Smart Fortwo MOT pass rate and common problems
84.8% of 43,002 Smart Fortwo MOT tests pass.
The Fortwo passes its MOT 84.8% of the time — well above the average across all Smart models, which sits at 79.0%.
The Smart Fortwo passes its MOT 84.8% of the time — well above the national average for cars, which sits at 79.2%.
Own this Smart Fortwo?
This is the average across every Smart Fortwo in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
How to check and keep your Smart’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate drops sharply with age: the Smart Fortwo tested at 3–6 years pass 90.9% of the time, compared with just 69.3% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | 90.9% | 6,877 | 25,613 miles |
| 6–10 years | 86.0% | 25,139 | 37,661 miles |
| 10–15 years | 79.7% | 9,274 | 51,042 miles |
| 15+ years | 69.3% | 1,712 | 70,267 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Smart Fortwo
The most common reason the Smart Fortwo fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 39.4% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 39.4% | Not working |
| Tyres | 27.8% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Brakes | 23.9% | Less than 1.5 mm thick |
| Visibility | 20.8% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Suspension | 15.5% | Fractured or broken |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 15.1% | Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits |
| Body, chassis, structure | 5.8% | Has a major leak of exhaust gases |
| Identification of the vehicle | 2.5% | Does not conform to the specified requirements |
| Steering | 0.8% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 0.7% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
Buying a used Smart Fortwo: what to check
These checks follow the Smart Fortwo’s own MOT record: the areas it fails on most often, and how that changes as the car gets older. None of them replaces a mechanic’s inspection, but they tell you where to look first.
The biggest drop in pass rate for the Smart Fortwo comes between 10–15 years and 15+ years old, from 79.7% to 69.3%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 30,000–60,000 mi to 60,000–90,000 mi: 83.9% down to 74.4%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 39.4% of failed Smart Fortwo MOTs. 28.3% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 2.9% at 3–6 years.
Walk round with the lights on: headlights (dipped and main), indicators, brake lights, fog light and number-plate lamp. Check the dashboard warning lights come on with the ignition, then go out once the engine starts.
2. Tyres
Recorded in 27.8% of failed Smart Fortwo MOTs.
Check tread depth across the whole width of every tyre, including the inner edge. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems. Look for cuts and bulges in the sidewalls.
3. Brakes
Recorded in 23.9% of failed Smart Fortwo MOTs. 13.0% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 2.3% at 3–6 years.
On the test drive, the car should stop straight without pulling or juddering, and the handbrake should hold it on a slope. Look through the wheels for scored or heavily lipped discs.
4. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 20.8% of failed Smart Fortwo MOTs.
Look for windscreen chips and cracks in the driver’s line of sight, and check the wipers clear the screen and the washers work.
5. Suspension
Recorded in 15.5% of failed Smart Fortwo MOTs. 13.8% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension, against 0.6% at 3–6 years.
Listen for knocks over bumps and speed humps, and check the car sits level. Push down on each corner: it should settle rather than keep bouncing.
Check the car’s own MOT history. Averages describe the model, not the car in front of you. Look up its registration for past failures, advisories that were never fixed, and gaps or dips in the recorded mileage.
Ask for the service history. Invoices show what was done and when; a stamp alone shows less. See how to check Smart service history and what a service history check can tell you.
Related Smart models
- Smart Forfour — 79.6% pass rate
- Smart Fortwo Coupe — 72.9% pass rate
- Smart City Coupe — 68.4% pass rate
- Smart Fortwo Cabriolet — 74.9% pass rate
- Smart Roadster 80 Auto(rhd) — 74.4% pass rate
- Smart Cabriolet — 71.2% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Smart Fortwo?
- 84.8% of Smart Fortwo MOT tests pass, based on 43,002 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Smart Fortwo?
- The most common reason the Smart Fortwo fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 39.4% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Smart Fortwo?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Smart Fortwo are lights and electrics; tyres; brakes. 28.3% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 2.9% at 3–6 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Smart Fortwo?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; tyres; brakes; windscreen and wipers; suspension. Then check the specific car's MOT history by registration for failures, advisories and mileage, and ask the seller for service invoices.
- Does this show the Smart Fortwo's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the Smart service history guide for how to check and keep one.