2018 · 6 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2018 Smart Forfour MOT pass rate and common faults

3,793 MOT tests in 2024. 81.2% passed first time, compared with 82.5% for all cars the same age.

98About average
Passed first time81.2%
Failed or needed repairs18.8%
Typical mileage at test29,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 3,793 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.8%
    166 marked dangerous
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.7%
  3. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid2.2%
  4. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.8%
    94 marked dangerous
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.6%
    67 marked dangerous
  6. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn1.2%
  7. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.2%
  8. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres8.4%
  2. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.7%
  3. Lights & electrics4.2%
  4. Brakes3.3%
  5. Suspension2.4%
  6. Emissions & leaks2.3%
  7. Body & chassis0.5%
  8. Steering0.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.0%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.2%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.0%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick5.2%
  5. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn4.4%

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: 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 2018 Smart Forfour?

In 2024, 81.2% of 2018 Smart Forfour cars passed their MOT first time, across 3,793 tests. The average for all 6-year-old cars was 82.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2018 Smart Forfour?

The most common failure reasons were tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; washers: provides insufficient washer liquid. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2018 Smart Forfour reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 98, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).