2001 · 23 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2001 Smart City Coupe MOT pass rate and common faults

169 MOT tests in 2024. 56.8% passed first time, compared with 59.4% for all cars the same age.

96Below average
Passed first time56.8%
Failed or needed repairs43.2%
Typical mileage at test67,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 169 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect7.1%
  2. Coil spring: fractured or broken6.5%
  3. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits5.3%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.7%
  5. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid4.1%
  6. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.6%
  7. Stop lamp: not working3.0%
  8. Stop lamp: all not working3.0%
    6 marked dangerous
  9. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements3.0%
  10. Position lamp: not working3.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics36.7%
  2. Suspension18.9%
  3. Brakes17.2%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)15.4%
  5. Emissions & leaks12.4%
  6. Body & chassis5.9%
  7. Tyres4.7%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine16.6%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded14.8%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened13.0%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.4%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.8%

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: headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All City Coupe years2002 City Coupe →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2001 Smart City Coupe?

In 2024, 56.8% of 2001 Smart City Coupe cars passed their MOT first time, across 169 tests. The average for all 23-year-old cars was 59.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2001 Smart City Coupe?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; coil spring: fractured or broken; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2001 Smart City Coupe reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 96, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).