2003 · 21 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2003 Volkswagen Sharan MOT pass rate and common faults

243 MOT tests in 2024. 49.8% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

87Well below average
Passed first time49.8%
Failed or needed repairs50.2%
Typical mileage at test141,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 243 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength12.3%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt9.5%
  3. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt8.2%
  4. Position lamp: not working7.4%
  5. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect5.8%
  6. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded5.3%
  7. Suspension arms - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.9%
  8. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm4.1%
    17 marked dangerous
  9. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn4.1%
  10. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension47.3%
  2. Lights & electrics42.8%
  3. Brakes31.7%
  4. Body & chassis25.5%
  5. Steering13.6%
  6. Tyres10.7%
  7. Emissions & leaks7.8%
  8. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded28.0%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened16.9%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm16.5%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn12.3%
  5. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength11.9%

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.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Volkswagen Sharan?

In 2024, 49.8% of 2003 Volkswagen Sharan cars passed their MOT first time, across 243 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Volkswagen Sharan?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2003 Volkswagen Sharan reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 87, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).