Volkswagen

Volkswagen Sharan (2013)

2,603 real MOT outcomes analysed • 82.4% first-time pass rate

2013 Volkswagen Sharan

CarHunch analysed 2,603 real MOT records for the 2013 Volkswagen Sharan. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
Which year to buy? →

On this page
AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2013 Volkswagen Sharan passes MOT marginally above the UK average at 82.4%, but the headline concern is that 44.4% of these vehicles have recorded a dangerous defect at some point—well above acceptable. Petrol versions show notably stronger reliability at 89.4% pass rate versus 81.5% for the more common diesel, so fuel type matters here.

At 81,392 miles median, these Sharans are running slightly above typical mileage for their age, yet still averaging 2.37 failures per test—suggesting wear-related issues are emerging. With 16.4 advisories per vehicle on record, you're looking at a family MPV that demands thorough pre-purchase inspection and a full service history, particularly if considering the diesel majority.

The 2013 Volkswagen Sharan has a decent first-time pass rate (82.4%), but a higher-than-average share of vehicles have had serious defects recorded — the individual vehicle's history matters a lot here.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
82.4%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
44.4%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
2.37
Over 12 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
81k
Middle half: 62k–107k
For context
🔧 Average reliability. Passes at roughly the UK rate — not a standout, not a problem vehicle. Individual history makes all the difference.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 16.4 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 2,603 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Watch for defects — worth knowing

What tends to go wrong

Across 2,603 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 55.9%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Suspension & steering 28.4%
Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement · Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.
Brake wear 28.2%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Other issues 28.1%
Oil leak, but not excessive · Nearside Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt · Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view · …

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2013.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 2,603 Volkswagen Sharan cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2013 Volkswagen Sharan

Based on MOT data from 2,603 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 44.4% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Diesel (88%) 2,288 81.5% 2.63
Petrol (12%) 311 89.4% 0.54

Colour Breakdown

Based on 83,093 Volkswagen Sharan vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Silver 24.5%
20,351
Blue 23%
19,148
Black 20.9%
17,385
Grey 15%
12,426
Green 7%
5,832
Red 5.4%
4,467
White 3.4%
2,807
Brown 0.5%
396
Gold 0.2%
205
Beige 0.1%
47
Maroon 0%
16
Purple 0%
13

Mileage Distribution

Most 2013 Volkswagen Sharan vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

81,392
typical
62,035
low mileage
107,086
high mileage

Half of all 2013 Volkswagen Sharan vehicles fall between 62,035 and 107,086 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 62,035 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
62,035–107,086 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2013 Volkswagen Sharans sit.
Over 144,566 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2013 Volkswagen Sharan — Still on the Road

Almost all 2013 Volkswagen Sharans are still on the road.

Strong survival — 2,027 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 91% of the peak.

145 2,027 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

12
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
2.37
Avg failures per vehicle
16.4
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Volkswagen Sharan: All Sharan years → Which year to buy? →
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

Or browse all models: Volkswagen →

Volkswagen logo

Compare with another model

See how the 2013 Volkswagen Sharan stacks up against a rival.

Watch for defects — worth knowing