2016 · 8 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2016 Smart Fortwo MOT pass rate and common faults

5,640 MOT tests in 2024. 78.1% passed first time, compared with 76.6% for all cars the same age.

102About average
Passed first time78.1%
Failed or needed repairs21.9%
Typical mileage at test36,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 5,640 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.6%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.5%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.2%
    150 marked dangerous
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.0%
    171 marked dangerous
  5. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.4%
  6. Stop lamp: not working1.3%
  7. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.2%
  8. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases1.2%
  9. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics6.9%
  2. Tyres6.7%
  3. Emissions & leaks6.2%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.7%
  5. Brakes5.2%
  6. Suspension4.1%
  7. Body & chassis1.5%
  8. Number plates & VIN0.4%

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 structure12.1%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm10.6%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.0%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick6.6%
  5. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn3.3%

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: wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. 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 2016 Smart Fortwo?

In 2024, 78.1% of 2016 Smart Fortwo cars passed their MOT first time, across 5,640 tests. The average for all 8-year-old cars was 76.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2016 Smart Fortwo?

The most common failure reasons were wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2016 Smart Fortwo reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 102, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).