VW Sharan
EA888 Gen.1 with 147 kW. Timing chain tensioner and elevated oil consumption are the main problems of this generation.
Risky TFSI in a van
The CCZA 2.0 TFSI with 200 hp is a risk as a problem engine in the heavy Sharan. High oil consumption, not recommended.
Engine Weaknesses 5
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.
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.
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.
The mechanical wastegate linkage wears from heat and corrosion. Dissimilar metals without a separation bush promote seizure. Rattling between 2,000–2,500 rpm is typical.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling when accelerating between 2,000 and 2,500 rpm, power loss at higher revs.
On the EA888 Gen2 CCZA the timing chain can stretch from approx. 120,000 km. Wear is aggravated particularly with Longlife oil intervals. In the worst case the chain skips and causes severe engine damage.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling after cold start, MIL, rough running
Vehicle Weaknesses 17
The DSG gearbox (DQ250/02E) is prone to electronic failures of the mechatronic module. Fault code P0776 leads to upshifting at 4,500–5,000 rpm. Repair costs €450–4,000.
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.
The Sharan 7N has inadequate factory corrosion protection on the underbody, especially on vehicles up to 2012. Subframe, control arms, and suspension components rust after just 2–3 years. VW improved the protection from 2013 onwards.
The electric sliding door drive unit fails due to cable damage or defective closing units. Complete unit replacement necessary as individual parts cannot be separated. Part number: 7N0843385AF.
Defective high-pressure valves allow refrigerant to escape; the drive plate is also frequently loose. Compressor replacement including flushing and recharging minimum €700. Evaporator and condenser also known as leak points.
The Sharan's DSG gearbox shows similar problems to other VAG models: juddering on pull-away, delayed shifting, and in individual cases gearbox failure. Oil service every 60,000 km is mandatory.
The Sharan 7N panoramic roof is prone to water ingress. Drain tubes block or slip off connections, frame corners can crack. Water runs along the D-pillar into the boot or footwell.
The electric sliding door cable wraps around the drive gear and breaks. The door locks up completely. The drive unit must be replaced in its entirety; replacing just the cable is not possible.
Sharan 7N with 2.0 TDI EA189 (up to 2015) are affected by the mandatory KBA recall for manipulated emissions software. The software update can stress the EGR valve and DPF and cause knock-on problems.
The Sharan 7N frequently fails MOT due to inadequate headlights. Poor light output from clouded lenses and damaged reflectors leads to rejection.
The high kerb weight and payload of the Sharan place disproportionate load on brake discs and pads. Particularly with frequent trailer use or full loading, service life is significantly reduced.
Double rubber seals on doors and tailgate trap moisture, leading to rust at door lower edges and the tailgate. VW has initiated a service campaign for this issue.
Tie rod ends and steering components wear earlier on the heavy Sharan than on compact cars. At higher mileages, steering play and noises when turning become noticeable.
The electric auxiliary water pump for the auxiliary heater and DPF cooling fails early on the 2.0 TDI. Result is auxiliary heater shutdown after 3–5 minutes due to thermal overprotection.
On early Sharan 7N examples, the seat rails of the rear row rust prematurely. Workshops often classify this as a cosmetic defect and refuse goodwill after the 3-year warranty expires. Particularly affected are vehicles built before spring 2014.
The plastic worm gear in the Sharan 7N tailgate lock motor breaks. The tailgate can no longer be closed or opened. A cost-effective repair using the Passat equivalent part is possible.
The panoramic roof jams due to a defective sunroof motor or control unit crash. The roof only opens a few centimetres and sticks at an angle. Repair requires complete headliner removal.