VW Sharan
Revised V6 with 204 PS in the Sharan facelift. Significantly more power than the VR6 predecessor.
V6 24V in a Van
The 2.8 V6 24V AYL with 204 hp is unusually powerful for a people carrier. With manual it's the driving-dynamics maximum.
Engine Weaknesses 5
The 2.8L VR6 AYL in the Alhambra 7M shows wear on timing chain guide rails from approximately 100,000 km. Broken rails can cause the chain to jump and cause catastrophic engine damage. Complete chain kit (approx. 280–560 €) required, gearbox must be removed.
Symptoms: Timing chain rattle especially on cold start, loud clatter, engine warning when chain jump risk
The VR6 combined with the 4-speed automatic is considered a design weak point. Gears 4 and 5 slip, kickdown no longer works.
Symptoms: Gearbox judder on upshift, gears slip, kickdown fails
The upper timing chain rail of the T4 AYL 2.8 VR6 breaks into pieces at around 150,000 km, causing loud clatter and chain jumping. Excessive oil pressure from a defective oil pump accelerates the wear.
Symptoms: Loud clatter/knocking at 1,000–1,200 rpm, engine failure, timing jump
The AYL engine frequently shows fault codes P0011/P0016 for camshaft target not reached. The cause is often a chain that has jumped one tooth or worn camshaft adjusters. Repair requires full camshaft removal.
Symptoms: Rough running below 3,000 rpm, P0011 fault code, rough idle, occasional warning
The 2.8L VR6 AYL shows oil loss at higher mileage through age-related leaking camshaft oil seals. Six seals (three per camshaft) must be replaced. Affordable job but time-consuming.
Symptoms: Oil loss visible as contamination in the engine bay, oil smell, falling oil level
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
The Sharan 7M rusts at sills, wheel arches, and door lower edges through dirt accumulation behind trim. Rust is almost always to be expected on vehicles with over 150,000 km and 10+ years.
The manual and electric sliding doors of the Sharan 7M wear at rollers, rails, and locks. Doors no longer close cleanly or are difficult to move.
Defective actuator motors in door locks and corroded wiring harnesses in door grommets lead to partial or complete central locking malfunction.
The Sharan 7M's AC compressor fails at higher mileages. Common causes are a defective drive plate, control valve, or condenser damaged by stone chips. Compressor replacement €700–1,000.
Control arm bushings and ball joints wear prematurely on the heavy Sharan 7M. Rear axle control arms on older examples are prone to corrosion.
The Sharan 7M weighs over 2 tonnes when fully loaded. Brake discs and pads therefore wear significantly faster than on smaller vehicles.
The Sharan 7M's headlight lenses yellow and become opaque, significantly reducing light output. A common failure at MOT inspections.