2003 Smart Passion MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Passion models manufactured in 2003, based on 31 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
2003 Smart Passion MOT Analysis
The 2003 Smart Passion has an MOT pass rate of 32.3% based on 31 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 63,159 miles on the odometer. With a 67.7% failure rate, the 2003 Passion is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 2003 Smart Passion is Suspension, responsible for 38.7% of failures. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs range from £200–500. Body, chassis, structure is the second most common issue at 19.4%. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment follows at 16.1%.
Top failures specific to 2003 models only. The overall Passion 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 | Suspension | 38.7% | 12 |
| 2 | Body, Chassis, Structure | 19.4% | 6 |
| 3 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 16.1% | 5 |
| 4 | Brakes | 16.1% | 5 |
| 5 | Noise, Emissions And Leaks | 9.7% | 3 |
| 6 | Seat Belts And Supplementary Restraint Systems | 9.7% | 3 |
| 7 | Steering | 6.5% | 2 |
| 8 | Visibility | 3.2% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 63,159 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 6.13 | 38.7% | 12 |
| Body & Structure | 3.06 | 19.4% | 6 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 2.55 | 16.1% | 5 |
| Brakes | 2.55 | 16.1% | 5 |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.53 | 9.7% | 3 |
| Seat Belts | 1.53 | 9.7% | 3 |
| Steering | 1.02 | 6.5% | 2 |
| Visibility | 0.51 | 3.2% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 2003 Smart Passion has an MOT pass rate of 32.3% based on 31 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 63,159 miles on the odometer. With a 67.7% failure rate, the 2003 Passion is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 2003 Smart Passion, be prepared for above-average maintenance costs. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to suspension: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks. At 63,159 average miles, these vehicles are in the mid-range where component wear starts to become a factor.
Suspension — 38.7% of failures
Suspension issues account for 38.7% of MOT failures on 2003 Smart Passion models. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs: £200–500. Pre-MOT check: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks.
Body, chassis, structure — 19.4% of failures
Body, chassis, structure issues account for 19.4% of MOT failures on 2003 Smart Passion models. Body and structure failures include excessive corrosion, sharp edges, loose panels, and damage to the vehicle frame. Rust is the primary concern, especially on older vehicles or those exposed to road salt. Typical repair costs: £100–500+. Pre-MOT check: Inspect sills, wheel arches, door bottoms, and the chassis for rust. Surface rust is acceptable but structural corrosion or holes will fail. Check that all doors, bonnet, and boot close securely.
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — 16.1% of failures
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues account for 16.1% of MOT failures on 2003 Smart Passion 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.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.