2015 · 9 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2015 Smart Fortwo MOT pass rate and common faults

2,163 MOT tests in 2024. 77.7% passed first time, compared with 73.5% for all cars the same age.

106Above average
Passed first time77.7%
Failed or needed repairs22.3%
Typical mileage at test40,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,163 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Stop lamp: not working3.0%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.9%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.7%
    89 marked dangerous
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.3%
    65 marked dangerous
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.0%
  6. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.5%
  7. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases1.5%
  8. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.3%
  9. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics8.1%
  2. Emissions & leaks7.6%
  3. Tyres7.3%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.9%
  5. Brakes5.5%
  6. Suspension4.9%
  7. Body & chassis1.8%
  8. Number plates & VIN0.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.0%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm10.0%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.2%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick6.4%
  5. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn3.0%

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: stop lamp: not working. 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 2015 Smart Fortwo?

In 2024, 77.7% of 2015 Smart Fortwo cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,163 tests. The average for all 9-year-old cars was 73.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2015 Smart Fortwo?

The most common failure reasons were stop lamp: not working; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2015 Smart Fortwo reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 106, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).