2005 · 19 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2005 Smart Fortwo Coupe MOT pass rate and common faults

443 MOT tests in 2024. 54.6% passed first time, compared with 56.5% for all cars the same age.

97Below average
Passed first time54.6%
Failed or needed repairs45.4%
Typical mileage at test68,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 443 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect7.7%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits7.2%
  3. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid4.7%
  4. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.1%
  5. Washers: not working4.1%
  6. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam3.4%
  7. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.9%
  8. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.9%
  9. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.9%
    31 marked dangerous
  10. Position lamp: not working2.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics39.1%
  2. Suspension19.4%
  3. Brakes17.6%
  4. Emissions & leaks16.3%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)16.0%
  6. Body & chassis7.7%
  7. Tyres7.0%
  8. Steering3.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded17.8%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure16.0%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened12.4%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine11.1%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm9.5%

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: 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.

← 2004 Fortwo CoupeAll Fortwo Coupe years2006 Fortwo Coupe →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2005 Smart Fortwo Coupe?

In 2024, 54.6% of 2005 Smart Fortwo Coupe cars passed their MOT first time, across 443 tests. The average for all 19-year-old cars was 56.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2005 Smart Fortwo Coupe?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; washers: provides insufficient washer liquid. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2005 Smart Fortwo Coupe reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 97, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).