VW Sharan
EA189 with 85 kW. Base diesel in the Sharan II pre-facelift. Affected by the diesel scandal; EGR problems following the software update.
Underpowered Sharan
CFFE 2.0 TDI with 115 hp is too weak in the heavy Sharan II. Fully loaded on the motorway it struggles.
Engine Weaknesses 5
All EA189 engines are affected by the VW emissions scandal. Software update mandatory — without update deregistration is threatened. Update itself can cause secondary problems.
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.
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.
The EA189 tends to gradual coolant loss from a leaking water pump around 100,000 km. If the defect is missed, overheating with cylinder head damage results.
Symptoms: Falling coolant level without visible leak, rising coolant temperature.
The 2.0 TDI CFFE (170hp) uses piezo injectors that coke up from metal deposits (zinc, copper) in the fuel during heavy full-throttle use. Power loss of 10–15% occurs; VW offers ultrasonic cleaning as goodwill.
Symptoms: Power loss, slower acceleration, vehicle no longer reaches top speed, increased consumption
Vehicle Weaknesses 15
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 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.