2006 · 18 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2006 Smart Fortwo Coupe MOT pass rate and common faults

600 MOT tests in 2024. 58.7% passed first time, compared with 56.1% for all cars the same age.

104Above average
Passed first time58.7%
Failed or needed repairs41.3%
Typical mileage at test64,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 600 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect6.5%
  2. Stop lamp: not working5.5%
  3. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.3%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.5%
  5. Position lamp: not working3.3%
  6. Washers: not working3.2%
  7. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.2%
  8. Horn: not working2.8%
  9. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.8%
  10. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics39.3%
  2. Suspension16.7%
  3. Brakes14.2%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)12.3%
  5. Emissions & leaks8.5%
  6. Tyres6.3%
  7. Body & chassis6.0%
  8. Steering5.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded11.7%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.5%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.2%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine10.5%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.0%

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: 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.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2006 Smart Fortwo Coupe?

In 2024, 58.7% of 2006 Smart Fortwo Coupe cars passed their MOT first time, across 600 tests. The average for all 18-year-old cars was 56.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2006 Smart Fortwo Coupe?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; stop lamp: not working; coil spring: fractured or broken. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2006 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).