2018 · 6 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2018 Smart Fortwo MOT pass rate and common faults

3,330 MOT tests in 2024. 84.3% passed first time, compared with 82.5% for all cars the same age.

102Above average
Passed first time84.3%
Failed or needed repairs15.7%
Typical mileage at test25,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 3,330 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.2%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.1%
    105 marked dangerous
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.7%
    76 marked dangerous
  4. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.5%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.0%
  6. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn0.6%
  7. Headlamp aim: too low0.6%
  8. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.6%
    22 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres5.8%
  2. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.3%
  3. Lights & electrics4.4%
  4. Brakes3.7%
  5. Emissions & leaks1.4%
  6. Suspension1.1%
  7. Number plates & VIN0.5%
  8. Body & chassis0.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.1%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.4%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.0%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick5.0%
  5. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn3.8%

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: 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 2018 Smart Fortwo?

In 2024, 84.3% of 2018 Smart Fortwo cars passed their MOT first time, across 3,330 tests. The average for all 6-year-old cars was 82.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2018 Smart Fortwo?

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

Is the 2018 Smart Fortwo reliable at MOT time?

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