2016 Smart Fortwo · 20,041 MOT tests
2016 Smart Fortwo reliability
2016 Smart Fortwos fail 19.1% of first MOT tests, 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 12 of 12 Fortwo years (20,041 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2016 Smart Fortwo?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Smart Fortwos: 20.8%)
- 19.1%
- first-time fail rate (all Smart Fortwos: 20.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 16% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 7
- 31,600
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 7
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 20,041
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2016 against the years either side
- 2015 cars: 7% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2016 car does worse)
- 2017 cars: 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2016 car does worse)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 3.4% of tests fail here (223% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: suspension, 20% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2016 car carries a 65 plate (January–February 2016), or a 16 plate (March–August 2016), or a 66 plate (September–December 2016).
Common problems
What fails on a 2016 Smart Fortwo
Fail rate by area
- Tyres5.5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.1%
- Lights and electrics5%
- Brakes3.9%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks3.4%
- Suspension2.6%
- Body, chassis and structure0.9%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.87%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.94%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.54%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Stop lamp not working 1.52%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 1.35%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 1.21%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Common advisories
Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (10.75%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (8.65%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (5.71%) · Brake pads wearing thin (5.38%) · Brake discs showing some wear (2.67%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (1.73%)
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 2016 Smart Fortwo reliable?
2016 Smart Fortwos fail 19.1% of first MOT tests, 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 12 of 12 Fortwo years (20,041 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2016 Smart Fortwo MOT?
Most often wiper blade not clearing windscreen (2.87% of tests), brake pads worn below 1.5mm (1.94% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.54% of tests).
How many miles should a 2016 Smart Fortwo have done?
At its MOT aged about 7, a typical 2016 Smart Fortwo shows 31,600 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2016 car?
A car first registered in 2016 carries a 65 plate (January–February 2016), or a 16 plate (March–August 2016), or a 66 plate (September–December 2016).
Check a 2016 Smart Fortwo free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.