MOT Risk Index.co.uk

Smart EQ Forfour MOT pass rate and common problems

91.7% of Smart EQ Forfours passed the 2024 MOT (based on 2,569 first tests): 88.6% at the first attempt and 3.0% after a fix at the test centre (PRS), each rounded separately. About 1 in 10 failed the first attempt. For its age, it is statistically indistinguishable from normal: MOT Risk Index 89.8 (95% CI 80.6–100.0; 100 = normal).

Smart EQ Forfour at a glance, 2024 MOT
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
MOT pass rate91.7%incl. 3.0% fixed at the test centre20242569
Passed at the first attempt88.6%all first tests20242569
MOT Risk Index (95% CI 80.6–100.0)89.8index100 = normal for its age · rank 345 (tied) of 761 (1 = fails least for its age)20242569
Biggest excess: Visibility5.9per 1004.2 same-age2019–20243800
Dangerous defects3.2per 10011.2 UK, not age-adjusted2019–20243800
Advisory items31.7per 100127.1 UK, not age-adjusted2019–20243800
strip · Smart EQ Forfour · MOT Risk Index · 89.8 vs 100 = normal · 2024
MOT Risk Index · Smart EQ Forfour. 0–240; 100 = normal for its age; median model 92.8 · rank 345 (tied) of 761 (1 = fails least for its age). It would rank between 263 and 459 anywhere within its 95% interval, other models held where they are. DVSA, 2024.
Smart EQ Forfour index position among 761 models
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Rank345of 761published models, 1 = fails least for its age20242569
Best rank within its 95% interval263rankother models held where they are20242569
Worst rank within its 95% interval459rankother models held where they are20242569

Check this car by registration

Before you submit. Enter a UK registration to compare this vehicle with similar cars. We send the registration to the DVSA MOT History API, do not put it in the URL or send it to analytics, and keep any server-side cache for no more than 15 minutes. MOT history is free on GOV.UK; we do not sell it. Statistical information, not vehicle condition advice. Read how we use your data.

Download this page's numbers (CSV) · How to cite

Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · full dataset (v5). This model's index changed from 93.5 to 89.8 in the 24 September 2026 release, after duplicate test records were removed.

What actually fails on a Smart EQ Forfour MOT, and how often?

Smart EQ Forfour MOTs fail most often on visibility: 5.9 per 100 tests, against 4.2 for UK cars of the same age (2019–2024, n = 3,800).

bar · Smart EQ Forfour · Visibility · 5.9 vs 4.2 · 2019–2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart EQ Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Visibility5.9per 1004.22019–2024223
Tyres5.4per 10010.72019–2024206

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 3,800 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Tyres, brakes and suspension: how does the Smart EQ Forfour compare with cars of the same age?

The biggest excess for the Smart EQ Forfour is tyres at age 4: 4.7 failures per 100 tests, against 4.5 for same-age cars of comparable models (2019–2024, n = 1,154).

bullet · Smart EQ Forfour · Tyres, age 3 · 4.2 vs 4.2 · 2019–2024
Tyres, age 3: 4.2 vs 4.2. Brakes, age 3: 0.5 vs 1.8. Suspension, age 3: 0.3 vs 0.6. Tyres, age 4: 4.7 vs 4.5. Brakes, age 4: 1.2 vs 2.4. Suspension, age 4: 0.3 vs 1.2. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart EQ Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Tyres, age 34.2per 1004.22019–20242533
Brakes, age 30.5per 1001.82019–20242533
Suspension, age 30.3per 1000.62019–20242533
Tyres, age 44.7per 1004.52019–20241154
Brakes, age 41.2per 1002.42019–20241154
Suspension, age 40.3per 1001.22019–20241154

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 2,569 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

My Smart EQ Forfour got an MOT advisory: what gets flagged most?

Smart EQ Forfour MOTs flag tyres most: 17.6 advisories per 100 tests, against 39.7 across UK tests (2019–2024, n = 3,800).

bar · Smart EQ Forfour · Tyres · 17.6 vs 39.7 · 2019–2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart EQ Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Tyres17.6per 10039.72019–2024669
Brakes8.2per 10034.72019–2024313
Non-component advisories4.1per 1007.82019–2024157

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 3,800 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

What is likely to fail next on a Smart EQ Forfour?

For Smart EQ Forfours aged under 3 whose last MOT was a pass, the item most likely to fail at the next MOT is visibility: 6.2% failed on it (2019–2024, n = 690).

bar · Smart EQ Forfour · Visibility, under 3 years old, after a pass · 6.2 vs baseline · 2019–2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart EQ Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Visibility, under 3 years old, after a pass6.2% next fail2019–2024690
Tyres, under 3 years old, after a pass3.8% next fail2019–2024690
Brakes, under 3 years old, after a pass1.0% next fail2019–2024690
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, under 3 years old, after a pass0.9% next fail2019–2024690
Tyres, under 3 years old, after an advisory (rough estimate: 102 cars)9.8% next fail2019–2024102
Visibility, under 3 years old, after an advisory (rough estimate: 102 cars)4.9% next fail2019–2024102
Visibility, under 3 years old, after a fail (rough estimate: 85 cars)15.3% next fail2019–202485
Tyres, under 3 years old, after a fail (rough estimate: 85 cars)7.1% next fail2019–202485
Full table
Further values · 2019–2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Visibility, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass (rough estimate: 266 cars)9.4% next fail2019–2024266
Tyres, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass (rough estimate: 266 cars)5.6% next fail2019–2024266

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 2,569 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

How often does a Smart EQ Forfour get a dangerous MOT defect?

The Smart EQ Forfour gets a dangerous defect less often than the UK average: 3.2 per 100 first tests against 11.2 across the UK. In the same tests, 8.5 major and 2.5 minor defects were recorded per 100 tests (one test can record several).

bullet · Smart EQ Forfour · Dangerous defects · 3.2 vs 11.2 · 2019–2024
Dangerous defects: 3.2 vs 11.2. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart EQ Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Dangerous defects3.2per 10011.22019–20243800

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 3,800 (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

Will my Smart EQ Forfour still pass its MOT in a few years?

First-time MOT failures for the Smart EQ Forfour go from 9.6% at age 3 to 13.7% at age 4, against 13.1% for all cars aged 4 (2024, n = 2,569). Older Smart EQ Forfours are not in the MOT data yet.

line · Smart EQ Forfour · Age 3 · 9.6 vs 12.4 · 2024
Age 3: 9.6. Age 4: 13.7. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart EQ Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 39.6% failed first time12.420241373
Age 413.7% failed first time13.120241154

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 2,569 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

How does the Smart EQ Forfour compare with cars of its own age and size?

At every age shown, Smart EQ Forfours fail first time no more often than comparable models of the same size class; the biggest difference is at age 3, where they fail less often: 9.7% against 12.6% (2024, n = 2,533).

line · Smart EQ Forfour · Age 3 · 9.7 vs 12.6 · 2024
Age 3: 9.7. Age 4: 13.7. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart EQ Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 39.7% fail12.620242533
Age 413.7% fail14.020241154

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 2,569 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Is the Smart EQ Forfour more reliable than similar cars?

Of 8 similar models, 2 fail less often for their age than the Smart EQ Forfour and 6 as often or more. The Smart EQ Forfour has an MOT Risk Index of 89.8, where 100 = normal for its age (2024, n = 2,569).

bar · Smart EQ Forfour · Smart EQ Forfour (this model) · 89.8 vs 100 = normal · 2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart EQ Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Smart EQ Forfour (this model)89.8index100 = normal20242569
Ford Mustang Mach-E77.1index89.820242837
Honda e81index89.820241473
Volkswagen e-Golf95.1index89.820246530
Polestar 296.2index89.820245886
Mercedes-Benz EQA99index89.820245109
Volkswagen ID.497.5index89.820246382
BMW IX3105.6index89.820243077
Full table
Further values · 2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Audi Q4106.5index89.820243938

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 2,569 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

How many miles does a Smart EQ Forfour normally do?

At age 4, the median Smart EQ Forfour had covered 12,190 miles by its MOT; the middle half ranged from 7,585 to 18,084 miles (2024, n = 1,154).

line · Smart EQ Forfour · Age 3 median · 9802 vs baseline · 2024
Age 3 median: 9802. Age 4 P75: 18084. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart EQ Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 3 median9802miles20241373
Age 3 P256273miles20241373
Age 3 P7514809miles20241373
Age 4 median12190miles20241154
Age 4 P257585miles20241154
Age 4 P7518084miles20241154

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 2,569 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

How many miles does a Smart EQ Forfour last?

0.0% of Smart EQ Forfours tested had reached 100,000 miles, and 0.0% had reached 150,000 (2024, n = 0).

line · Smart EQ Forfour · 100,000 miles (rough estimate: 0 tests, 95% interval 0.0–0.1%) · 0 vs baseline · 2024
100,000 miles (rou: 0. 200,000 miles (rou: 0. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart EQ Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
100,000 miles (rough estimate: 0 tests, 95% interval 0.0–0.1%)0% of tested cars20240
150,000 miles (rough estimate: 0 tests, 95% interval 0.0–0.1%)0% of tested cars20240
200,000 miles (rough estimate: 0 tests, 95% interval 0.0–0.1%)0% of tested cars20240

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 2,569 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Is the Smart EQ Forfour driven more or less than average, and does that change the picture?

This fleet is driven less than average. Matched on annual mileage as well as age (test chains 2019–2024), the index is 133.1, on the other side of normal, so both readings are shown.

Both readings are shown: this comparison changes when usage or inspection rules differ.

slope · Smart EQ Forfour · Age and mileage adjusted index · 133.1 vs 84.2 · 2019–2024
Age and mileage adjusted index: 84.2 vs 133.1. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart EQ Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age and mileage adjusted index133.1index84.22019–20242569

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 2,569 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Which Smart EQ Forfour fuel fails its MOT less?

All Smart EQ Forfours tested were electric: 11.4% failed first time (2024, n = 2,569).

bar · Smart EQ Forfour · Electric · 11.4 vs other fuels · 2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart EQ Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Electric11.4% fail first timeother fuels20242569

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 2,569 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Where in Britain does the Smart EQ Forfour fail its MOT most?

No postcode area stands out for the Smart EQ Forfour: every area is within 3 points of its 10.8% first-time failure rate across Britain in 2019–2024, or within the margin of error (2024).

bar · Smart EQ Forfour · London NW (NW) (rough estimate: 308 tests, 95% interval 10.5–18.3%) · 14.0 vs 11.4 · 2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart EQ Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
London NW (NW) (rough estimate: 308 tests, 95% interval 10.5–18.3%)14.0% fail first time11.42024308
Twickenham (TW) (rough estimate: 104 tests, 95% interval 8.2–21.3%)13.5% fail first time11.42024104
Kingston upon Thames (KT) (rough estimate: 104 tests, 95% interval 3.3–13.2%)6.7% fail first time11.42024104
Bristol (BS) (rough estimate: 100 tests, 95% interval 2.2–11.2%)5% fail first time11.42024100

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 2,569 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Is a Smart EQ Forfour ULEZ compliant?

All Smart EQ Forfours 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.

stacked · Smart EQ Forfour · Likely compliant · 100 vs baseline · 2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart EQ Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Likely compliant100% estimate20242569

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 2,569 (initial tests) · Method: computed estimate, not measured · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

What do six years of MOTs show about owning a Smart EQ Forfour?

None of the 1,115 Smart EQ Forfour MOT histories checked showed the odometer going backwards (2019–2024).

bar · Smart EQ Forfour · Decreasing odometer · 0 vs observed chains · 2019–2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart EQ Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Decreasing odometer0% mileage anomalyobserved chains2019–20241115

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 2,569 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Which Smart EQ Forfours are still on the road?

In 2024, at least as many Smart EQ Forfours were tested at age 4 as at ages 4 to 6 (2024, n = 1,154).

line · Smart EQ Forfour · Age 3 (at least as many as at ages 4–6) · 100 vs baseline · 2024
Age 3 (at least as: 100. Age 4: 100. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart EQ Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 3 (at least as many as at ages 4–6)100% of age 4–6 baseline20242533
Age 4100% of age 4–6 baseline20241154

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 2,569 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Which Smart EQ Forfour faults come together?

On Smart EQ Forfours, tyres and visibility failures turn up together 3.3 times as often as chance would predict (2024, n = 26).

Smart EQ Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Tyres + Visibility (rough estimate: 26 tests, 95% interval 2.1–4.8)3.3liftexpected joint rate202426
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Visibility (seen together; too few for a multiplier)8tests with both20248
Brakes + Tyres (seen together; too few for a multiplier)6tests with both20246
Brakes + Visibility (seen together; too few for a multiplier)5tests with both20245

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 2,569 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

What does a Smart EQ Forfour cost to run in a fleet?

Of every 100 Smart EQ Forfours tested at age 3, about 10 failed the MOT first time (rough estimate); at age 4, about 14 (rough estimate). These are one-year rates for different cars tested in the same year, not a fleet followed over time (2024).

Smart EQ Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 3 (rough estimate: 1,373 tests, 95% interval 8.2–11.3%)9.6% fail first time20241373
Age 4 (rough estimate: 1,154 tests, 95% interval 11.8–15.8%)13.7% fail first time20241154

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 2,569 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Does the month of a Smart EQ Forfour MOT matter?

Smart EQ Forfours fail first time most in October (12.9%, against 30.3% for all cars that month) and least in May (8.4%) (2024, n = 2,569).

line · Smart EQ Forfour · January · 8.6 vs 31.1 · 2024
January: 8.6. December: 9.8. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart EQ Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
January8.6% fail first time31.12024186
February9.1% fail first time30.02024208
March11.5% fail first time28.32024314
April9.7% fail first time29.82024207
May8.4% fail first time28.82024262
June10.7% fail first time28.12024383
July11.1% fail first time29.32024350
August11.6% fail first time29.22024337
Full table
Further values · 2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
September10.7% fail first time28.22024460
October12.9% fail first time30.32024456
November12.1% fail first time30.62024373
December9.8% fail first time29.32024264

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 2,569 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Not enough tests for… (and why)

Will my Smart EQ Forfour's advisory become a fail at the next MOT?

n < 500 in this group. 2,569 initial Smart EQ Forfour tests are in the published model cohort; this measure needs a qualifying group of at least 500 tests.

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 2,569 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

See the Tesla Model S, a car of the same inspection class with 4.2× the tests · Check your car by registration

What have dealers been told about the Smart EQ Forfour? (US market)

layer not yet computed for this model (covers 211 of 761 models). 2,569 initial Smart EQ Forfour tests are in the published model cohort.

Source: NHTSA, US market; covers 211 of 761 models · Window: NHTSA · n = 2,569 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

See the Tesla Model S, a car of the same inspection class with 4.2× the tests · Check your car by registration

Does the Smart EQ Forfour fail inspections in other countries too?

no match in the other-country inspection register. 2,569 initial Smart EQ Forfour 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 = 2,569 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

See the Tesla Model S, a car of the same inspection class with 4.2× the tests · Check your car by registration

Real-world MPG against the official figure (manufacturer level)

layer not yet computed for this model (covers 19 of 761 models). 2,569 initial Smart EQ Forfour tests are in the published model cohort.

Source: European Commission OBFCM; covers 19 of 761 models · Window: 2021+ cohorts · n = 2,569 (initial tests) · Method: computed estimate, not measured · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

See the Tesla Model S, a car of the same inspection class with 4.2× the tests · Check your car by registration

How to cite this page

MOT Risk Index (2026). Smart EQ Forfour 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-eq/

How the MOT Risk Index and every figure on this page are calculated: methodology.

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Smart EQ Forfour MOT: quick answers

What is the Smart EQ Forfour first-time MOT pass rate?

88.6% of first attempts passed in 2024 (2,569 tests). Retests after repair are excluded; cars fixed at the test centre (PRS) are shown separately.

Why does this number differ from other sites?

Other sites may count retests or all attempts. This page uses 2,569 primary tests: 11.37% failed first time and 91.7% passed when cars fixed at the test centre (PRS) count as passes. The age-adjusted MOT Risk Index 89.8 is shown separately.