2002 · 22 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2002 Volkswagen Sharan MOT pass rate and common faults

172 MOT tests in 2024. 52.3% passed first time, compared with 58.1% for all cars the same age.

90Well below average
Passed first time52.3%
Failed or needed repairs47.7%
Typical mileage at test131,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 172 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength7.6%
  2. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt7.0%
  3. Position lamp: not working5.2%
  4. Sub-frame mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.7%
  5. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.7%
  6. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect4.7%
  7. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded4.1%
  8. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced4.1%
  9. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault3.5%
  10. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.5%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Suspension43.0%
  2. Lights & electrics36.6%
  3. Brakes24.4%
  4. Body & chassis20.3%
  5. Steering11.6%
  6. Tyres9.3%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.6%
  8. Seat belts & airbags6.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded27.3%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.6%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened16.9%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine12.8%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn11.6%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 2002 Volkswagen Sharan cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 21)49.8%241 tests
2024 pass rate (age 22)52.3%172 tests
Change in one year+2.5 pointsaverage car: +0.5 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 2002 Volkswagen Sharan is ageing better than an average car, which is a good sign for keeping one longer.

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Sharan years2003 Sharan →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2002 Volkswagen Sharan?

In 2024, 52.3% of 2002 Volkswagen Sharan cars passed their MOT first time, across 172 tests. The average for all 22-year-old cars was 58.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2002 Volkswagen Sharan?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; position lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2002 Volkswagen Sharan reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 90, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).

Is the 2002 Volkswagen Sharan getting worse with age?

In 2023, 49.8% passed first time. In 2024, 52.3% passed (+2.5 points). An average car that age changed by +0.5 points, so the 2002 Volkswagen Sharan is ageing better than average.