2002 Smart Smart Pulse Softip(Rhd) — MOT failures & pass rate
Across 321 MOT tests, the 2002 Smart Smart Pulse Softip(Rhd) recorded a 72.9% pass rate. All cars of a similar age fail at 27.5%, so the 2002 Smart Pulse Softip(Rhd) sits squarely on the average. Failures cluster in lighting & signalling, suspension and visibility.
What the MOT record shows
Lighting & signalling dominates the failure mix at 19.9% of all tests — 6.9 points clear of suspension, so it is the first thing to check.
At component level the recurring items are headlamp aim, catalyst emissions and headlamp — headlamp aim alone was recorded 36 times.
Mileage is the strongest signal on the record: 25.0% of 30-60k cars fail, rising to 29.8% once past 90-120k.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: brakes was flagged on 34.0% of tests without failing them.
The trend is worsening — 27.2% of tests failed in 2021 against 32.5% in 2025, the usual pattern as a fleet ages.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lighting & signalling | 19.9% | 64 |
| 2 | Suspension | 13.1% | 42 |
| 3 | Visibility | 9.3% | 30 |
| 4 | Emissions & environmental | 7.5% | 24 |
| 5 | Brakes | 7.5% | 24 |
| 6 | Body, structure & corrosion | 5.3% | 17 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Headlamp aim | 36 |
| 2 | Catalyst emissions | 32 |
| 3 | Headlamp | 32 |
| 4 | Washers | 26 |
| 5 | Stop lamp | 19 |
| 6 | Wipers | 16 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brakes | 34.0% | 109 |
| 2 | Suspension | 28.7% | 92 |
| 3 | Emissions & environmental | 21.8% | 70 |
| 4 | Tyres | 21.5% | 69 |
| 5 | Lighting & signalling | 18.1% | 58 |
| 6 | Other defects | 12.2% | 39 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 30-60k | 100 | 25.0% |
| 60-90k | 129 | 27.1% |
| 90-120k | 67 | 29.8% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 92 | 27.2% |
| 2022 | 73 | 23.3% |
| 2023 | 71 | 31.0% |
| 2024 | 45 | 22.2% |
| 2025 | 40 | 32.5% |
What to check before buying a 2002 Smart Pulse Softip(Rhd)
On a 2002 Smart Pulse Softip(Rhd), lighting & signalling is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 19.9% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Lighting & signalling (19.9% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Suspension (13.1% of tests): Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair: £150–£450 per corner.
- Visibility (9.3% of tests): Wipers, washers, mirrors and screen damage — usually inexpensive, but check for chips in the driver's line of sight. Typical repair: £15–£150.
Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.
Frequently asked questions
How many 2002 Smart Smart Pulse Softip(Rhd)s pass their MOT?
72.9% of the 321 2002 Smart Smart Pulse Softip(Rhd) MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 27.1% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2002 Smart Smart Pulse Softip(Rhd)?
Lighting & signalling, recorded in 19.9% of tests, followed by suspension (13.1%).
Does the 2002 Smart Pulse Softip(Rhd) get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 25.0% in the 30-60k band to 29.8% in the 90-120k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 321 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-27. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.