68.6% of Smart Citys passed the 2024 MOT (a rough estimate from 789 first tests): 61.0% at the first attempt and 7.6% after a fix at the test centre (PRS). About 2 in 5 failed the first attempt. For its age, it is statistically indistinguishable from normal: MOT Risk Index 92.3 (95% CI 84.4–100.4; 100 = normal).
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 68.6 | % | incl. 7.6% fixed at the test centre | 2024 | 789 |
| Passed at the first attempt | 61.0 | % | all first tests | 2024 | 789 |
| MOT Risk Index (95% CI 84.4–100.4) | 92.3 | index | 100 = normal for its age · rank 369 (tied) of 761 (1 = fails least for its age) | 2024 | 789 |
| Biggest excess: Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 46.4 | per 100 | 39.0 same-age | 2019–2024 | 6619 |
| Dangerous defects | 10.3 | per 100 | 11.2 UK, not age-adjusted | 2019–2024 | 6619 |
| Advisory items | 159.5 | per 100 | 127.1 UK, not age-adjusted | 2019–2024 | 6619 |
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | 369 | of 761 | published models, 1 = fails least for its age | 2024 | 789 |
| Best rank within its 95% interval | 304 | rank | other models held where they are | 2024 | 789 |
| Worst rank within its 95% interval | 463 | rank | other models held where they are | 2024 | 789 |
Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · full dataset (v5). This model's index moved from 103.7 to 92.3 in the 24 September 2026 release, after duplicate test records were removed, and crossed the normal line.
Smart City MOTs fail most often on ‘lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment’: 46.4 per 100 tests, against 39.0 for UK cars of the same age (2019–2024, n = 6,619).
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 46.4 | per 100 | 39.0 | 2019–2024 | 3068 |
| Suspension | 21.3 | per 100 | 31.9 | 2019–2024 | 1410 |
| Brakes | 15.6 | per 100 | 23.7 | 2019–2024 | 1031 |
| Visibility | 14.4 | per 100 | 12.5 | 2019–2024 | 952 |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 10.4 | per 100 | 8.8 | 2019–2024 | 688 |
| Tyres | 8.6 | per 100 | 10.6 | 2019–2024 | 570 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 6,619 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Smart City advisories turn into fails more often than on the median model: suspension advisories became a fail at the next MOT 19.1% of the time.
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 19.1 | % next fail | median model | 2019–2024 | 1020 |
| Brakes | 14.1 | % next fail | median model | 2019–2024 | 1366 |
| Tyres | 10.9 | % next fail | median model | 2019–2024 | 1080 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 789 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Smart City MOTs flag brakes most: 48.5 advisories per 100 tests, against 34.7 across UK tests (2019–2024, n = 6,619).
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 48.5 | per 100 | 34.7 | 2019–2024 | 3211 |
| Tyres | 35 | per 100 | 39.7 | 2019–2024 | 2319 |
| Suspension | 34.6 | per 100 | 26.2 | 2019–2024 | 2292 |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 10.9 | per 100 | 5.2 | 2019–2024 | 723 |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 8.5 | per 100 | 2.8 | 2019–2024 | 563 |
| Steering | 5.4 | per 100 | 1.8 | 2019–2024 | 360 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 6,619 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
For Smart Citys aged 15 to 19 whose last MOT was a fail, the item most likely to fail at the next MOT is ‘lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment’: 28.4% failed on it (2019–2024, n = 1,471).
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 12 to 14 years old, after a pass (rough estimate: 453 cars) | 18.1 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 453 | |
| Suspension, 12 to 14 years old, after a pass (rough estimate: 453 cars) | 12.4 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 453 | |
| Visibility, 12 to 14 years old, after a pass (rough estimate: 453 cars) | 6.8 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 453 | |
| Brakes, 12 to 14 years old, after a pass (rough estimate: 453 cars) | 5.7 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 453 | |
| Noise, emissions and leaks, 12 to 14 years old, after a pass (rough estimate: 453 cars) | 4.2 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 453 | |
| Steering, 12 to 14 years old, after a pass (rough estimate: 453 cars) | 3.8 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 453 | |
| Tyres, 12 to 14 years old, after a pass (rough estimate: 453 cars) | 3.8 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 453 | |
| Body, chassis, structure, 12 to 14 years old, after a pass (rough estimate: 453 cars) | 2.9 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 453 |
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 12 to 14 years old, after an advisory (rough estimate: 347 cars) | 24.8 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 347 | |
| Suspension, 12 to 14 years old, after an advisory (rough estimate: 347 cars) | 18.7 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 347 | |
| Brakes, 12 to 14 years old, after an advisory (rough estimate: 347 cars) | 12.7 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 347 | |
| Visibility, 12 to 14 years old, after an advisory (rough estimate: 347 cars) | 10.4 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 347 | |
| Noise, emissions and leaks, 12 to 14 years old, after an advisory (rough estimate: 347 cars) | 7.8 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 347 | |
| Steering, 12 to 14 years old, after an advisory (rough estimate: 347 cars) | 6.9 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 347 | |
| Tyres, 12 to 14 years old, after an advisory (rough estimate: 347 cars) | 6.0 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 347 | |
| Body, chassis, structure, 12 to 14 years old, after an advisory (rough estimate: 347 cars) | 5.2 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 347 | |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 12 to 14 years old, after a fail | 28.0 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 596 | |
| Suspension, 12 to 14 years old, after a fail | 16.8 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 596 | |
| Visibility, 12 to 14 years old, after a fail | 14.6 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 596 | |
| Brakes, 12 to 14 years old, after a fail | 9.4 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 596 | |
| Body, chassis, structure, 12 to 14 years old, after a fail | 7.5 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 596 | |
| Tyres, 12 to 14 years old, after a fail | 7.0 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 596 | |
| Noise, emissions and leaks, 12 to 14 years old, after a fail | 6.5 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 596 | |
| Steering, 12 to 14 years old, after a fail | 4.5 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 596 | |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 12 to 14 years old, after a fail | 1.5 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 596 | |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 15 to 19 years old, after a pass | 17.6 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 1131 | |
| Suspension, 15 to 19 years old, after a pass | 11.0 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 1131 | |
| Visibility, 15 to 19 years old, after a pass | 9.2 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 1131 | |
| Noise, emissions and leaks, 15 to 19 years old, after a pass | 5.4 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 1131 | |
| Brakes, 15 to 19 years old, after a pass | 5.0 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 1131 | |
| Body, chassis, structure, 15 to 19 years old, after a pass | 4.2 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 1131 | |
| Tyres, 15 to 19 years old, after a pass | 4.0 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 1131 | |
| Steering, 15 to 19 years old, after a pass | 3.0 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 1131 | |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 15 to 19 years old, after a pass | 1.2 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 1131 | |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 15 to 19 years old, after an advisory | 24.3 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 997 | |
| Suspension, 15 to 19 years old, after an advisory | 15.4 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 997 | |
| Visibility, 15 to 19 years old, after an advisory | 10.7 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 997 | |
| Brakes, 15 to 19 years old, after an advisory | 9.9 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 997 | |
| Noise, emissions and leaks, 15 to 19 years old, after an advisory | 7.2 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 997 | |
| Tyres, 15 to 19 years old, after an advisory | 6.1 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 997 | |
| Steering, 15 to 19 years old, after an advisory | 5.7 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 997 | |
| Body, chassis, structure, 15 to 19 years old, after an advisory | 5.2 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 997 | |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 15 to 19 years old, after an advisory | 0.9 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 997 | |
| Identification of the vehicle, 15 to 19 years old, after an advisory | 0.5 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 997 | |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 15 to 19 years old, after a fail | 28.4 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 1471 | |
| Suspension, 15 to 19 years old, after a fail | 14.3 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 1471 | |
| Visibility, 15 to 19 years old, after a fail | 13.9 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 1471 | |
| Brakes, 15 to 19 years old, after a fail | 11.4 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 1471 | |
| Noise, emissions and leaks, 15 to 19 years old, after a fail | 9.8 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 1471 | |
| Body, chassis, structure, 15 to 19 years old, after a fail | 8.3 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 1471 | |
| Tyres, 15 to 19 years old, after a fail | 6.8 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 1471 | |
| Steering, 15 to 19 years old, after a fail | 5.0 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 1471 | |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 15 to 19 years old, after a fail | 2.5 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 1471 | |
| Identification of the vehicle, 15 to 19 years old, after a fail | 0.8 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 1471 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 789 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
The Smart City gets a dangerous defect about as often as the UK average: 10.3 per 100 first tests against 11.2 across the UK. In the same tests, 103.3 major and 18.2 minor defects were recorded per 100 tests (one test can record several).
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dangerous defects | 10.3 | per 100 | 11.2 | 2019–2024 | 6619 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 6,619 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id; severity not recorded for some 2018–2021 tests · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
First-time MOT failures for the Smart City go from 40.4% at age 17 (rough estimate: 104 tests, 95% interval 31.5–50.0%) to 34.6% at age 19 (rough estimate: 156 tests, 95% interval 27.6–42.4%), against 43.5% for all cars aged 19 (rough estimate: 156 tests, 95% interval 27.6–42.4%) (2024, n = 789).
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 17 (rough estimate: 104 tests, 95% interval 31.5–50.0%) | 40.4 | % failed first time | 43.1 | 2024 | 104 |
| Age 18 (rough estimate: 146 tests, 95% interval 34.7–50.6%) | 42.5 | % failed first time | 43.9 | 2024 | 146 |
| Age 19 (rough estimate: 156 tests, 95% interval 27.6–42.4%) | 34.6 | % failed first time | 43.5 | 2024 | 156 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 789 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
At 1 of 9 ages shown, Smart Citys fail first time more often than comparable models of the same size class; the biggest difference is at age 19, where they fail less often: 36.3% against 50.4% (2024, n = 678).
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 12 | 38.6 | % fail | 40.5 | 2024 | 153 |
| Age 13 | 45.7 | % fail | 43.3 | 2024 | 337 |
| Age 14 | 44.4 | % fail | 45.9 | 2024 | 595 |
| Age 15 | 42.3 | % fail | 48.0 | 2024 | 1023 |
| Age 16 | 42.9 | % fail | 50.0 | 2024 | 1274 |
| Age 17 | 43.5 | % fail | 50.5 | 2024 | 1110 |
| Age 18 | 41.4 | % fail | 50.9 | 2024 | 879 |
| Age 19 | 36.3 | % fail | 50.4 | 2024 | 678 |
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 20 | 38.1 | % fail | 49.6 | 2024 | 412 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 789 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Smart City build years range from index 95.2 to 107.1 against the model's own age norm of 100 (2019–2024, n = 789).
No Smart City build year stands out once age is allowed for; every year's interval includes normal.
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Build year 2004 (rough estimate: 905 tests, 95% interval 85.5–104.8) | 95.2 | index vs own age | 100 = normal | 2019–2024 | 905 |
| Build year 2005 (rough estimate: 424 tests, 95% interval 89.2–119.4) | 104.3 | index vs own age | 100 = normal | 2019–2024 | 424 |
| Build year 2006 (rough estimate: 369 tests, 95% interval 90.6–123.7) | 107.1 | index vs own age | 100 = normal | 2019–2024 | 369 |
| Build year 2007 (rough estimate: 251 tests, 95% interval 82.4–121.9) | 102.1 | index vs own age | 100 = normal | 2019–2024 | 251 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 789 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Expected repair cost per Smart City MOT: about £155 (up to about £295 if more expensive parts are needed), from the chance of failing each item and its most common UK repair price (catalogue estimate, n = 789).
Computed, not measured.
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expected repair bill | 155.2 | GBP estimate | modal price catalogue | price catalogue | 789 |
| Estimated range lower | 155.2 | GBP estimate | modal price catalogue | price catalogue | 789 |
| Estimated range upper | 295.0 | GBP estimate | modal price catalogue | price catalogue | 789 |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment: Battery replacement (standard 12V lead-acid) | 65.0 | GBP expected contribution | 140 | price catalogue | 789 |
| Suspension: Suspension coil spring (single corner) | 38.3 | GBP expected contribution | 180 | price catalogue | 789 |
| Brakes: Front brake pads (parts + labour, typical hatchback) | 23.4 | GBP expected contribution | 150 | price catalogue | 789 |
| Noise, emissions and leaks: Exhaust rear silencer | 20.8 | GBP expected contribution | 200 | price catalogue | 789 |
| Tyres: Tyre (single mid-range 16" fitted) | 7.7 | GBP expected contribution | 90 | price catalogue | 789 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: price catalogue · n = 789 (initial tests) · Method: computed estimate, not measured · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Of 8 similar models, 3 fail less often for their age than the Smart City and 5 as often or more. The Smart City has an MOT Risk Index of 92.3, where 100 = normal for its age (2024, n = 789).
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smart City (this model) | 92.3 | index | 100 = normal | 2024 | 789 |
| MCC Smart | 91.4 | index | 92.3 | 2024 | 855 |
| Subaru Justy | 93.3 | index | 92.3 | 2024 | 659 |
| Daihatsu Charade | 98.1 | index | 92.3 | 2024 | 1241 |
| Nissan Figaro | 92.7 | index | 92.3 | 2024 | 2413 |
| Smart Roadster (798 tests) | 68.4 | index | 92.3 | 2024 | 798 |
| Smart City-Coupe | 98.6 | index | 92.3 | 2024 | 4878 |
| Smart Roadster (1,584 tests) | 72.3 | index | 92.3 | 2024 | 1584 |
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renault Wind | 102.4 | index | 92.3 | 2024 | 2065 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 789 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Smart City: Age 17 median (rough estimate) is 65747 miles (2024).
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 17 median (rough estimate) | 65747 | miles | 2024 | 104 | |
| Age 17 P25 (rough estimate) | 48330 | miles | 2024 | 104 | |
| Age 17 P75 (rough estimate) | 85901 | miles | 2024 | 104 | |
| Age 18 median (rough estimate) | 63664 | miles | 2024 | 146 | |
| Age 18 P25 (rough estimate) | 49411 | miles | 2024 | 146 | |
| Age 18 P75 (rough estimate) | 78702 | miles | 2024 | 146 | |
| Age 19 median (rough estimate) | 72987 | miles | 2024 | 156 | |
| Age 19 P25 (rough estimate) | 57817 | miles | 2024 | 156 |
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 19 P75 (rough estimate) | 87859 | miles | 2024 | 156 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 789 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
At ages 15+, 31.3% of Smart Citys with under 40,000 miles failed first time, against 41.0% of those with 100,000 to 140,000 miles (2024, n = 161). No clear mileage gap inside this age group, among cars still being tested.
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 15+, <40k miles (rough estimate: 83 tests, 95% interval 22.4–41.9%) | 31.3 | % failed first time | 2024 | 83 | |
| Age 15+, 40-70k miles (rough estimate: 313 tests, 95% interval 32.2–42.9%) | 37.4 | % failed first time | 2024 | 313 | |
| Age 15+, 70-100k miles (rough estimate: 292 tests, 95% interval 36.3–47.5%) | 41.8 | % failed first time | 2024 | 292 | |
| Age 15+, 100-140k miles (rough estimate: 78 tests, 95% interval 30.8–52.1%) | 41 | % failed first time | 2024 | 78 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 789 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
10.9% of Smart Citys tested had reached 100,000 miles, and 1.1% had reached 150,000 (2024, n = 717).
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100,000 miles | 10.9 | % of tested cars | 2024 | 717 | |
| 150,000 miles (rough estimate: 70 tests, 95% interval 0.8–1.4%) | 1.1 | % of tested cars | 2024 | 70 | |
| 200,000 miles (rough estimate: 13 tests, 95% interval 0.1–0.3%) | 0.2 | % of tested cars | 2024 | 13 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 789 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
This fleet is driven less than average. Matched on annual mileage as well as age (test chains 2019–2024), the index is 104.2, on the other side of normal, so both readings are shown.
Both readings are shown: this comparison changes when usage or inspection rules differ.
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age and mileage adjusted index | 104.2 | index | 94.1 | 2019–2024 | 789 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 789 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Smart City fails first-time MOTs most in Bournemouth (BH): 57.5% against 41.8% across Britain for this model, both 2019–2024 (2024, n = 160).
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bournemouth (BH) (rough estimate: 160 tests, 95% interval 49.8–64.9%) | 57.5 | % fail first time | 39.0 | 2024 | 160 |
| Brighton (BN) (rough estimate: 112 tests, 95% interval 47.9–65.9%) | 57.1 | % fail first time | 39.0 | 2024 | 112 |
| Bristol (BS) (rough estimate: 189 tests, 95% interval 43.7–57.8%) | 50.8 | % fail first time | 39.0 | 2024 | 189 |
| London SE (SE) (rough estimate: 140 tests, 95% interval 27.6–43.2%) | 35 | % fail first time | 39.0 | 2024 | 140 |
| Plymouth (PL) (rough estimate: 146 tests, 95% interval 28.9–44.4%) | 36.3 | % fail first time | 39.0 | 2024 | 146 |
| London N (N) (rough estimate: 101 tests, 95% interval 27.9–46.4%) | 36.6 | % fail first time | 39.0 | 2024 | 101 |
| Portsmouth (PO) (rough estimate: 219 tests, 95% interval 42.3–55.4%) | 48.9 | % fail first time | 39.0 | 2024 | 219 |
| Southampton (SO) (rough estimate: 105 tests, 95% interval 38.3–57.1%) | 47.6 | % fail first time | 39.0 | 2024 | 105 |
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading (RG) (rough estimate: 108 tests, 95% interval 37.2–55.7%) | 46.3 | % fail first time | 39.0 | 2024 | 108 |
| Guildford (GU) (rough estimate: 115 tests, 95% interval 34.8–52.6%) | 43.5 | % fail first time | 39.0 | 2024 | 115 |
| Peterborough (PE) (rough estimate: 133 tests, 95% interval 34.8–51.4%) | 42.9 | % fail first time | 39.0 | 2024 | 133 |
| Tonbridge (TN) (rough estimate: 138 tests, 95% interval 34.8–51.1%) | 42.8 | % fail first time | 39.0 | 2024 | 138 |
| Chelmsford (CM) (rough estimate: 131 tests, 95% interval 33.2–49.8%) | 41.2 | % fail first time | 39.0 | 2024 | 131 |
| Sheffield (S) (rough estimate: 108 tests, 95% interval 28.5–46.4%) | 37.0 | % fail first time | 39.0 | 2024 | 108 |
| Birmingham (B) (rough estimate: 181 tests, 95% interval 30.3–44.3%) | 37.0 | % fail first time | 39.0 | 2024 | 181 |
| London E (E) (rough estimate: 103 tests, 95% interval 28.2–46.5%) | 36.9 | % fail first time | 39.0 | 2024 | 103 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 789 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Allowing for age, Smart City MOTs record corrosion failures at 3.0 times the national rate: 2.33% of tests against 0.77% (2024 + geographic layers, n = 787).
Computed, not measured.
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salt belt susceptibility | 3.0 | ratio estimate | 1 | 2024 + geographic layers | 787 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 + geographic layers · n = 789 (initial tests) · Method: computed estimate, not measured · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
An estimated 31.9% of Smart Citys tested are likely ULEZ-compliant, judged from fuel type and first-use date; check a specific car with TfL's vehicle checker (2024).
Computed, not measured.
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Likely compliant | 31.9 | % estimate | 2024 | 789 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 789 (initial tests) · Method: computed estimate, not measured · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Of failed Smart City MOTs, 25.1% were retested the same day and a further 70.2% within 10 days; the median failed car passed its retest after 2 days (2019–2024, n = 1,844).
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Same-day retest | 25.1 | % | failed initial tests | 2019–2024 | 1844 |
| Retest within 10 days | 70.2 | % | failed initial tests | 2019–2024 | 1844 |
| Clean MOT streak | 26.4 | % | observed chains | 2019–2024 | 1208 |
| Repeat advisory | 37.6 | % | observed chains | 2019–2024 | 1208 |
| Decreasing odometer | 3.7 | % mileage anomaly | observed chains | 2019–2024 | 1360 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 789 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
39.4% of Smart Citys that failed an MOT failed the next one too, against 36.6% after a pass (2019–2024, n = 647). The failure most likely to come back is tyres: 41.7% of those fails recurred at the next MOT.
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Repeat after fail | 39.4 | % | 36.6 | 2019–2024 | 647 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 789 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
On Smart Citys, ‘body, chassis, structure’ and ‘noise, emissions and leaks’ failures turn up together 4.3 times as often as chance would predict (2024, n = 117).
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body, chassis, structure + Noise, emissions and leaks (rough estimate: 117 tests, 95% interval 3.5–5.1) | 4.3 | lift | expected joint rate | 2024 | 117 |
| Noise, emissions and leaks + Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems (rough estimate: 28 tests, 95% interval 2.7–5.8) | 4.0 | lift | expected joint rate | 2024 | 28 |
| Body, chassis, structure + Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems (rough estimate: 22 tests, 95% interval 2.4–5.7) | 3.8 | lift | expected joint rate | 2024 | 22 |
| Body, chassis, structure + Steering (rough estimate: 61 tests, 95% interval 2.6–4.4) | 3.4 | lift | expected joint rate | 2024 | 61 |
| Body, chassis, structure + Tyres (rough estimate: 82 tests, 95% interval 2.7–4.2) | 3.4 | lift | expected joint rate | 2024 | 82 |
| Steering + Suspension (rough estimate: 148 tests, 95% interval 2.9–4.0) | 3.4 | lift | expected joint rate | 2024 | 148 |
| Body, chassis, structure + Visibility (rough estimate: 140 tests, 95% interval 2.7–3.8) | 3.2 | lift | expected joint rate | 2024 | 140 |
| Body, chassis, structure + Brakes (rough estimate: 113 tests, 95% interval 2.6–3.8) | 3.2 | lift | expected joint rate | 2024 | 113 |
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems (rough estimate: 72 tests, 95% interval 2.4–3.9) | 3.1 | lift | expected joint rate | 2024 | 72 |
| Brakes + Tyres (rough estimate: 108 tests, 95% interval 2.4–3.5) | 2.9 | lift | expected joint rate | 2024 | 108 |
| Brakes + Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems (rough estimate: 26 tests, 95% interval 1.9–4.2) | 2.9 | lift | expected joint rate | 2024 | 26 |
| Body, chassis, structure + Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment (rough estimate: 261 tests, 95% interval 2.5–3.2) | 2.8 | lift | expected joint rate | 2024 | 261 |
| Brakes + Noise, emissions and leaks (rough estimate: 120 tests, 95% interval 2.3–3.4) | 2.8 | lift | expected joint rate | 2024 | 120 |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems + Visibility (rough estimate: 30 tests, 95% interval 1.8–3.8) | 2.7 | lift | expected joint rate | 2024 | 30 |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Visibility (rough estimate: 450 tests, 95% interval 2.3–2.8) | 2.6 | lift | expected joint rate | 2024 | 450 |
| Noise, emissions and leaks + Steering (rough estimate: 54 tests, 95% interval 1.9–3.3) | 2.6 | lift | expected joint rate | 2024 | 54 |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Noise, emissions and leaks (rough estimate: 278 tests, 95% interval 2.2–2.9) | 2.5 | lift | expected joint rate | 2024 | 278 |
| Brakes + Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment (rough estimate: 359 tests, 95% interval 2.3–2.8) | 2.5 | lift | expected joint rate | 2024 | 359 |
| Brakes + Steering (rough estimate: 69 tests, 95% interval 1.9–3.2) | 2.5 | lift | expected joint rate | 2024 | 69 |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Tyres (rough estimate: 237 tests, 95% interval 2.2–2.8) | 2.5 | lift | expected joint rate | 2024 | 237 |
| Body, chassis, structure + Suspension (rough estimate: 140 tests, 95% interval 2.1–2.9) | 2.5 | lift | expected joint rate | 2024 | 140 |
| Tyres + Visibility (rough estimate: 112 tests, 95% interval 2.0–2.9) | 2.4 | lift | expected joint rate | 2024 | 112 |
| Brakes + Visibility (rough estimate: 165 tests, 95% interval 2.1–2.8) | 2.4 | lift | expected joint rate | 2024 | 165 |
| Steering + Tyres (rough estimate: 44 tests, 95% interval 1.7–3.2) | 2.4 | lift | expected joint rate | 2024 | 44 |
| Brakes + Suspension (rough estimate: 206 tests, 95% interval 2.0–2.7) | 2.3 | lift | expected joint rate | 2024 | 206 |
| Suspension + Tyres (rough estimate: 137 tests, 95% interval 1.9–2.7) | 2.3 | lift | expected joint rate | 2024 | 137 |
| Steering + Visibility (rough estimate: 78 tests, 95% interval 1.8–2.9) | 2.3 | lift | expected joint rate | 2024 | 78 |
| Suspension + Visibility (rough estimate: 247 tests, 95% interval 2.0–2.6) | 2.3 | lift | expected joint rate | 2024 | 247 |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Steering (rough estimate: 161 tests, 95% interval 1.9–2.6) | 2.3 | lift | expected joint rate | 2024 | 161 |
| Noise, emissions and leaks + Tyres (rough estimate: 63 tests, 95% interval 1.7–2.8) | 2.2 | lift | expected joint rate | 2024 | 63 |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Suspension (rough estimate: 497 tests, 95% interval 2.0–2.4) | 2.2 | lift | expected joint rate | 2024 | 497 |
| Noise, emissions and leaks + Visibility (rough estimate: 115 tests, 95% interval 1.8–2.6) | 2.2 | lift | expected joint rate | 2024 | 115 |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems + Suspension (rough estimate: 31 tests, 95% interval 1.5–3.0) | 2.1 | lift | expected joint rate | 2024 | 31 |
| Noise, emissions and leaks + Suspension (rough estimate: 144 tests, 95% interval 1.8–2.5) | 2.1 | lift | expected joint rate | 2024 | 144 |
| Identification of the vehicle + Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment (seen together; too few for a multiplier) | 15 | tests with both | 2024 | 15 | |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems + Tyres (seen together; too few for a multiplier) | 14 | tests with both | 2024 | 14 | |
| Identification of the vehicle + Visibility (seen together; too few for a multiplier) | 12 | tests with both | 2024 | 12 | |
| Body, chassis, structure + Identification of the vehicle (seen together; too few for a multiplier) | 10 | tests with both | 2024 | 10 | |
| Brakes + Identification of the vehicle (seen together; too few for a multiplier) | 10 | tests with both | 2024 | 10 | |
| Identification of the vehicle + Suspension (seen together; too few for a multiplier) | 10 | tests with both | 2024 | 10 | |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems + Steering (seen together; too few for a multiplier) | 9 | tests with both | 2024 | 9 | |
| Identification of the vehicle + Tyres (seen together; too few for a multiplier) | 8 | tests with both | 2024 | 8 | |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Road Wheels (seen together; too few for a multiplier) | 7 | tests with both | 2024 | 7 | |
| Identification of the vehicle + Noise, emissions and leaks (seen together; too few for a multiplier) | 7 | tests with both | 2024 | 7 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 789 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Of every 100 Smart Citys tested at age 17, about 40 failed the MOT first time (rough estimate); at age 19, about 35 (rough estimate). These are one-year rates for different cars tested in the same year, not a fleet followed over time (2024).
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 17 (rough estimate: 104 tests, 95% interval 31.5–50.0%) | 40.4 | % fail first time | 2024 | 104 | |
| Age 18 (rough estimate: 146 tests, 95% interval 34.7–50.6%) | 42.5 | % fail first time | 2024 | 146 | |
| Age 19 (rough estimate: 156 tests, 95% interval 27.6–42.4%) | 34.6 | % fail first time | 2024 | 156 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 789 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Smart Citys fail first time most in April (45.3%, against 29.8% for all cars that month) and least in July (39.0%) (2024, n = 789).
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 41.8 | % fail first time | 31.1 | 2024 | 639 |
| February | 45.2 | % fail first time | 30.0 | 2024 | 564 |
| March | 39.4 | % fail first time | 28.3 | 2024 | 546 |
| April | 45.3 | % fail first time | 29.8 | 2024 | 481 |
| May | 42.6 | % fail first time | 28.8 | 2024 | 465 |
| June | 41.2 | % fail first time | 28.1 | 2024 | 437 |
| July | 39.0 | % fail first time | 29.3 | 2024 | 557 |
| August | 41.2 | % fail first time | 29.2 | 2024 | 536 |
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September | 40.8 | % fail first time | 28.2 | 2024 | 649 |
| October | 41.6 | % fail first time | 30.3 | 2024 | 675 |
| November | 41.4 | % fail first time | 30.6 | 2024 | 671 |
| December | 42.6 | % fail first time | 29.3 | 2024 | 399 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 789 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
not computed for this model: no qualifying records. 789 initial Smart City tests are in the published model cohort.
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 789 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
See the Nissan Figaro, a car of the same inspection class with 3.1× the tests · Check your car by registration
not computed for this model: no qualifying records. 789 initial Smart City tests are in the published model cohort.
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 789 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
See the Nissan Figaro, a car of the same inspection class with 3.1× the tests · Check your car by registration
not computed for this model: no qualifying records. 789 initial Smart City tests are in the published model cohort.
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 789 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
See the Nissan Figaro, a car of the same inspection class with 3.1× the tests · Check your car by registration
not computed for this model: no qualifying records. 789 initial Smart City tests are in the published model cohort.
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 789 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
See the Nissan Figaro, a car of the same inspection class with 3.1× the tests · Check your car by registration
not computed for this model: no qualifying records. 789 initial Smart City tests are in the published model cohort.
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: survival forecast · n = 789 (initial tests) · Method: computed estimate, not measured · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
See the Nissan Figaro, a car of the same inspection class with 3.1× the tests · Check your car by registration
not computed for this model: no qualifying records. 789 initial Smart City tests are in the published model cohort.
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 789 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
See the Nissan Figaro, a car of the same inspection class with 3.1× the tests · Check your car by registration
not computed for this model: no qualifying records. 789 initial Smart City tests are in the published model cohort.
Source: DVSA register; recall effect covers 11 of 761 models · Window: DVSA register · n = 789 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
See the Nissan Figaro, a car of the same inspection class with 3.1× the tests · Check your car by registration
layer not yet computed for this model (covers 211 of 761 models). 789 initial Smart City tests are in the published model cohort.
Source: NHTSA, US market; covers 211 of 761 models · Window: NHTSA · n = 789 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
See the Nissan Figaro, a car of the same inspection class with 3.1× the tests · Check your car by registration
layer not yet computed for this model (covers 211 of 761 models). 789 initial Smart City tests are in the published model cohort.
Source: NHTSA, US market; covers 211 of 761 models · Window: NHTSA + 2024 · n = 789 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
See the Nissan Figaro, a car of the same inspection class with 3.1× the tests · Check your car by registration
no match in the other-country inspection register. 789 initial Smart City tests are in the published model cohort.
Source: Statens vegvesen PKK (CC BY 4.0), Traficom Katsastus (CC BY 4.0), RDW APK (CC0), adapted; covers 430 of 761 models · Window: 2024 by country · n = 789 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
See the Nissan Figaro, a car of the same inspection class with 3.1× the tests · Check your car by registration
layer not yet computed for this model (covers 19 of 761 models). 789 initial Smart City tests are in the published model cohort.
Source: European Commission OBFCM; covers 19 of 761 models · Window: 2021+ cohorts · n = 789 (initial tests) · Method: computed estimate, not measured · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
See the Nissan Figaro, a car of the same inspection class with 3.1× the tests · Check your car by registration
MOT Risk Index (2026). Smart City MOT statistics 2024 (data release dvsa-2024-v2; full dataset motriskindex-families-2024-v5, DOI 10.5281/zenodo.22975051), updated 24 September 2026. motriskindex.co.uk/cars/smart-city-review-f7c5aa62/
How the MOT Risk Index and every figure on this page are calculated: methodology.
What is wrong on this page? One tap sends the category only, no text and nothing about you.
61.0% of first attempts passed in 2024 (789 tests). Retests after repair are excluded; cars fixed at the test centre (PRS) are shown separately.
Other sites may count retests or all attempts. This page uses 789 primary tests: 39.04% failed first time and 68.6% passed when cars fixed at the test centre (PRS) count as passes. The age-adjusted MOT Risk Index 92.3 is shown separately.