2006 · 18 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2006 Smart Forfour MOT pass rate and common faults

437 MOT tests in 2024. 55.6% passed first time, compared with 56.1% for all cars the same age.

99About average
Passed first time55.6%
Failed or needed repairs44.4%
Typical mileage at test95,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 437 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect6.2%
  2. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play5.9%
  3. Position lamp: not working4.3%
  4. Stop lamp: not working3.7%
  5. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam3.4%
  6. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.2%
  7. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.0%
    15 marked dangerous
  8. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.7%
  9. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.5%
    21 marked dangerous
  10. Service brake imbalance: across an axle2.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics42.1%
  2. Brakes19.9%
  3. Suspension16.7%
  4. Body & chassis9.6%
  5. Steering8.9%
  6. Tyres8.7%
  7. Emissions & leaks7.8%
  8. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened16.5%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.0%
  3. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened12.4%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.4%
  5. Registration plates: inscription illegible8.5%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. 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.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2006 Smart Forfour?

In 2024, 55.6% of 2006 Smart Forfour cars passed their MOT first time, across 437 tests. The average for all 18-year-old cars was 56.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2006 Smart Forfour?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; track rod end: ball joint has excessive play; position lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2006 Smart Forfour reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 99, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).