2008 · 16 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2008 Smart Fortwo MOT pass rate and common faults

636 MOT tests in 2024. 62.6% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

110Well above average
Passed first time62.6%
Failed or needed repairs37.4%
Typical mileage at test72,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 636 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working6.4%
  2. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.6%
  3. Stop lamp: not working3.6%
  4. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.5%
  5. Fuel cap/sealing device: ineffective3.3%
  6. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction3.0%
  7. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam2.8%
  8. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.8%
  9. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics30.8%
  2. Brakes17.1%
  3. Suspension12.7%
  4. Body & chassis8.5%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.9%
  6. Emissions & leaks6.6%
  7. Tyres5.5%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded15.6%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure13.7%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.5%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine5.0%
  5. Registration plates: inscription illegible4.6%

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: position 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 2008 Smart Fortwo?

In 2024, 62.6% of 2008 Smart Fortwo cars passed their MOT first time, across 636 tests. The average for all 16-year-old cars was 56.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2008 Smart Fortwo?

The most common failure reasons were position lamp: not working; coil spring: fractured or broken; stop lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2008 Smart Fortwo reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 110, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).