2008 · 16 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2008 Volkswagen Sharan MOT pass rate and common faults

497 MOT tests in 2024. 50.1% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

88Well below average
Passed first time50.1%
Failed or needed repairs49.9%
Typical mileage at test137,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 497 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt9.9%
  2. Position lamp: not working5.6%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn5.4%
  4. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.8%
  5. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.8%
  6. Stop lamp: not working3.8%
  7. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.8%
  8. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced3.8%
  9. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.8%
  10. Suspension arms - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension48.5%
  2. Lights & electrics33.0%
  3. Body & chassis25.6%
  4. Brakes20.9%
  5. Seat belts & airbags8.5%
  6. Tyres8.2%
  7. Steering7.6%
  8. Emissions & leaks7.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm23.7%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened16.5%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine13.1%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn12.1%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.9%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 2008 Volkswagen Sharan cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 15)47.9%705 tests
2024 pass rate (age 16)50.1%497 tests
Change in one year+2.2 pointsaverage car: −0.5 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 2008 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: joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2007 SharanAll Sharan years2009 Sharan →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 Volkswagen Sharan?

In 2024, 50.1% of 2008 Volkswagen Sharan cars passed their MOT first time, across 497 tests. The average for all 16-year-old cars was 56.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2008 Volkswagen Sharan?

The most common failure reasons were joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; position lamp: not working; suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2008 Volkswagen Sharan reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 88, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).

Is the 2008 Volkswagen Sharan getting worse with age?

In 2023, 47.9% passed first time. In 2024, 50.1% passed (+2.2 points). An average car that age changed by −0.5 points, so the 2008 Volkswagen Sharan is ageing better than average.