Volkswagen Sharan: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 3,823 Volkswagen Sharan cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1996 and 2023.
In a sample of 397 cars, 61.2% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, more often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre tread depth insufficient (18.4% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 8 recalls for this model; 5.2% of registered cars still have an open recall.
2.7% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Volkswagen Sharan
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 18.4% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 13.4% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 12.6% |
| Tyre damaged | 7.8% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 7.8% |
| Excessive leak of other fluids | 5.8% |
| Rear light not working (properly) | 3.3% |
| Dipped/main beam not working (properly) | 3.3% |
| Position light not working (properly) | 3.3% |
| Independent suspension pivot has too much play | 3% |
Share of 397 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 11.1% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 4% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 1.8% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 1.3% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 3,823 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 5.2% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 2.7% |
| Used as a taxi | 1.6% |
| First registered | 1996 to 2023 |
All Volkswagen Sharan passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-05-30 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 2 |
| 2019-11-14 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 629 |
| 2019-09-26 | not specified | – | 0 |
| 2019-01-15 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 346 |
| 2018-03-07 | electrical system | – | 2,089 |
| 2018-01-29 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 1 |
| 2016-04-05 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 25 |
| 2016-02-18 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 119,666 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Volkswagen Sharan fail the APK?
In a sample of 397 cars first registered 2012–2021, 61.2% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Volkswagen Sharan?
The most common APK defects are: tyre tread depth insufficient (18.4%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (13.4%), tyre pressure incorrect (12.6%).
Does the Volkswagen Sharan have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 8 recalls. 5.2% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Volkswagen models
Golf · Polo · Tiguan · Up! · Passat · T-Roc · Touran · ID.3 · T-Cross · ID.4 · Fox · Caddy · Taigo · Transporter · California
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.