2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Smart Fortwo Coupe MOT pass rate and common faults

118 MOT tests in 2024. 59.3% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

104Above average
Passed first time59.3%
Failed or needed repairs40.7%
Typical mileage at test71,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 118 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid7.6%
  2. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam5.1%
  3. Washers: not working5.1%
  4. Fuel cap/sealing device: ineffective5.1%
  5. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect5.1%
  6. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.2%
  7. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.2%
  8. Stop lamp: not working4.2%
  9. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics39.8%
  2. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)16.1%
  3. Emissions & leaks14.4%
  4. Suspension12.7%
  5. Body & chassis10.2%
  6. Tyres4.2%
  7. Brakes4.2%
  8. Steering2.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded19.5%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure15.3%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine15.3%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.9%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.2%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: washers: provides insufficient washer liquid. 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 2003 Smart Fortwo Coupe?

In 2024, 59.3% of 2003 Smart Fortwo Coupe cars passed their MOT first time, across 118 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Smart Fortwo Coupe?

The most common failure reasons were washers: provides insufficient washer liquid; headlamp: not working on dipped beam; washers: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Smart Fortwo Coupe reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 104, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).