Volkswagen Sharan
Volkswagen Sharan technical data
Select Volkswagen Sharan generation for full details - reviews, specifications, fuel consumption, pricing, quality and safety features, options, photos and more
Volkswagen Sharan is a large MPV produced from 1997 to 2018. It was built in Portugal and shared engineering with the SEAT Alhambra, while the early model was also closely related to the Ford Galaxy. A precise worldwide production total is not consistently published, but the model remained one of Volkswagen’s long-running seven-seat family cars.
The updated first generation (2000–2010) received revised styling, improved equipment and a broad engine range. Petrol versions included 1.8-liter turbo, 2.0-liter and 2.8-liter VR6 units, while diesel buyers mainly chose 1.9 TDI and later 2.0 TDI engines. Depending on version, the Sharan was available with manual or automatic transmissions, and some versions offered 4Motion all-wheel drive. Its main strengths were a spacious cabin, flexible seating and long-distance usability rather than dynamic handling.
The second generation, launched in 2010, was significantly larger and more refined. It introduced sliding rear doors, improved safety systems, better interior quality and more efficient 1.4 TSI, 2.0 TSI and 2.0 TDI engines. A 2015 facelift brought updated infotainment, cleaner engines and additional driver assistance systems, while keeping the seven-seat layout and family-focused practicality.
In user reviews, the Volkswagen Sharan is often described as the kind of car people choose with a tape measure rather than their heart, and then grow to respect. Owners value its huge interior, sliding doors, comfortable motorway manners and economical diesels. Families especially praise the easy access to the rear seats and flexible luggage space. Complaints usually concern expensive repairs on older diesels, DSG or dual-mass flywheel issues, wear in high-mileage interiors and a driving feel that is more bus than hatchback. Still, for carrying people and luggage without drama, it remains highly regarded.
Is Volkswagen Sharan a reliable car?
The Volkswagen Sharan is not a very reliable car. 70% of other cars of the same age are found to have fewer defects than the Volkswagen Sharan in annual roadworthiness tests.
Based on annual roadworthiness tests results, the Volkswagen Sharan generation produced from 2000 to 2010 received the highest reliability ratings, but the lowest reliability had models from model year 1997 to 2000, reliability scores vary quite significantly between generations of Volkswagen Sharan. For more information, check the respective generation information.
Volkswagen Sharan reviews
Total 42 Volkswagen Sharan owner reviews
Pros: Very spacious car, comfortable to drive - you can practically drive 900 km a day without much fatigue. Driving long distances is ideal. Very spacious rack, very good that has 2 extra seats.
Cons: Relatively large repairs, but probably because I bought a car that was already quite used (310,000 km). The finish is quite rattling. It is not convenient to drive in narrow places, because the car is quite massive.
| Purchase year: | 2016 age of car 12 years) | Owned for | 110`000 kilometers (4 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 7.5 litres per 100km (40% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 1770 € (~ 442 € per year) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
Pros: Comfortable, economical, comfortable enough for those sitting in the third row. The cabin is not worn after 240,000 km, it looks like new.
Cons: Paint quality problems. After 200,000 km, we need to start investing quite seriously in various repairs.
I am not satisfied with the quality of service and attitude, I will no longer choose a VW brand car for this reason.
| Purchase year: | 2013 new car) | Owned for | 240`000 kilometers (6 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 7.0 litres per 100km (50% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 5500 € (~ 916 € per year) | ||
Would NOT recomend this car to the friend
Pros: Very comfortable.Useful in householding. Easy to insert and remove seats. Removing seatsr should not take more than 5 minutes and floor remains completely even.
Cons: Limping various electronics. Door window movers, mirror heaters. Heater is complete rubbish. Cold in winter.
| Purchase year: | 2014 age of car 13 years) | Owned for | 30`000 kilometers (2 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 8.0 litres per 100km (80% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 350 € (~ 175 € per year) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
Pros: Spacious, well-built cabin, versatile, wonderful 4motion, handles even 2 ton trailers with ease
Cons: Really cold, if the engine doesn´t heat up correctly. Pain in the a** to repair, as enginebay is really small - one needs 3 wrists and 2 knuckles to reach most components
| Purchase year: | 2020 age of car 17 years) | Owned for | 30`000 kilometers (1 year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 8.0 litres per 100km (40% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 150 € (~ 150 € per year) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
Cons: Rust, rust, rust ... clutch, turbine, head gasket, steering rod .... wheel bearings on a regular basis, air conditioner after 5 years every 2 years repairable, autonomous heating ... german rust piece where you have to invest money regularly and not small. ...
| Purchase year: | 2008 age of car 1 year) | Owned for | 260`000 kilometers (11 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 6.5 litres per 100km (40% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 4850 € (~ 440 € per year) | ||
Would NOT recomend this car to the friend
Pros: The car is roomy. Low fuel consumption. With 130 hp is chipper.
Cons: Many negative things. Bad interior, on pits rattles and falling apart. Failed electronics at all. Turbine die quickly , oily everything... A terrible car. Better buy something else.
| Purchase year: | 2018 age of car 15 years) | Owned for | 338`000 kilometers (0 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 5.0 litres per 100km (60% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 2010 € | ||
Would NOT recomend this car to the friend
Pros: Good family car, and also enough space.
Galvanized body (the rust is slightly behind the trunk).
The price of gas is 4.5 euros per hundred km
Cons: Electronics are on 3.
The 2.0-liter 115hp is sluggish on such a large can
| Purchase year: | 2014 age of car 14 years) | Owned for | 138`000 kilometers (5 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 8.0 litres per 100km (50% urban driving) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend