2017 · 7 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2017 Smart Fortwo MOT pass rate and common faults

4,724 MOT tests in 2024. 80.7% passed first time, compared with 79.8% for all cars the same age.

101About average
Passed first time80.7%
Failed or needed repairs19.3%
Typical mileage at test31,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 4,724 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.3%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.1%
    126 marked dangerous
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.0%
    165 marked dangerous
  4. Stop lamp: not working2.0%
  5. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.1%
  6. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.1%
  7. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.0%
  8. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics6.9%
  2. Tyres6.4%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.6%
  4. Brakes4.0%
  5. Emissions & leaks3.5%
  6. Suspension2.0%
  7. Body & chassis0.7%
  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 structure13.2%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.3%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.4%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick6.1%
  5. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn3.0%

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 2017 Smart Fortwo?

In 2024, 80.7% of 2017 Smart Fortwo cars passed their MOT first time, across 4,724 tests. The average for all 7-year-old cars was 79.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2017 Smart Fortwo?

The most common failure reasons were wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2017 Smart Fortwo reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 101, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).