2008 Smart Coupe MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Coupe models manufactured in 2008, based on 39 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
2008 Smart Coupe MOT Analysis
The 2008 Smart Coupe has an MOT pass rate of 71.8% based on 39 tests — above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 36,674 miles on the odometer. With a 28.2% failure rate, the 2008 Coupe is rated as "Very Good" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 2008 Smart Coupe is Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, responsible for 12.8% of failures. Lighting failures cover all external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reflectors. A single blown bulb will cause an MOT fail. This is one of the most preventable failure categories. Typical repair costs range from £5–50. Visibility is the second most common issue at 5.1%. Brakes follows at 2.6%.
Top failures specific to 2008 models only. The overall Coupe 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 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 12.8% | 5 |
| 2 | Visibility | 5.1% | 2 |
| 3 | Brakes | 2.6% | 1 |
| 4 | Steering | 2.6% | 1 |
| 5 | Tyres | 2.6% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 36,674 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.
View as table
| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamps & Electrical | 3.50 | 12.8% | 5 |
| Visibility | 1.40 | 5.1% | 2 |
| Brakes | 0.70 | 2.6% | 1 |
| Steering | 0.70 | 2.6% | 1 |
| Tyres | 0.70 | 2.6% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 2008 Smart Coupe has an MOT pass rate of 71.8% based on 39 tests — above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 36,674 miles on the odometer. With a 28.2% failure rate, the 2008 Coupe is rated as "Very Good" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 2008 Smart Coupe, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment: Walk around the car and check every light — headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reverse light, rear fog light, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs before the test. With relatively low average mileage of 36,674 miles, many of these vehicles are still in good mechanical condition.
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — 12.8% of failures
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues account for 12.8% of MOT failures on 2008 Smart Coupe models. Lighting failures cover all external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reflectors. A single blown bulb will cause an MOT fail. This is one of the most preventable failure categories. Typical repair costs: £5–50. Pre-MOT check: Walk around the car and check every light — headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reverse light, rear fog light, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs before the test.
Visibility — 5.1% of failures
Visibility issues account for 5.1% of MOT failures on 2008 Smart Coupe models. Visibility failures relate to the windscreen, wipers, washers, mirrors, and view-obstructing damage. Cracks in the windscreen swept area, ineffective wipers, or empty washer bottles are common causes. Typical repair costs: £10–300. Pre-MOT check: Check the windscreen for chips and cracks — damage larger than 10mm in the driver's swept area or 40mm elsewhere will fail. Test washers and wipers. Ensure both door mirrors are intact and adjustable.
Brakes — 2.6% of failures
Brakes issues account for 2.6% of MOT failures on 2008 Smart Coupe 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).
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.