2019 · 5 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2019 Smart Fortwo MOT pass rate and common faults

1,853 MOT tests in 2024. 87.5% passed first time, compared with 84.9% for all cars the same age.

103Above average
Passed first time87.5%
Failed or needed repairs12.5%
Typical mileage at test20,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,853 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.8%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.8%
    58 marked dangerous
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.5%
    33 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords0.8%
  5. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.7%
  6. Tyre pressure monitoring system: malfunctioning or obviously inoperative0.7%
  7. Headlamp aim: too low0.5%
  8. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.5%
    13 marked dangerous
  9. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn0.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres5.2%
  2. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.3%
  3. Lights & electrics3.0%
  4. Brakes2.6%
  5. Suspension0.7%
  6. Emissions & leaks0.4%
  7. Number plates & VIN0.3%
  8. Wheels0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.1%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.6%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.0%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick5.0%
  5. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn2.5%

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 2019 Smart Fortwo?

In 2024, 87.5% of 2019 Smart Fortwo cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,853 tests. The average for all 5-year-old cars was 84.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2019 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 2019 Smart Fortwo reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 103, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).