VW Sharan 2(7N)
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
177 PS
Sharan · Diesel
Strongest Sharan diesel
Fun to Drive!200 PS
2.0L TFSI Benzin
5 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The VW Sharan 2 is available with 4 engine variants — from 110 to 220 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
2.0L TDI in the Sharan II — reliable engine for a family van. EGR and DPF are the main trouble spots with short-trip driving. Change timing belt and water pump together.
- !! Timing belt failure and water pump failure from 210,000 km
The CFGC TDI has a timing belt interval of 210,000 km, but the water pump frequently fails from 95,000 km. If the timing belt breaks, major engine damage results. Simultaneous replacement is mandatory.
Symptoms: No warning on belt failure; water pump failure: temperature rise, coolant loss, engine overheating - !! DSG mechatronics failure at high mileage from 150,000 km
The DSG gearbox in the Sharan 7N shows mechatronics problems at higher mileages. Fault code P0776 (short circuit in pressure control valve) is typical. Mechatronics repair approx. €450 net; full replacement up to €5,000.
Symptoms: Gearbox does not shift or bangs up at 4,500–5,000 rpm, warning lights, sporadic misbehaviour - !! EGR cooler leaking — coolant loss from 100,000 km
The EGR cooler on the 2.0 TDI CFGC develops leaks from cracks. Coolant enters the exhaust system; engine temperature rises sharply.
Symptoms: Coolant temperature spikes to 130°C, soapy bubbles in coolant expansion tank, coolant loss without external leak
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
EA189 with 125 kW. Strongest TDI in the Sharan II until 2012. Timing chain and EGR as typical maintenance points.
- !! EGR cooler crack and coolant ingress from 130,000 km
The EGR cooler can develop cracks through which coolant enters the exhaust tract. Gradual coolant loss and in extreme cases cylinder head damage. Worsened after software update.
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust, falling coolant level, sweet smell in exhaust area. - !! Recall diesel scandal (EA189)
The CFGB 125kW is also affected by the EA189 diesel scandal. Software update mandatory — without update vehicle deregistration possible.
- !! Turbocharger boost pressure control valve failed from 150,000 km
The 2.0 TDI EA189 tends to defects in the boost pressure control valve, recognisable by fault codes P2563/P2564. At higher mileage VTG wear also occurs.
Symptoms: Power loss, MIL, fault codes P2563/P2564, engine protection mode.
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
EA189 with 85 kW. Base diesel in the Sharan II pre-facelift. Affected by the diesel scandal; EGR problems following the software update.
- !! Recall diesel scandal (EA189)
All EA189 engines are affected by the VW emissions scandal. Software update mandatory — without update deregistration is threatened. Update itself can cause secondary problems.
- !! EGR valve carbon build-up after software update from 120,000 km
After the mandatory update the EGR valve soots up faster than before. Soot particles settle on the valve and cause sluggish opening and closing through to warning light activation.
Symptoms: Hesitation in part-load range, rough idle, increased consumption, fault codes P0401, engine protection mode. - !! DPF blockage from short-trip use from 150,000 km
Short-trip use and frequent cold starts prevent complete DPF regeneration. Filter blocks; increased back pressure causes limp mode.
Symptoms: Message 'particulate filter loaded', power loss, increased consumption, limp mode.
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Common-rail 2.0 TDI with 140 hp (EA189). Emissions scandal engine. Fundamentally solid with the update. Injectors more durable than PD variant.
- !! EA189 Dieselgate recall CFFB 103 kW
The CFFB (103 kW) as an EA189 variant is mandatorily subject to recall. Mandatory software update increases EGR activation, leading to increased EGR loading in heavier vehicles and short-trip use.
Symptoms: Increased NOx emissions, after update: EGR fault codes, black smoke, increased fuel consumption - !! EGR cooler leaking (EA189) from 120,000 km
The CFFB (EA189) shows known problems with the EGR cooler which can direct coolant into the intake tract. Fault code P2425 (EGR cooling valve). This can lead to engine damage.
Symptoms: Sporadic white smoke, coolant loss without visible escape, fault code P2425, rough running - !! Defective clutch pressure plate from 80,000 km
Specifically for the CFFB with 140hp individual cases of defective clutch pressure plates have been documented. Workshop costs for clutch replacement on the Q3 are approx. €2,000.
Symptoms: Clutch slip, juddering on pull-away, grinding noise, clutch engages unevenly or late
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
EA111 TSI in the Tiguan. Mind timing chain stretch. Borderline power for the SUV's weight.
- !! Timing chain stretch EA111 (Alhambra) from 60,000 km
The CAVA 1.4 TSI in the Alhambra shares the EA111 timing chain issues. The higher vehicle weight puts additional load on engine and drivetrain. Cold-start rattling should be taken seriously.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, MIL, rough idle - !! Timing chain of the EA111 family stretches from 60,000 km
The CAVA 1.4 TSI belongs to the EA111 family, which is known throughout the group for timing chain problems. The chain can stretch and skip a tooth.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, clatter on load changes, in severe cases abrupt engine shutdown - !! Camshaft adjuster bolt loosens — oil loss from 90,000 km
The camshaft adjuster bolt can work loose and migrate towards the housing. Defective sealing elements allow oil to escape; severe oil loss possible.
Symptoms: Oil under the vehicle, oil pressure warning illuminated, rough engine, rattling on cold start
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
EA888 Gen.1 with 147 kW. Timing chain tensioner and elevated oil consumption are the main problems of this generation.
- !! Timing chain stretched — tensioner failed from 80,000 km
The hydraulic chain tensioner builds insufficient oil pressure on cold start; the timing chain stretches and skips teeth. Engine numbers up to CCZ_224768 particularly affected. In worst case piston damage.
Symptoms: Rattling or clattering on cold start that disappears after warm-up. With advanced wear: engine does not start. - !! Increased oil consumption — piston rings coked up from 70,000 km
Oil control rings only 1.5 mm tall with tiny 0.3 mm drain-back holes clog with oil carbon. Up to 3 litres oil consumption per 1,000 km possible. EA888 Gen1 particularly affected.
Symptoms: Blue smoke on acceleration, falling oil level without visible leak, oil spots in intake tract. - !! Intake valves coked up — direct injection from 80,000 km
As a direct injection engine the CCZA has no fuel washing of the intake valves. Oil mist from the crankcase ventilation settles and carbonises. From approx. 80,000 km noticeable power loss is possible.
Symptoms: Hesitation at idle and low revs, rough running, slight power loss, increased fuel consumption.
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Control arm bushings worn — undersized specification The Sharan 7N control arm bushings wear unusually early, sometimes after just 40,000–55,000 km. The cause is undersized specification for the vehicle weight. Reinforced aftermarket parts (Meyle HD) recommended as a remedy. Symptoms: Knocking from the suspension, imprecise steering, wear flagged at MOT from 55,000 km | Medium |
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 83 weaknesses have been documented for the VW Sharan 2 (2010–2022) — 66 engine-related and 17 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: CAVA (1.4L TSI), CCZA (2.0L TFSI). Typical issues affect Suspension, Rust, Body, HVAC.
Sharan (CFFB, 2010–2015) — Be Careful: EA189 Dieselgate recall CFFB 103 kW, EGR cooler leaking (EA189), Defective clutch pressure plate. Power: 136–140 PS.
Sharan (CFGC, 2010–2022) — Be Careful: Timing belt failure and water pump failure, DSG mechatronics failure at high mileage, EGR cooler leaking — coolant loss. Power: 170–184 PS.
Sharan (CFGB, 2010–2012) — Be Careful: EGR cooler crack and coolant ingress, Recall diesel scandal (EA189), Turbocharger boost pressure control valve failed. Power: 170 PS.
Sharan (CFFE, 2011–2015) — Be Careful: Recall diesel scandal (EA189), EGR valve carbon build-up after software update, DPF blockage from short-trip use. Power: 116 PS.
Sharan (CUVA, 2015–2017) — Be Careful: Regulated Water Pump Jams, EGR Valve and EGR Cooler Failed, DPF Blockage with Short-Trip Driving. Power: 116 PS.
Sharan (CUVC, 2015–2022) — Be Careful: EGR Cooler Crack with Coolant Loss, Regulated Water Pump Control Ring Jams, DPF Problems with City Use. Power: 150 PS.
Sharan (CUWA, 2018–2022) — Be Careful: Water Pump Failure with Overheating Risk, Low Oil Pressure at Idle — Bearing Damage Possible, EGR Valve and EGR Cooler Coked Up. Power: 177–184 PS.
Sharan (DLUB, 2018–2022) — Be Careful: Wet-running timing belt and water pump, EGR system malfunction (EA288 Evo), DPF regeneration and SCR Twindosing. Power: 177–184 PS.
Sharan (CAVA, 2010–2015) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretch EA111 (Alhambra), Timing chain of the EA111 family stretches, Camshaft adjuster bolt loosens — oil loss. Power: 150 PS.
Sharan (CCZA, 2010–2015) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretched — tensioner failed, Increased oil consumption — piston rings coked up, Intake valves coked up — direct injection. Power: 200 PS.
Sharan (CZDA, 2015–2022) — Be Careful: Timing Belt — Critical Change Interval, Camshaft Adjuster: Screws Come Loose, Timing Belt Service (Oil Bath Drive EA211). Power: 150 PS.
Sharan (DEDA, 2015–2022) — Be Careful: Low Oil Pressure from Weak Oil Pump, Timing Chain Wear EA888 Gen3, Water Pump Rarely Lasts Beyond 120,000 km. Power: 220 PS.
What to watch out for with the VW Sharan? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee