2017 Smart Fortwo · 17,178 MOT tests
2017 Smart Fortwo reliability
2017 Smart Fortwos fail 16.5% of first MOT tests, 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 12 Fortwo years (17,178 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Smart Fortwos: 20.8%)
- 16.5%
- 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 6
- 26,365
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 6
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 17,178
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2017 against the years either side
- 2016 cars: 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2017 car does better)
- 2018 cars: 14% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2017 car does worse)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 2% of tests fail here (135% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: suspension, 50% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2017 car carries a 66 plate (January–February 2017), or a 17 plate (March–August 2017), or a 67 plate (September–December 2017).
Common problems
What fails on a 2017 Smart Fortwo
Fail rate by area
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.9%
- Tyres4.8%
- Lights and electrics4.6%
- Brakes3.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2%
- Suspension1.1%
- Body, chassis and structure0.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.8%
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 1.61%
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 1.43%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Stop lamp not working 1.27%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 1.14%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 0.84%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Common advisories
Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (10.24%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (8.29%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (5.09%) · Brake pads wearing thin (5.01%) · Brake discs showing some wear (2.26%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (1.79%)
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 2017 Smart Fortwo reliable?
2017 Smart Fortwos fail 16.5% of first MOT tests, 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 12 Fortwo years (17,178 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2017 Smart Fortwo MOT?
Most often wiper blade not clearing windscreen (2.8% of tests), brake pads worn below 1.5mm (1.61% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.43% of tests).
How many miles should a 2017 Smart Fortwo have done?
At its MOT aged about 6, a typical 2017 Smart Fortwo shows 26,365 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2017 car?
A car first registered in 2017 carries a 66 plate (January–February 2017), or a 17 plate (March–August 2017), or a 67 plate (September–December 2017).
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