2003 Smart (mcc) Fortwo: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2003 Smart (mcc) Fortwos, from 123 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 123 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What gets flagged at MOT
The share of 2003 Smart (mcc) Fortwo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes34% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Suspension33% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Lights and electrics32% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres31% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Oil and fluid leaks15% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors11% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1,872 | Tyres 26% |
| 2018 | 3,365 | Tyres 30% |
| 2017 | 4,802 | Tyres 27% |
| 2016 | 5,717 | Tyres 26% |
| 2015 | 2,205 | Tyres 25% |
| 2014 | 3,658 | Tyres 26% |
| 2013 | 889 | Tyres 29% |
| 2012 | 1,781 | Brakes 33% |
| 2011 | 2,998 | Brakes 30% |
| 2010 | 4,241 | Brakes 32% |
| 2009 | 4,613 | Brakes 36% |
| 2008 | 3,749 | Brakes 35% |
| 2007 | 1,771 | Brakes 34% |
| 2006 | 752 | Suspension 40% |
| 2005 | 575 | Suspension 40% |
| 2004 | 502 | Lights and electrics 38% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2003 Smart (mcc) Fortwos registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score