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Smart Fortwo reliability

D · Below average

MOT pass rates and common problems from 430,349 MOT tests of cars first registered 2003–2019.

Jump to: YearsEnginesCommon failures
Smart Fortwo
72.1%pass first time
−1.7 ptsvs typical car
Beats 39%of cars
430,349MOT tests

Verdict

The Smart Fortwo passes its MOT first time on 72.1% of tests, 1.7 points lower than a typical car of the same age and mileage (73.9%). That puts it ahead of 39% of cars on UK roads once age and mileage are taken into account.

By year of first registration, the 2011 Fortwo does best (beats 51% of cars) and the 2017 worst (beats 22%).

Of its engines, the 0.8 Diesel does best (beats 42%) and the 0.9 Petrol worst (beats 34%).

Better than average on steering.

Watch these weak spots

Emissions & leaks1.7×as often as a typical car
Headlight bulbs & units1.8×as often as a typical car
Coil springs1.5×as often as a typical car
Brake performance2.0×as often as a typical car

MOT pass rate by age

First-time pass rate at each MOT by the car’s age in years.

50%60%70%80%90%100%3456789101112131415161718192089%85%80%72%67%65%64%62%59%
Smart FortwoTypical car, same age & mileage

Best and worst years

By year of first registration, ranked against all cars on UK roads after adjusting for age and mileage. Green = better than half of cars.

2003
Beats 52%
2004
Beats 52%
2005
Beats 34%
2006
Beats 36%
2007
Beats 38%
2008
Beats 42%
2009
Beats 41%
2010
Beats 35%
2011
Beats 51%
2012
Beats 51%
2013
Beats 33%
2014
Beats 42%
2015
Beats 39%
2016
Beats 29%
2017
Beats 22%
2018
Beats 21%
2019
Beats 37%

Engines

All years, most common first. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate.

EngineYearsTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.0 Petrol2007–2019287,29173.3%Beats 38%D
0.7 Petrol2003–201262,36161.9%Beats 39%D
0.9 Petrol2015–201941,95784.0%Beats 34%D
0.8 Diesel2009–201324,39865.3%Beats 42%C
1.0 Diesel2009–201110,10962.9%Beats 37%D
Electric2018–20193,19290.7%Beats 58%C
0.7 Diesel2009–20091,04164.0%Beats 52%C

Where it fails

Each area compared with a typical car of the same age and mileage, in points of pass rate. Tap or hover an area to see what to check.

Exhaust: 4.0% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 2.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Suspension: 7.6% of tests fail on suspension, against 7.9% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Lights: 12.0% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 9.9% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Tyres: 5.2% of tests fail on tyres, against 5.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Brakes: 6.5% of tests fail on brakes, against 5.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Lights: 12.0% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 9.9% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Lights−2.1 ptsTyres: 5.2% of tests fail on tyres, against 5.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Tyres+0.1 ptsBrakes: 6.5% of tests fail on brakes, against 5.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Brakes−1.0 ptsSuspension: 7.6% of tests fail on suspension, against 7.9% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Suspension+0.4 ptsExhaust: 4.0% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 2.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Exhaust−1.7 ptsSuspension: 7.6% of tests fail on suspension, against 7.9% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Brakes: 6.5% of tests fail on brakes, against 5.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Tyres: 5.2% of tests fail on tyres, against 5.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Lights: 12.0% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 9.9% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Exhaust: 4.0% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 2.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Lights: 12.0% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 9.9% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Lights−2.1 ptsTyres: 5.2% of tests fail on tyres, against 5.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Tyres+0.1 ptsBrakes: 6.5% of tests fail on brakes, against 5.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Brakes−1.0 ptsSuspension: 7.6% of tests fail on suspension, against 7.9% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Suspension+0.4 ptsExhaust: 4.0% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 2.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Exhaust−1.7 pts
Better than typicalTypicalWorse than typical
Lights: 12.0% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 9.9% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.

Every MOT area

Share of tests failing on each area, against a typical car of the same age and mileage (black line).

Lights & electrics
12.0% vs 9.9%
Suspension
7.6% vs 7.9%
Brakes
6.5% vs 5.5%
Visibility
5.4% vs 4.6%
Tyres
5.2% vs 5.3%
Emissions & leaks
4.0% vs 2.3%
Body & structure
2.4% vs 2.7%
Seat belts & airbags
0.5% vs 0.7%
Steering
0.4% vs 1.3%
Wheels
0.2% vs 0.3%

Buying one or MOT due? Check these

  • Headlight bulbs & units 1.8× typical
    Check dipped and main beam on both sides.
  • Coil springs 1.5× typical
    Look behind each wheel for a snapped coil (often the bottom one) and listen for clunks over bumps.
  • Brake performance 2.0× typical
    On the test drive, brake firmly: the car should stop straight with no pulsing through the pedal.
  • Engine warning light 2.1× typical
    The engine warning light should come on with the ignition and go out once the engine starts. If it stays on, get the fault codes read before you buy.
  • Exhaust emissions (catalyst) 1.9× typical
    Check past MOT emissions readings in the car's history: rising readings can mean catalyst or sensor problems.
  • Headlight aim
    Park facing a wall at night: both dipped beams should sit level and dip to the left.

Pass rate by mileage

First-time pass rate by mileage at the test.

50%60%70%80%90%100%0k10k20k30k40k50k60k70k80k90k100k110k120k130k93%81%70%63%60%58%58%
Smart FortwoTypical car

Most common MOT failures

ItemThis carTypicalvs typical
Coil springs3.7%2.5%1.5×
Headlight aim3.7%2.7%1.4×
Headlight bulbs & units3.2%1.7%1.8×
Brake lights3.0%2.1%1.4×
Tyre damage & cracking2.7%3.2%0.9×
Windscreen wipers2.6%2.4%1.1×
Windscreen washers2.6%1.9%1.3×
Sidelights2.5%2.1%1.1×
Brake performance2.3%1.1%2.0×
Tyre tread depth2.1%1.8%1.1×

Specific defects found

Tester wording for the most frequent failure items, per 1,000 tests.

Defectper 1,000
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements37.0
A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened36.9
Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning27.1
A headlamp or light source missing, inoperative or more than ½ not functioning in the case of LED26.0
Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen25.6
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn25.3
Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen25.2
Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake22.1
Check another car

Pick a make and model to see its MOT pass rate, best and worst years and weak spots.

Every year and engine

Tap a year to see its engines. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate.

2019 Smart Fortwo3 engines87.9% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.0 Petrol4,81186.6%Beats 24%D
0.9 Petrol2,78888.4%Beats 53%C
Electric1,68790.9%Beats 53%C
2018 Smart Fortwo3 engines85.3% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.0 Petrol10,99784.0%Beats 14%E
0.9 Petrol7,13886.1%Beats 32%D
Electric1,50590.5%Beats 62%B
2017 Smart Fortwo2 engines83.6% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.0 Petrol19,65183.1%Beats 17%E
0.9 Petrol12,07284.4%Beats 31%D
2016 Smart Fortwo2 engines82.5% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.0 Petrol30,24182.4%Beats 27%D
0.9 Petrol14,00882.7%Beats 32%D
2015 Smart Fortwo2 engines81.9% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.0 Petrol13,12181.9%Beats 38%D
0.9 Petrol5,95181.9%Beats 41%C
2014 Smart Fortwo1 engine79.0% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.0 Petrol32,31379.0%Beats 42%C
2013 Smart Fortwo2 engines75.4% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.0 Petrol26,90975.6%Beats 32%D
0.8 Diesel2,53473.3%Beats 34%D
2012 Smart Fortwo3 engines74.2% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.0 Petrol18,79474.5%Beats 51%C
0.8 Diesel2,75571.2%Beats 49%C
0.7 Petrol1,26675.8%Beats 56%C
2011 Smart Fortwo4 engines71.0% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.0 Petrol24,77671.6%Beats 52%C
0.8 Diesel5,12967.9%Beats 47%C
0.7 Petrol2,45872.0%Beats 52%C
1.0 Diesel1,15269.1%Beats 56%C
2010 Smart Fortwo4 engines65.0% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.0 Petrol29,73065.4%Beats 34%D
0.8 Diesel7,99662.7%Beats 37%D
0.7 Petrol5,61067.3%Beats 38%D
1.0 Diesel3,89662.9%Beats 34%D
2009 Smart Fortwo5 engines64.1% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.0 Petrol31,65265.0%Beats 42%C
0.7 Petrol7,43665.2%Beats 38%D
0.8 Diesel5,98460.4%Beats 43%C
1.0 Diesel5,06161.5%Beats 36%D
0.7 Diesel1,04164.0%Beats 52%C
2008 Smart Fortwo2 engines62.3% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.0 Petrol32,61362.3%Beats 42%C
0.7 Petrol10,05862.5%Beats 40%C
2007 Smart Fortwo2 engines61.0% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.0 Petrol11,68361.7%Beats 44%C
0.7 Petrol8,72659.9%Beats 31%D
2006 Smart Fortwo1 engine59.6% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
0.7 Petrol9,69659.6%Beats 36%D
2005 Smart Fortwo1 engine56.8% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
0.7 Petrol8,12256.8%Beats 34%D
2004 Smart Fortwo1 engine59.9% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
0.7 Petrol7,18859.9%Beats 52%C
2003 Smart Fortwo1 engine58.5% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
0.7 Petrol1,80158.5%Beats 52%C

FAQ

What is the Smart Fortwo MOT pass rate?

72.1% of MOT tests on the Smart Fortwo were passed first time, based on 430,349 tests between 2018 and 2026 of cars first registered 2003–2019. A typical car of the same age and mileage passes 73.9% of the time.

Is the Smart Fortwo reliable?

On MOT results it rates D (below average): it passes first time less often than a typical car of the same age and mileage and does better than 39% of cars on UK roads. MOT results cover safety and emissions items, not every kind of breakdown.

Which Smart Fortwo year is best?

Among years with enough data, the 2011 Fortwo does best for its age and mileage: it beats 51% of cars on UK roads. The 2017 does worst: it beats 22%.

Which Smart Fortwo engine is best?

Across all years, the 0.8 Diesel does best: it beats 42% of cars on UK roads. The 0.9 Petrol does worst: it beats 34%.

What are the most common MOT failures on the Smart Fortwo?

The most common failure items are coil springs, headlight aim, headlight bulbs & units. Compared with similar cars, headlight bulbs & units comes up 1.8× as often.

How we calculate this. We use official MOT results for cars tested in Great Britain from 2018 to 2026. Each car is compared with typical cars of the same age and mileage, so old and new cars are judged fairly; “pts” are percentage points above or below them. Differences also reflect how cars are used and maintained, not only how they are built.