2017 · 7 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2017 Smart Forfour MOT pass rate and common faults

4,695 MOT tests in 2024. 76.8% passed first time, compared with 79.8% for all cars the same age.

96Below average
Passed first time76.8%
Failed or needed repairs23.2%
Typical mileage at test36,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 4,695 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.7%
    272 marked dangerous
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.7%
  3. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.1%
  4. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed2.0%
    124 marked dangerous
  5. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.9%
  6. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.6%
    92 marked dangerous
  7. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.4%
  8. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.4%
  9. Stop lamp: not working1.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres9.7%
  2. Lights & electrics6.0%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.5%
  4. Emissions & leaks5.2%
  5. Suspension4.6%
  6. Brakes3.4%
  7. Body & chassis1.5%
  8. Steering0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm19.1%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.1%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.8%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick6.0%
  5. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn4.4%

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: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. 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 2017 Smart Forfour?

In 2024, 76.8% of 2017 Smart Forfour cars passed their MOT first time, across 4,695 tests. The average for all 7-year-old cars was 79.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2017 Smart Forfour?

The most common failure reasons were tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2017 Smart Forfour reliable at MOT time?

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