against the same-age average
- Volkswagen Polo−3.1 pts against the same-age average
- Volkswagen Transporter−1.9 pts against the same-age average
- Volkswagen Tiguan+4.0 pts against the same-age average
- Volkswagen Passat+2.7 pts against the same-age average
- Volkswagen Caddy−2.5 pts against the same-age average
Points above (+) or below (−) the same-age average for all vehicles.
All 24 Volkswagen modelsCars ranked by MOT pass rate, by ageSource: DVSA anonymised MOT tests, 2025. For guidance only: these figures describe all Volkswagen Sharan cars tested, not the one you're looking at. How we count