2003 Smart (mcc) Unclassified MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Unclassified models manufactured in 2003, based on 159 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
2003 Smart (mcc) Unclassified MOT Analysis
The 2003 Smart (mcc) Unclassified has an MOT pass rate of 59.1% based on 159 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 56,923 miles on the odometer. With a 40.9% failure rate, the 2003 Unclassified is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 2003 Smart (mcc) Unclassified is Brakes, responsible for 3.8% of failures. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs range from £150–400. Tyres is the second most common issue at 1.9%. Noise, emissions and leaks follows at 0.6%.
Top failures specific to 2003 models only. The overall Unclassified page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brakes | 3.8% | 6 |
| 2 | Tyres | 1.9% | 3 |
| 3 | Noise, Emissions And Leaks | 0.6% | 1 |
| 4 | Non-component Advisories | 0.6% | 1 |
| 5 | Steering | 0.6% | 1 |
| 6 | Suspension | 0.6% | 1 |
| 7 | Visibility | 0.6% | 1 |
| 8 | Body, Chassis, Structure | 0.6% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 56,923 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
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| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 0.66 | 3.8% | 6 |
| Tyres | 0.33 | 1.9% | 3 |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.11 | 0.6% | 1 |
| Non-component advisories | 0.11 | 0.6% | 1 |
| Steering | 0.11 | 0.6% | 1 |
| Suspension | 0.11 | 0.6% | 1 |
| Visibility | 0.11 | 0.6% | 1 |
| Body & Structure | 0.11 | 0.6% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 2003 Smart (mcc) Unclassified has an MOT pass rate of 59.1% based on 159 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 56,923 miles on the odometer. With a 40.9% failure rate, the 2003 Unclassified is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 2003 Smart (mcc) Unclassified, budget for potential repairs before each MOT. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to brakes: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm). At 56,923 average miles, these vehicles are in the mid-range where component wear starts to become a factor.
Brakes — 3.8% of failures
Brakes issues account for 3.8% of MOT failures on 2003 Smart (mcc) Unclassified models. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs: £150–400. Pre-MOT check: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm).
Tyres — 1.9% of failures
Tyres issues account for 1.9% of MOT failures on 2003 Smart (mcc) Unclassified models. Tyre failures include tread depth below the legal minimum of 1.6mm, cuts, bulges, exposed cords, and incorrect tyre pressure. Tyres are one of the most common and easiest-to-prevent MOT failures. Typical repair costs: £50–200 per tyre. Pre-MOT check: Check tread depth with a 20p coin — if the outer band is visible, the tyre is too worn. Look for bulges, cuts, or embedded objects. Ensure all tyres match the recommended size and load rating.
Noise, emissions and leaks — 0.6% of failures
Noise, emissions and leaks issues account for 0.6% of MOT failures on 2003 Smart (mcc) Unclassified models. Emissions failures occur when exhaust gases exceed legal limits for carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), or particulate matter (diesel). Common causes include faulty oxygen sensors, clogged catalytic converters, or DPF issues on diesel vehicles. Typical repair costs: £100–1,000+. Pre-MOT check: If the engine management light is on, get it diagnosed before the MOT. For diesel cars, ensure the DPF has completed a regeneration cycle. Regular servicing and using premium fuel before the test can help.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.