2012 Smart Fortwo · 2,647 MOT tests
2012 Smart Fortwo reliability
2012 Smart Fortwos fail 27.1% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 12 Fortwo years (2,647 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Smart Fortwos: 20.8%)
- 27.1%
- first-time fail rate (all Smart Fortwos: 20.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 0% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 49,580
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 2,647
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: about average for its age (the 2012 car does better)
- 2013 cars: 8% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 4% of tests fail here (84% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: suspension, 44% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 Smart Fortwo
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics10.6%
- Brakes7.2%
- Tyres5.1%
- Suspension4.9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.9%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks4%
- Body, chassis and structure2.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.02%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Dipped beam headlamp not working 2.64%
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.38%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Position lamp not working 2.23%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Service brake excessively binding 2.04%
A brake that drags when released can overheat, wear quickly and waste fuel, so it needs prompt inspection.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.96%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (11.67%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (9.07%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (8.61%) · Brake pads wearing thin (4.61%) · Service brake slightly binding (2.68%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (2.57%)
Other years
Every Smart Fortwo year
The full picture: Smart Fortwo reliability. Before you pay for any Smart Fortwo, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2012 Smart Fortwo reliable?
2012 Smart Fortwos fail 27.1% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 12 Fortwo years (2,647 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Smart Fortwo MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (3.02% of tests), dipped beam headlamp not working (2.64% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.38% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Smart Fortwo have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 Smart Fortwo shows 49,580 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
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