2016 · 8 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2016 Smart Forfour MOT pass rate and common faults

5,240 MOT tests in 2024. 71.9% passed first time, compared with 76.6% for all cars the same age.

94Below average
Passed first time71.9%
Failed or needed repairs28.1%
Typical mileage at test42,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 5,240 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn4.3%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.0%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.7%
    260 marked dangerous
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.2%
  5. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.1%
  6. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.9%
    116 marked dangerous
  7. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases1.9%
  8. Stop lamp: not working1.8%
  9. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.7%
    121 marked dangerous
  10. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Emissions & leaks10.0%
  2. Tyres9.1%
  3. Suspension8.5%
  4. Lights & electrics7.6%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.9%
  6. Brakes4.4%
  7. Body & chassis2.6%
  8. Steering0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.7%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.5%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.4%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick6.0%
  5. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn3.8%

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: suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn. 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 2016 Smart Forfour?

In 2024, 71.9% of 2016 Smart Forfour cars passed their MOT first time, across 5,240 tests. The average for all 8-year-old cars was 76.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2016 Smart Forfour?

The most common failure reasons were suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 2016 Smart Forfour reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 94, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).