MOT Risk Index.co.uk

Smart Forfour MOT pass rate and common problems

78.4% of Smart Forfours passed the 2024 MOT (23,936 first tests): 72.5% at the first attempt and 5.9% after a fix at the test centre (PRS). About 3 in 10 failed the first attempt. For its age, it fails 15% more often than normal: MOT Risk Index 115.0 (95% CI 112.7–117.4; 100 = normal).

Smart Forfour at a glance, 2024 MOT
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
MOT pass rate78.4%incl. 5.9% fixed at the test centre202423936
Passed at the first attempt72.5%all first tests202423936
MOT Risk Index (95% CI 112.7–117.4)115.0index100 = normal for its age · rank 602 (tied) of 761 (1 = fails least for its age)202423936
Biggest excess: Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment14.2per 10011.0 same-age2019–2024136129
Dangerous defects10.1per 10011.2 UK, not age-adjusted2019–2024136129
Advisory items93.1per 100127.1 UK, not age-adjusted2019–2024136129
strip · Smart Forfour · MOT Risk Index · 115 vs 100 = normal · 2024
MOT Risk Index · Smart Forfour. 0–240; 100 = normal for its age; median model 92.8 · rank 602 (tied) of 761 (1 = fails least for its age). It would rank between 585 and 626 anywhere within its 95% interval, other models held where they are. DVSA, 2024.
Smart Forfour index position among 761 models
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Rank602of 761published models, 1 = fails least for its age202423936
Best rank within its 95% interval585rankother models held where they are202423936
Worst rank within its 95% interval626rankother models held where they are202423936

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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 121.3 to 115.0 in the 24 September 2026 release, after duplicate test records were removed.

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

Smart Forfour MOTs fail most often on ‘lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment’: 14.2 per 100 tests, against 11.0 for UK cars of the same age (2019–2024, n = 136,129).

bar · Smart Forfour · Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment · 14.2 vs 11.0 · 2019–2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment14.2per 10011.02019–202419337
Tyres9.1per 1007.92019–202412443
Visibility8.9per 1006.72019–202412086
Suspension7.5per 1009.02019–202410183
Brakes7.1per 1008.02019–20249640
Noise, emissions and leaks3.8per 1002.42019–20245149

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 136,129 (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 Forfour compare with cars of the same age?

The biggest excess for the Smart Forfour is tyres at age 7: 7.8 failures per 100 tests, against 6.0 for same-age cars of comparable models (2019–2024, n = 15,635).

bullet · Smart Forfour · Tyres, age 3 · 4.0 vs 4.2 · 2019–2024
Tyres, age 3: 4.0 vs 4.2. Brakes, age 3: 1.4 vs 1.8. Suspension, age 3: 0.3 vs 0.6. Tyres, age 4: 5.4 vs 4.5. Brakes, age 4: 2.4 vs 2.4. Suspension, age 4: 1.1 vs 1.2. Tyres, age 5: 6.5 vs 5.1. Brakes, age 5: 2.8 vs 3.1. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Tyres, age 34.0per 1004.22019–202417191
Brakes, age 31.4per 1001.82019–202417191
Suspension, age 30.3per 1000.62019–202417191
Tyres, age 45.4per 1004.52019–202421468
Brakes, age 42.4per 1002.42019–202421468
Suspension, age 41.1per 1001.22019–202421468
Tyres, age 56.5per 1005.12019–202421214
Brakes, age 52.8per 1003.12019–202421214
Full table
Further values · 2019–2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Suspension, age 51.9per 1002.22019–202421214
Tyres, age 67.0per 1005.52019–202419491
Brakes, age 63.1per 1003.82019–202419491
Suspension, age 63.1per 1003.72019–202419491
Tyres, age 77.8per 1006.02019–202415635
Brakes, age 73.1per 1004.52019–202415635
Suspension, age 75.3per 1005.72019–202415635
Tyres, age 87.7per 1006.32019–202410866
Brakes, age 83.4per 1005.42019–202410866
Suspension, age 88.3per 1007.82019–202410866

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 23,936 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

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

Smart Forfour advisories turn into fails more often than on the median model: lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment advisories became a fail at the next MOT 36.5% of the time.

funnel · Smart Forfour · Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment · 36.5 vs median model · 2019–2024
Advisories on lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment: 36.5 of 100 became a fail on the same item at the next MOT. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment36.5% next failmedian model2019–20241586
Suspension20.4% next failmedian model2019–20246641
Body, chassis, structure14.2% next failmedian model2019–20241338
Tyres10.9% next failmedian model2019–202424245
Brakes9.9% next failmedian model2019–202416465
Noise, emissions and leaks7.7% next failmedian model2019–20241439
Identification of the vehicle4.2% next failmedian model2019–20241584
Road wheels0.8% next failmedian model2019–2024985
Full table
Further values · 2019–2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Non-component advisories0% next failmedian model2019–20244931

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 23,936 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

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

Smart Forfour MOTs flag tyres most: 41.8 advisories per 100 tests, against 39.7 across UK tests (2019–2024, n = 136,129).

bar · Smart Forfour · Tyres · 41.8 vs 39.7 · 2019–2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Tyres41.8per 10039.72019–202456925
Brakes25per 10034.72019–202434001
Suspension11.3per 10026.22019–202415425
Non-component advisories5.1per 1007.82019–20246911
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment2.4per 1002.82019–20243265
Identification of the vehicle1.9per 1002.52019–20242560

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 136,129 (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 Forfour?

For Smart Forfours aged 3 to 5 whose last MOT was a pass, the item most likely to fail at the next MOT is visibility: 5.5% failed on it (2019–2024, n = 31,796).

bar · Smart Forfour · Visibility, under 3 years old, after a pass · 7.6 vs baseline · 2019–2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Visibility, under 3 years old, after a pass7.6% next fail2019–20248533
Tyres, under 3 years old, after a pass4.0% next fail2019–20248533
Brakes, under 3 years old, after a pass1.4% next fail2019–20248533
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, under 3 years old, after a pass0.9% next fail2019–20248533
Noise, emissions and leaks, under 3 years old, after a pass0.6% next fail2019–20248533
Suspension, under 3 years old, after a pass0.5% next fail2019–20248533
Body, chassis, structure, under 3 years old, after a pass0.2% next fail2019–20248533
Identification of the vehicle, under 3 years old, after a pass0.2% next fail2019–20248533
Full table
Further values · 2019–2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, under 3 years old, after a pass0.1% next fail2019–20248533
Steering, under 3 years old, after a pass0.1% next fail2019–20248533
Visibility, under 3 years old, after an advisory9.0% next fail2019–20241717
Tyres, under 3 years old, after an advisory8.3% next fail2019–20241717
Brakes, under 3 years old, after an advisory2.9% next fail2019–20241717
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, under 3 years old, after an advisory1.6% next fail2019–20241717
Noise, emissions and leaks, under 3 years old, after an advisory1.4% next fail2019–20241717
Suspension, under 3 years old, after an advisory1.1% next fail2019–20241717
Body, chassis, structure, under 3 years old, after an advisory0.3% next fail2019–20241717
Visibility, under 3 years old, after a fail9.5% next fail2019–20241069
Tyres, under 3 years old, after a fail6.6% next fail2019–20241069
Brakes, under 3 years old, after a fail2.9% next fail2019–20241069
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, under 3 years old, after a fail2.3% next fail2019–20241069
Suspension, under 3 years old, after a fail1.1% next fail2019–20241069
Noise, emissions and leaks, under 3 years old, after a fail0.8% next fail2019–20241069
Visibility, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass5.5% next fail2019–202431796
Tyres, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass4.9% next fail2019–202431796
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass2.1% next fail2019–202431796
Suspension, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass2.0% next fail2019–202431796
Brakes, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass2.0% next fail2019–202431796
Noise, emissions and leaks, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass1.5% next fail2019–202431796
Body, chassis, structure, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass0.5% next fail2019–202431796
Identification of the vehicle, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass0.1% next fail2019–202431796
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass0.1% next fail2019–202431796
Steering, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass0.1% next fail2019–202431796
Road wheels, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass0.1% next fail2019–202431796
Tyres, 3 to 5 years old, after an advisory8.7% next fail2019–202412973
Visibility, 3 to 5 years old, after an advisory7.8% next fail2019–202412973
Brakes, 3 to 5 years old, after an advisory4.2% next fail2019–202412973
Suspension, 3 to 5 years old, after an advisory3.1% next fail2019–202412973
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 3 to 5 years old, after an advisory2.7% next fail2019–202412973
Noise, emissions and leaks, 3 to 5 years old, after an advisory2.2% next fail2019–202412973
Body, chassis, structure, 3 to 5 years old, after an advisory0.8% next fail2019–202412973
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 3 to 5 years old, after an advisory0.2% next fail2019–202412973
Identification of the vehicle, 3 to 5 years old, after an advisory0.2% next fail2019–202412973
Steering, 3 to 5 years old, after an advisory0.1% next fail2019–202412973
Road wheels, 3 to 5 years old, after an advisory0.1% next fail2019–202412973
Tyres, 3 to 5 years old, after a fail9.5% next fail2019–202410364
Visibility, 3 to 5 years old, after a fail7.9% next fail2019–202410364
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 3 to 5 years old, after a fail4.5% next fail2019–202410364
Brakes, 3 to 5 years old, after a fail3.9% next fail2019–202410364
Suspension, 3 to 5 years old, after a fail3.9% next fail2019–202410364
Noise, emissions and leaks, 3 to 5 years old, after a fail3.1% next fail2019–202410364
Body, chassis, structure, 3 to 5 years old, after a fail1.1% next fail2019–202410364
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 3 to 5 years old, after a fail0.3% next fail2019–202410364
Steering, 3 to 5 years old, after a fail0.2% next fail2019–202410364
Identification of the vehicle, 3 to 5 years old, after a fail0.2% next fail2019–202410364
Road wheels, 3 to 5 years old, after a fail0.1% next fail2019–202410364
Suspension, 6 to 8 years old, after a pass6.2% next fail2019–202410938
Tyres, 6 to 8 years old, after a pass5.7% next fail2019–202410938
Visibility, 6 to 8 years old, after a pass5.3% next fail2019–202410938
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 6 to 8 years old, after a pass4.3% next fail2019–202410938
Noise, emissions and leaks, 6 to 8 years old, after a pass4.1% next fail2019–202410938
Brakes, 6 to 8 years old, after a pass1.9% next fail2019–202410938
Body, chassis, structure, 6 to 8 years old, after a pass1.4% next fail2019–202410938
Steering, 6 to 8 years old, after a pass0.3% next fail2019–202410938
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 6 to 8 years old, after a pass0.2% next fail2019–202410938
Identification of the vehicle, 6 to 8 years old, after a pass0.1% next fail2019–202410938
Road wheels, 6 to 8 years old, after a pass0.1% next fail2019–202410938
Tyres, 6 to 8 years old, after an advisory9.6% next fail2019–20246608
Suspension, 6 to 8 years old, after an advisory8.4% next fail2019–20246608
Visibility, 6 to 8 years old, after an advisory7.0% next fail2019–20246608
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 6 to 8 years old, after an advisory5.4% next fail2019–20246608
Noise, emissions and leaks, 6 to 8 years old, after an advisory4.9% next fail2019–20246608
Brakes, 6 to 8 years old, after an advisory4.7% next fail2019–20246608
Body, chassis, structure, 6 to 8 years old, after an advisory1.9% next fail2019–20246608
Steering, 6 to 8 years old, after an advisory0.5% next fail2019–20246608
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 6 to 8 years old, after an advisory0.2% next fail2019–20246608
Identification of the vehicle, 6 to 8 years old, after an advisory0.2% next fail2019–20246608
Road wheels, 6 to 8 years old, after an advisory0.2% next fail2019–20246608
Suspension, 6 to 8 years old, after a fail10.9% next fail2019–20246211
Tyres, 6 to 8 years old, after a fail9.9% next fail2019–20246211
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 6 to 8 years old, after a fail8.6% next fail2019–20246211
Visibility, 6 to 8 years old, after a fail8.1% next fail2019–20246211
Noise, emissions and leaks, 6 to 8 years old, after a fail8.1% next fail2019–20246211
Brakes, 6 to 8 years old, after a fail4.7% next fail2019–20246211
Body, chassis, structure, 6 to 8 years old, after a fail2.6% next fail2019–20246211
Steering, 6 to 8 years old, after a fail0.8% next fail2019–20246211
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 6 to 8 years old, after a fail0.4% next fail2019–20246211
Identification of the vehicle, 6 to 8 years old, after a fail0.3% next fail2019–20246211
Road wheels, 6 to 8 years old, after a fail0.1% next fail2019–20246211
Suspension, 9 to 11 years old, after a pass (rough estimate: 84 cars)7.1% next fail2019–202484
Tyres, 9 to 11 years old, after a pass (rough estimate: 84 cars)7.1% next fail2019–202484
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 9 to 11 years old, after a pass (rough estimate: 84 cars)5.9% next fail2019–202484
Suspension, 9 to 11 years old, after a fail (rough estimate: 104 cars)14.4% next fail2019–2024104
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 9 to 11 years old, after a fail (rough estimate: 104 cars)12.5% next fail2019–2024104
Noise, emissions and leaks, 9 to 11 years old, after a fail (rough estimate: 104 cars)6.7% next fail2019–2024104
Tyres, 9 to 11 years old, after a fail (rough estimate: 104 cars)6.7% next fail2019–2024104
Brakes, 9 to 11 years old, after a fail (rough estimate: 104 cars)5.8% next fail2019–2024104
Visibility, 9 to 11 years old, after a fail (rough estimate: 104 cars)4.8% next fail2019–2024104
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 12 to 14 years old, after a pass21.9% next fail2019–20242475
Suspension, 12 to 14 years old, after a pass10.8% next fail2019–20242475
Brakes, 12 to 14 years old, after a pass8.2% next fail2019–20242475
Visibility, 12 to 14 years old, after a pass7.9% next fail2019–20242475
Body, chassis, structure, 12 to 14 years old, after a pass5.1% next fail2019–20242475
Steering, 12 to 14 years old, after a pass4.4% next fail2019–20242475
Tyres, 12 to 14 years old, after a pass4.4% next fail2019–20242475
Noise, emissions and leaks, 12 to 14 years old, after a pass2.7% next fail2019–20242475
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 12 to 14 years old, after a pass0.6% next fail2019–20242475
Identification of the vehicle, 12 to 14 years old, after a pass0.3% next fail2019–20242475
Road wheels, 12 to 14 years old, after a pass0.2% next fail2019–20242475
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 12 to 14 years old, after an advisory29.7% next fail2019–20242272
Suspension, 12 to 14 years old, after an advisory15.0% next fail2019–20242272
Brakes, 12 to 14 years old, after an advisory12.2% next fail2019–20242272
Visibility, 12 to 14 years old, after an advisory11.1% next fail2019–20242272
Body, chassis, structure, 12 to 14 years old, after an advisory7.5% next fail2019–20242272
Tyres, 12 to 14 years old, after an advisory6.7% next fail2019–20242272
Steering, 12 to 14 years old, after an advisory6.2% next fail2019–20242272
Noise, emissions and leaks, 12 to 14 years old, after an advisory4.2% next fail2019–20242272
Identification of the vehicle, 12 to 14 years old, after an advisory1.0% next fail2019–20242272
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 12 to 14 years old, after an advisory0.9% next fail2019–20242272
Road wheels, 12 to 14 years old, after an advisory0.6% next fail2019–20242272
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 12 to 14 years old, after a fail34.4% next fail2019–20243415
Suspension, 12 to 14 years old, after a fail16.7% next fail2019–20243415
Brakes, 12 to 14 years old, after a fail15.3% next fail2019–20243415
Visibility, 12 to 14 years old, after a fail12.0% next fail2019–20243415
Body, chassis, structure, 12 to 14 years old, after a fail11.2% next fail2019–20243415
Tyres, 12 to 14 years old, after a fail8.5% next fail2019–20243415
Steering, 12 to 14 years old, after a fail7.1% next fail2019–20243415
Noise, emissions and leaks, 12 to 14 years old, after a fail6.6% next fail2019–20243415
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 12 to 14 years old, after a fail1.6% next fail2019–20243415
Identification of the vehicle, 12 to 14 years old, after a fail1.1% next fail2019–20243415
Road wheels, 12 to 14 years old, after a fail0.7% next fail2019–20243415
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 15 to 19 years old, after a pass24.2% next fail2019–20242670
Suspension, 15 to 19 years old, after a pass11.9% next fail2019–20242670
Brakes, 15 to 19 years old, after a pass8.6% next fail2019–20242670
Body, chassis, structure, 15 to 19 years old, after a pass7.4% next fail2019–20242670
Visibility, 15 to 19 years old, after a pass7.3% next fail2019–20242670
Steering, 15 to 19 years old, after a pass5.5% next fail2019–20242670
Tyres, 15 to 19 years old, after a pass4.6% next fail2019–20242670
Noise, emissions and leaks, 15 to 19 years old, after a pass2.6% next fail2019–20242670
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 15 to 19 years old, after a pass0.8% next fail2019–20242670
Identification of the vehicle, 15 to 19 years old, after a pass0.4% next fail2019–20242670
Road wheels, 15 to 19 years old, after a pass0.3% next fail2019–20242670
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 15 to 19 years old, after an advisory34.8% next fail2019–20243070
Suspension, 15 to 19 years old, after an advisory17.7% next fail2019–20243070
Brakes, 15 to 19 years old, after an advisory11.9% next fail2019–20243070
Visibility, 15 to 19 years old, after an advisory11.5% next fail2019–20243070
Body, chassis, structure, 15 to 19 years old, after an advisory10.0% next fail2019–20243070
Steering, 15 to 19 years old, after an advisory9.0% next fail2019–20243070
Tyres, 15 to 19 years old, after an advisory6.3% next fail2019–20243070
Noise, emissions and leaks, 15 to 19 years old, after an advisory4.9% next fail2019–20243070
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 15 to 19 years old, after an advisory1.5% next fail2019–20243070
Identification of the vehicle, 15 to 19 years old, after an advisory0.9% next fail2019–20243070
Road wheels, 15 to 19 years old, after an advisory0.5% next fail2019–20243070
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 15 to 19 years old, after a fail38.3% next fail2019–20244409
Suspension, 15 to 19 years old, after a fail21.1% next fail2019–20244409
Brakes, 15 to 19 years old, after a fail14.0% next fail2019–20244409
Visibility, 15 to 19 years old, after a fail13.3% next fail2019–20244409
Body, chassis, structure, 15 to 19 years old, after a fail12.8% next fail2019–20244409
Steering, 15 to 19 years old, after a fail9.6% next fail2019–20244409
Tyres, 15 to 19 years old, after a fail7.9% next fail2019–20244409
Noise, emissions and leaks, 15 to 19 years old, after a fail5.9% next fail2019–20244409
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 15 to 19 years old, after a fail2.1% next fail2019–20244409
Identification of the vehicle, 15 to 19 years old, after a fail1.1% next fail2019–20244409
Road wheels, 15 to 19 years old, after a fail0.6% next fail2019–20244409

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 23,936 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

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

The Smart Forfour gets a dangerous defect about as often as the UK average: 10.1 per 100 first tests against 11.2 across the UK. In the same tests, 34.7 major and 11.3 minor defects were recorded per 100 tests (one test can record several).

bullet · Smart Forfour · Dangerous defects · 10.1 vs 11.2 · 2019–2024
Dangerous defects: 10.1 vs 11.2. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Dangerous defects10.1per 10011.22019–2024136129

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 136,129 (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 Forfour still pass its MOT in a few years?

First-time MOT failures for the Smart Forfour go from 18.5% at age 5 to 44.2% at age 19, against 43.5% for all cars aged 19 (2024, n = 23,936).

line · Smart Forfour · Age 5 · 18.5 vs 15.1 · 2024
Age 5: 18.5. Age 19: 44.2. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 518.5% failed first time15.120241952
Age 618.8% failed first time17.520243845
Age 723.2% failed first time20.220244777
Age 828.2% failed first time23.320245315
Age 932.4% failed first time26.520245490
Age 17 (rough estimate: 115 tests, 95% interval 34.0–51.7%)42.6% failed first time43.12024115
Age 1843.2% failed first time43.920241003
Age 1944.2% failed first time43.520241023

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 23,936 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

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

At 7 of 16 ages shown, Smart Forfours fail first time more often than comparable models of the same size class; the biggest difference is at age 18, where they fail less often: 44.2% against 50.9% (2024, n = 2,854).

line · Smart Forfour · Age 3 · 12.0 vs 10.9 · 2024
Age 3: 12.0. Age 20: 47.9. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 312.0% fail10.9202417191
Age 418.2% fail13.8202421468
Age 519.3% fail17.3202421214
Age 621.4% fail20.6202419491
Age 725.0% fail23.5202415635
Age 828.9% fail26.7202410866
Age 932.4% fail30.320245506
Age 1237.5% fail40.52024243
Full table
Further values · 2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 1343.0% fail43.320242218
Age 1442.6% fail45.920244536
Age 1545.3% fail48.020244878
Age 1643.9% fail50.020244171
Age 1744.3% fail50.620243555
Age 1844.2% fail50.920242854
Age 1943.7% fail50.420241476
Age 2047.9% fail49.62024363

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 23,936 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Which Smart Forfour years should I avoid?

The Smart Forfour build year that fails most for its age is 2015: index 105.6 (95% CI 103.3–107.9) against the model's own age norm of 100 (2019–2024, n = 33,221).

Build year matters for the Smart Forfour: 2015 Smart Forfours fail more than their age would predict, 2019 ones less. Years whose confidence interval includes normal are shown without a label.

bar · Smart Forfour · Build year 2004 (rough estimate: 3,594 tests, 95% interval 98.4–108.3) · 103.3 vs 100 = normal · 2019–2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Build year 2004 (rough estimate: 3,594 tests, 95% interval 98.4–108.3)103.3index vs own age100 = normal2019–20243594
Build year 200599.2index vs own age100 = normal2019–202410374
Build year 2006 (better for its age)96.7index vs own age100 = normal2019–20248887
Build year 2007 (rough estimate: 702 tests, 95% interval 84.2–106.2)95.2index vs own age100 = normal2019–2024702
Build year 2015 (worse for its age)105.6index vs own age100 = normal2019–202433221
Build year 2016 (worse for its age)102.7index vs own age100 = normal2019–202431503
Build year 201798.2index vs own age100 = normal2019–202425286
Build year 2018 (better for its age)94.4index vs own age100 = normal2019–202415417
Full table
Further values · 2019–2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Build year 2019 (better for its age)92.3index vs own age100 = normal2019–20245911

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 23,936 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

How much does it cost to fix a Smart Forfour MOT fail?

Expected repair cost per Smart Forfour MOT: about £60 (up to about £114 if more expensive parts are needed), from the chance of failing each item and its most common UK repair price (catalogue estimate, n = 23,936).

Computed, not measured.

bar · Smart Forfour · Expected repair bill · 59.8 vs modal price catalogue · price catalogue
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (price catalogue)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Expected repair bill59.8GBP estimatemodal price catalogueprice catalogue23936
Estimated range lower59.8GBP estimatemodal price catalogueprice catalogue23936
Estimated range upper113.7GBP estimatemodal price catalogueprice catalogue23936
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment: Battery replacement (standard 12V lead-acid)19.9GBP expected contribution140price catalogue23936
Suspension: Suspension coil spring (single corner)13.5GBP expected contribution180price catalogue23936
Brakes: Front brake pads (parts + labour, typical hatchback)10.7GBP expected contribution150price catalogue23936
Tyres: Tyre (single mid-range 16" fitted)8.2GBP expected contribution90price catalogue23936
Noise, emissions and leaks: Exhaust rear silencer7.6GBP expected contribution200price catalogue23936

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: price catalogue · n = 23,936 (initial tests) · Method: computed estimate, not measured · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Is the Smart Forfour more reliable than similar cars?

Of 8 similar models, 4 fail less often for their age than the Smart Forfour and 4 as often or more. The Smart Forfour has an MOT Risk Index of 115.0, where 100 = normal for its age (2024, n = 23,936).

bar · Smart Forfour · Smart Forfour (this model) · 115 vs 100 = normal · 2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Smart Forfour (this model)115index100 = normal202423936
Volkswagen Fox116index115202426107
Renault Twingo116.7index115202425011
Nissan Pulsar113.9index115202421130
Chevrolet Spark122.7index115202414723
Skoda Rapid102.8index115202422303
Ford EcoSport116.6index1152024102987
Seat Arona102.2index115202450672
Full table
Further values · 2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Vauxhall Crossland103.2index115202467658

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 23,936 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

How many miles does a Smart Forfour normally do?

At age 8, the median Smart Forfour had covered 41,808 miles by its MOT; the middle half ranged from 30,025 to 56,238 miles (2024, n = 5,315).

line · Smart Forfour · Age 5 median · 22694 vs baseline · 2024
Age 5 median: 22694. Age 19 P75: 120858. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 5 median22694miles20241952
Age 5 P2514813miles20241952
Age 5 P7534297miles20241952
Age 6 median29124miles20243845
Age 6 P2519737miles20243845
Age 6 P7540679miles20243845
Age 7 median36127miles20244777
Age 7 P2525070miles20244777
Full table
Further values · 2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 7 P7549581miles20244777
Age 8 median41808miles20245315
Age 8 P2530025miles20245315
Age 8 P7556238miles20245315
Age 9 median48416miles20245490
Age 9 P2536488miles20245490
Age 9 P7562432miles20245490
Age 17 median (rough estimate)91184miles2024115
Age 17 P25 (rough estimate)77334miles2024115
Age 17 P75 (rough estimate)115145miles2024115
Age 18 median94022miles20241003
Age 18 P2572414miles20241003
Age 18 P75116829miles20241003
Age 19 median97438miles20241023
Age 19 P2574396miles20241023
Age 19 P75120858miles20241023

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 23,936 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Does high mileage mean more Smart Forfour MOT failures at the same age?

At ages 6–9, 18.9% of Smart Forfours with under 40,000 miles failed first time, against 42.6% of those with 100,000 to 140,000 miles (2024, n = 10,121). Inside this age group, higher mileage goes with more failures.

bar · Smart Forfour · Age 3–5, <40k miles · 16.8 vs baseline · 2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 3–5, <40k miles16.8% failed first time20241635
Age 3–5, 40-70k miles (rough estimate: 294 tests, 95% interval 21.8–31.9%)26.5% failed first time2024294
Age 6–9, <40k miles18.9% failed first time20249865
Age 6–9, 40-70k miles31.8% failed first time20247635
Age 6–9, 70-100k miles42% failed first time20241637
Age 6–9, 100-140k miles (rough estimate: 256 tests, 95% interval 36.7–48.7%)42.6% failed first time2024256
Age 15+, <40k miles (rough estimate: 103 tests, 95% interval 18.7–35.5%)26.2% failed first time2024103
Age 15+, 40-70k miles (rough estimate: 450 tests, 95% interval 30.8–39.6%)35.1% failed first time2024450
Full table
Further values · 2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 15+, 70-100k miles46.9% failed first time2024812
Age 15+, 100-140k miles46.1% failed first time2024848
Age 15+, 140k+ miles (rough estimate: 293 tests, 95% interval 43.5–54.8%)49.1% failed first time2024293

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 23,936 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

How many miles does a Smart Forfour last?

7.6% of Smart Forfours tested had reached 100,000 miles, and 1.0% had reached 150,000 (2024, n = 10,218).

line · Smart Forfour · 100,000 miles · 7.6 vs baseline · 2024
100,000 miles: 7.6. 200,000 miles (rou: 0.1. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
100,000 miles7.6% of tested cars202410218
150,000 miles1.0% of tested cars20241391
200,000 miles (rough estimate: 122 tests, 95% interval 0.1–0.1%)0.1% of tested cars2024122

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 23,936 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

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

Matched on annual mileage as well as age, the Smart Forfour index is 121.1, against 107.1 on age alone (2019–2024, n = 23,936).

slope · Smart Forfour · Age and mileage adjusted index · 121.1 vs 107.1 · 2019–2024
Age and mileage adjusted index: 107.1 vs 121.1. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age and mileage adjusted index121.1index107.12019–202423936

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 23,936 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Which Smart Forfour fuel fails its MOT less?

All Smart Forfours tested were petrol: 27.5% failed first time (2024, n = 23,244).

bar · Smart Forfour · Petrol · 27.5 vs other fuels · 2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Petrol27.5% fail first timeother fuels202423244

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 23,936 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Which Smart Forfour engine is best?

For its age, the best Smart Forfour engine is the petrol 1.2–1.5 litre at index 96.0, and the worst the diesel 1.2–1.5 litre at 109.7, where 100 = the model's own average (2024, n = 23,936).

bar · Smart Forfour · Petrol 1.2–1.5 litre · 96 vs 100 = model average · 2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Petrol 1.2–1.5 litre96index vs model norm100 = model average202410266
Petrol under 1.0 litre100index vs model norm100 = model average2024110227
Petrol 1.0–1.2 litre100.9index vs model norm100 = model average202410848
Diesel 1.2–1.5 litre (rough estimate: 3,239 tests, 95% interval 105.8–113.7)109.7index vs model norm100 = model average20243239

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 23,936 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

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

Smart Forfour fails first-time MOTs most in Salisbury (SP): 37.7% against 24.8% across Britain for this model, both 2019–2024 (2024, n = 419).

First-time failure rates for the Smart Forfour range from 15.1% to 31.8% by area, before allowing for age: a narrower spread than for the typical model.

map · Smart Forfour · Salisbury (SP) (rough estimate: 419 tests, 95% interval 33.2–42.4%) · 37.7 vs 27.5 · 2024
Scotland. N. England. Wales. London. S. West. % failing. 21%. 30%. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Salisbury (SP) (rough estimate: 419 tests, 95% interval 33.2–42.4%)37.7% fail first time27.52024419
Perth (PH) (rough estimate: 183 tests, 95% interval 30.5–44.4%)37.2% fail first time27.52024183
Kirkcaldy (KY) (rough estimate: 361 tests, 95% interval 32.3–42.2%)37.1% fail first time27.52024361
Nottingham (NG)15.1% fail first time27.520243626
Kingston upon Thames (KT)16.9% fail first time27.520242023
Southend-on-Sea (SS)20.1% fail first time27.520242066
Paisley (PA) (rough estimate: 291 tests, 95% interval 29.1–40.0%)34.4% fail first time27.52024291
Darlington (DL) (rough estimate: 334 tests, 95% interval 29.0–39.1%)33.8% fail first time27.52024334
Full table
Further values · 2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Dundee (DD) (rough estimate: 322 tests, 95% interval 27.4–37.6%)32.3% fail first time27.52024322
Inverness (IV) (rough estimate: 253 tests, 95% interval 26.6–38.0%)32.0% fail first time27.52024253
Cardiff (CF)31.8% fail first time27.520241675
Falkirk (FK) (rough estimate: 258 tests, 95% interval 26.4–37.7%)31.8% fail first time27.52024258
Aberdeen (AB) (rough estimate: 489 tests, 95% interval 27.7–36.0%)31.7% fail first time27.52024489
Hereford (HR) (rough estimate: 212 tests, 95% interval 25.3–37.7%)31.1% fail first time27.52024212
Kilmarnock (KA) (rough estimate: 288 tests, 95% interval 25.8–36.5%)30.9% fail first time27.52024288
Bradford (BD)30.6% fail first time27.52024526
Newport (NP)30.3% fail first time27.52024868
Leeds (LS)30.2% fail first time27.520241085
Hull (HU)30.2% fail first time27.52024503
Edinburgh (EH)30.1% fail first time27.520241791
Lancaster (LA) (rough estimate: 232 tests, 95% interval 24.2–35.9%)29.7% fail first time27.52024232
Durham (DH) (rough estimate: 320 tests, 95% interval 24.4–34.3%)29.1% fail first time27.52024320
York (YO)28.6% fail first time27.52024836
Peterborough (PE)28.4% fail first time27.520241571
Telford (TF) (rough estimate: 287 tests, 95% interval 23.3–33.7%)28.2% fail first time27.52024287
Stoke-on-Trent (ST)28.1% fail first time27.520241043
Galashiels (TD) (rough estimate: 182 tests, 95% interval 22.0–34.9%)28.0% fail first time27.52024182
London SW (SW)28.0% fail first time27.520241071
Torquay (TQ)27.9% fail first time27.52024903
Canterbury (CT)27.9% fail first time27.52024696
Luton (LU)27.8% fail first time27.52024865
Manchester (M)27.6% fail first time27.520241856
Ipswich (IP)27.4% fail first time27.520241556
Cambridge (CB)27.3% fail first time27.52024948
Walsall (WS)27.3% fail first time27.52024712
Wakefield (WF)27.2% fail first time27.52024709
Worcester (WR)27.0% fail first time27.52024625
Watford (WD)27.0% fail first time27.52024997
Gloucester (GL)26.9% fail first time27.520241150
Motherwell (ML) (rough estimate: 380 tests, 95% interval 22.6–31.5%)26.8% fail first time27.52024380
Chelmsford (CM)26.7% fail first time27.520243533
Brighton (BN)26.7% fail first time27.520242537
Preston (PR)26.7% fail first time27.52024641
Dumfries (DG) (rough estimate: 105 tests, 95% interval 19.1–35.8%)26.7% fail first time27.52024105
Exeter (EX)26.6% fail first time27.520241477
Halifax (HX) (rough estimate: 268 tests, 95% interval 21.6–32.1%)26.5% fail first time27.52024268
Glasgow (G)26.4% fail first time27.520241471
Leicester (LE)26.4% fail first time27.520241362
Doncaster (DN)26.4% fail first time27.52024854
Northampton (NN)26.3% fail first time27.520241838
Dorchester (DT) (rough estimate: 449 tests, 95% interval 22.4–30.5%)26.3% fail first time27.52024449
Milton Keynes (MK)26.3% fail first time27.520241580
Redhill (RH)26.2% fail first time27.520241349
London W (W)26.1% fail first time27.52024805
Huddersfield (HD) (rough estimate: 464 tests, 95% interval 22.3–30.3%)26.1% fail first time27.52024464
St Albans (AL)26.1% fail first time27.52024633
Blackburn (BB)26.0% fail first time27.52024561
Colchester (CO)25.9% fail first time27.52024837
Shrewsbury (SY)25.9% fail first time27.52024510
Harrogate (HG) (rough estimate: 205 tests, 95% interval 20.3–32.2%)25.9% fail first time27.52024205
Medway (ME)25.7% fail first time27.520241633
Cleveland (TS)25.7% fail first time27.52024849
Croydon (CR)25.5% fail first time27.520242076
Tonbridge (TN)25.5% fail first time27.520241446
Swansea (SA)25.5% fail first time27.520241087
Plymouth (PL)25.4% fail first time27.520241516
Sunderland (SR) (rough estimate: 202 tests, 95% interval 19.8–31.7%)25.3% fail first time27.52024202
Bristol (BS)25.1% fail first time27.520243131
Uxbridge (UB)24.9% fail first time27.520241145
Sutton (SM) (rough estimate: 470 tests, 95% interval 21.2–29.0%)24.9% fail first time27.52024470
Guildford (GU)24.9% fail first time27.520241833
Llandudno (LL)24.8% fail first time27.52024624
Portsmouth (PO)24.7% fail first time27.520242086
Oldham (OL)24.7% fail first time27.52024620
Sheffield (S)24.7% fail first time27.520242047
Wigan (WN) (rough estimate: 325 tests, 95% interval 20.3–29.6%)24.6% fail first time27.52024325
London N (N)24.4% fail first time27.520242454
Norwich (NR)24.3% fail first time27.520241693
Liverpool (L)24.3% fail first time27.520241151
Derby (DE)24.3% fail first time27.520241394
Crewe (CW)24.2% fail first time27.52024508
London E (E)24.2% fail first time27.520242744
London SE (SE)24.1% fail first time27.520242359
Wolverhampton (WV)24.0% fail first time27.52024988
Ilford (IG)24.0% fail first time27.520242052
Newcastle (NE)24.0% fail first time27.520241619
Bournemouth (BH)23.9% fail first time27.520242238
Southampton (SO)23.9% fail first time27.520241293
Birmingham (B)23.8% fail first time27.520243254
Truro (TR)23.8% fail first time27.520241162
Slough (SL)23.6% fail first time27.520241034
Bromley (BR)23.6% fail first time27.52024729
Coventry (CV)23.5% fail first time27.520241389
Chester (CH)23.4% fail first time27.52024909
Warrington (WA)23.4% fail first time27.520241061
London NW (NW)23.4% fail first time27.520242201
Reading (RG)23.3% fail first time27.520242117
Bolton (BL)23.3% fail first time27.520241097
Enfield (EN)23.1% fail first time27.520242814
Carlisle (CA) (rough estimate: 160 tests, 95% interval 17.3–30.2%)23.1% fail first time27.52024160
Hemel Hempstead (HP)23.1% fail first time27.520241410
Blackpool (FY)23.0% fail first time27.52024999
Bath (BA)22.7% fail first time27.520241096
Harrow (HA)22.6% fail first time27.520241461
Oxford (OX)22.6% fail first time27.520241403
Dartford (DA)22.3% fail first time27.520241661
Twickenham (TW)22.2% fail first time27.520241623
Romford (RM)22.1% fail first time27.520242784
Lincoln (LN)21.9% fail first time27.52024818
Stevenage (SG)21.5% fail first time27.520242550
Stockport (SK)21.5% fail first time27.520241618
Taunton (TA)21.4% fail first time27.520241013
Dudley (DY)20.8% fail first time27.52024583
Swindon (SN)20.7% fail first time27.520241504

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 23,936 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Does a Smart Forfour rust more than average?

Allowing for age, Smart Forfour MOTs record corrosion failures at 1.0 times the national rate: 0.78% of tests against 0.77% (2024 + geographic layers, n = 23,927).

Computed, not measured.

slope · Smart Forfour · Salt belt susceptibility · 1.0 vs 1 · 2024 + geographic layers
Salt belt susceptibility: 1 vs 1. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2024 + geographic layers)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Salt belt susceptibility1.0ratio estimate12024 + geographic layers23927

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 + geographic layers · n = 23,936 (initial tests) · Method: computed estimate, not measured · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Is a Smart Forfour ULEZ compliant?

An estimated 93.8% of Smart 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 Forfour · Likely compliant · 93.8 vs baseline · 2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Likely compliant93.8% estimate202423936

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 23,936 (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 Forfour?

Of failed Smart Forfour MOTs, 44.1% were retested the same day and a further 53.0% within 10 days; the median failed car passed its retest after 1 day (2019–2024, n = 23,232).

bar · Smart Forfour · Same-day retest · 44.1 vs failed initial tests · 2019–2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Same-day retest44.1%failed initial tests2019–202423232
Retest within 10 days53%failed initial tests2019–202423232
Clean MOT streak45.8%observed chains2019–202425750
Repeat advisory20.6%observed chains2019–202425750
Decreasing odometer1.0% mileage anomalyobserved chains2019–202426845

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 23,936 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Is low mileage better for a Smart Forfour?

Smart Forfours aged 5 to 14 doing under 5,000 miles a year failed first time in 18.7% of tests, against 33.4% for those doing 8,000 to 12,000 miles (2019–2024, n = 33,856).

bullet · Smart Forfour · Low-use first-time failure · 18.7 vs 33.4 · 2019–2024
Low-use first-time failure: 18.7 vs 33.4. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Low-use first-time failure18.7%33.42019–202433856
Low-use gap-14.7percentage points8–12k miles2019–202433856

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 23,936 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

How many years is a Smart Forfour likely to last?

Smart Forfours aged 5 are forecast to keep taking MOTs for about 4.7 more years (survival forecast).

Computed, not measured.

Forecast, not a prediction for a particular car.

bar · Smart Forfour · Age 5 · 4.7 vs baseline · survival forecast
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (survival forecast)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 54.7years forecastsurvival forecast0
Age 84.3years forecastsurvival forecast0
Age 15 (at least; observed only until age 19)3years forecastsurvival forecast0

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: survival forecast · n = 23,936 (initial tests) · Method: computed estimate, not measured · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Which Smart Forfours are still on the road?

In 2024, for every 100 Smart Forfours tested at ages 4 to 6, about 7 were tested at age 19 (2024, n = 1,476).

line · Smart Forfour · Age 3 · 83 vs baseline · 2024
Age 3: 83. Age 19: 7.1. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 383% of age 4–6 baseline202417191
Age 4 (at least as many as at ages 4–6)100% of age 4–6 baseline202421468
Age 5 (at least as many as at ages 4–6)100% of age 4–6 baseline202421214
Age 694% of age 4–6 baseline202419491
Age 775.4% of age 4–6 baseline202415635
Age 852.4% of age 4–6 baseline202410866
Age 926.6% of age 4–6 baseline20245506
Age 121.2% of age 4–6 baseline2024243
Full table
Further values · 2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 1310.7% of age 4–6 baseline20242218
Age 1421.9% of age 4–6 baseline20244536
Age 1523.5% of age 4–6 baseline20244878
Age 1620.1% of age 4–6 baseline20244171
Age 1717.2% of age 4–6 baseline20243555
Age 1813.8% of age 4–6 baseline20242854
Age 197.1% of age 4–6 baseline20241476

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 23,936 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

If a Smart Forfour fails, does it fail again?

31.5% of Smart Forfours that failed an MOT failed the next one too, against 22.3% after a pass (2019–2024, n = 7,757). The failure most likely to come back is steering: 38.5% of those fails recurred at the next MOT.

bullet · Smart Forfour · Repeat after fail · 31.5 vs 22.3 · 2019–2024
Repeat after fail: 31.5 vs 22.3. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Repeat after fail31.5%22.32019–20247757

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 23,936 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Which Smart Forfour faults come together?

On Smart Forfours, ‘body, chassis, structure’ and ‘noise, emissions and leaks’ failures turn up together 10.9 times as often as chance would predict (2024, n = 952).

Smart Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Body, chassis, structure + Noise, emissions and leaks10.9liftexpected joint rate2024952
Body, chassis, structure + Road Wheels (rough estimate: 51 tests, 95% interval 7.7–13.5)10.3liftexpected joint rate202451
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems + Steering (rough estimate: 66 tests, 95% interval 7.1–11.6)9.2liftexpected joint rate202466
Steering + Suspension8.6liftexpected joint rate2024876
Body, chassis, structure + Steering (rough estimate: 352 tests, 95% interval 7.3–9.0)8.1liftexpected joint rate2024352
Body, chassis, structure + Identification of the vehicle (rough estimate: 70 tests, 95% interval 6.2–10.0)7.9liftexpected joint rate202470
Body, chassis, structure + Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems (rough estimate: 86 tests, 95% interval 5.7–8.7)7.1liftexpected joint rate202486
Road Wheels + Steering (rough estimate: 20 tests, 95% interval 4.2–10.5)6.8liftexpected joint rate202420
Full table
Further values · 2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems (rough estimate: 282 tests, 95% interval 6.0–7.6)6.7liftexpected joint rate2024282
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Steering6.4liftexpected joint rate2024959
Body, chassis, structure + Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment6.3liftexpected joint rate20241599
Noise, emissions and leaks + Road Wheels (rough estimate: 37 tests, 95% interval 4.4–8.6)6.3liftexpected joint rate202437
Brakes + Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems (rough estimate: 145 tests, 95% interval 5.3–7.3)6.2liftexpected joint rate2024145
Identification of the vehicle + Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment (rough estimate: 185 tests, 95% interval 5.2–7.0)6.1liftexpected joint rate2024185
Body, chassis, structure + Brakes5.9liftexpected joint rate2024826
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Road Wheels (rough estimate: 101 tests, 95% interval 4.8–7.2)5.9liftexpected joint rate2024101
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems + Suspension (rough estimate: 164 tests, 95% interval 4.9–6.6)5.7liftexpected joint rate2024164
Brakes + Road Wheels (rough estimate: 54 tests, 95% interval 4.3–7.4)5.7liftexpected joint rate202454
Body, chassis, structure + Suspension5.5liftexpected joint rate2024951
Noise, emissions and leaks + Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems (rough estimate: 77 tests, 95% interval 4.2–6.6)5.3liftexpected joint rate202477
Brakes + Steering (rough estimate: 410 tests, 95% interval 4.5–5.5)5.0liftexpected joint rate2024410
Brakes + Identification of the vehicle (rough estimate: 79 tests, 95% interval 3.7–5.8)4.7liftexpected joint rate202479
Brakes + Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment4.6liftexpected joint rate20242221
Identification of the vehicle + Steering (rough estimate: 24 tests, 95% interval 2.9–6.8)4.6liftexpected joint rate202424
Identification of the vehicle + Suspension (rough estimate: 95 tests, 95% interval 3.7–5.6)4.5liftexpected joint rate202495
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Suspension4.5liftexpected joint rate20242690
Road Wheels + Tyres (rough estimate: 61 tests, 95% interval 3.4–5.7)4.4liftexpected joint rate202461
Brakes + Suspension4.1liftexpected joint rate20241339
Identification of the vehicle + Tyres (rough estimate: 98 tests, 95% interval 3.3–4.9)4liftexpected joint rate202498
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Noise, emissions and leaks3.9liftexpected joint rate20241180
Brakes + Noise, emissions and leaks3.9liftexpected joint rate2024652
Noise, emissions and leaks + Suspension3.8liftexpected joint rate2024793
Noise, emissions and leaks + Steering (rough estimate: 198 tests, 95% interval 3.3–4.4)3.8liftexpected joint rate2024198
Identification of the vehicle + Noise, emissions and leaks (rough estimate: 40 tests, 95% interval 2.7–5.2)3.8liftexpected joint rate202440
Brakes + Tyres3.4liftexpected joint rate20241324
Road Wheels + Suspension (rough estimate: 40 tests, 95% interval 2.4–4.6)3.4liftexpected joint rate202440
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems + Tyres (rough estimate: 111 tests, 95% interval 2.7–4.0)3.3liftexpected joint rate2024111
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems + Visibility (rough estimate: 124 tests, 95% interval 2.7–3.9)3.3liftexpected joint rate2024124
Road Wheels + Visibility (rough estimate: 49 tests, 95% interval 2.3–4.2)3.1liftexpected joint rate202449
Brakes + Visibility3.1liftexpected joint rate20241351
Identification of the vehicle + Visibility (rough estimate: 85 tests, 95% interval 2.5–3.8)3.1liftexpected joint rate202485
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Visibility3.1liftexpected joint rate20242412
Tyres + Visibility2.9liftexpected joint rate20241822
Body, chassis, structure + Visibility2.8liftexpected joint rate2024640
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Tyres2.8liftexpected joint rate20241931
Noise, emissions and leaks + Tyres2.7liftexpected joint rate2024650
Body, chassis, structure + Tyres2.6liftexpected joint rate2024531
Steering + Visibility (rough estimate: 349 tests, 95% interval 2.3–2.9)2.6liftexpected joint rate2024349
Suspension + Tyres2.4liftexpected joint rate20241166
Noise, emissions and leaks + Visibility2.4liftexpected joint rate2024661
Steering + Tyres (rough estimate: 288 tests, 95% interval 2.1–2.7)2.4liftexpected joint rate2024288
Suspension + Visibility2.3liftexpected joint rate20241253
Identification of the vehicle + Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems (seen together; too few for a multiplier)10tests with both202410
Identification of the vehicle + Road Wheels (seen together; too few for a multiplier)8tests with both20248

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 23,936 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

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

Of every 100 Smart Forfours tested at age 5, about 18 failed the MOT first time (rough estimate); at age 19, about 44 (rough estimate). These are one-year rates for different cars tested in the same year, not a fleet followed over time; the steepest one-year step in this cross-section is between cars aged 7 and 8, 4.94 percentage points (2024).

Smart Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 5 (rough estimate: 1,952 tests, 95% interval 16.8–20.3%)18.5% fail first time20241952
Age 618.8% fail first time20243845
Age 723.2% fail first time20244777
Age 828.2% fail first time20245315
Age 932.4% fail first time20245490
Age 17 (rough estimate: 115 tests, 95% interval 34.0–51.7%)42.6% fail first time2024115
Age 18 (rough estimate: 1,003 tests, 95% interval 40.1–46.3%)43.2% fail first time20241003
Age 19 (rough estimate: 1,023 tests, 95% interval 41.2–47.2%)44.2% fail first time20241023

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 23,936 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Does the Smart Forfour fail inspections in other countries too?

In the Netherlands, 54.2% of Smart Forfours failed their periodic roadworthiness inspection, against 50.8% for all cars there (2024 by country, n = 4,215 inspections).

Inspections abroad point the same way: in Finland and the Netherlands the Smart Forfour also fails more often than the national average.

bullet · Smart Forfour · Finland · 34.1 vs 26.3 · 2024 by country
Finland: 34.1 vs 26.3. Netherlands: 54.2 vs 50.8. Statens vegvesen PKK (CC BY 4.0), Traficom Katsastus (CC BY 4.0), RDW APK (CC0), adapted; covers 430 of 761 models, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2024 by country)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Finland34.1% failed26.32024 by country552
Netherlands54.2% failed50.82024 by country4215

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 = 23,936 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV · licences and full notice

Does the month of a Smart Forfour MOT matter?

Smart Forfours fail first time most in November (26.6%, against 30.6% for all cars that month) and least in May (22.8%) (2024, n = 23,936).

line · Smart Forfour · January · 26.4 vs 31.1 · 2024
January: 26.4. December: 26.2. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Smart Forfour: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
January26.4% fail first time31.1202411507
February25.5% fail first time30.020249827
March23.4% fail first time28.3202412831
April24.0% fail first time29.820248346
May22.8% fail first time28.820249300
June24.0% fail first time28.1202410822
July24.8% fail first time29.3202411387
August25.1% fail first time29.2202411128
Full table
Further values · 2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
September23.7% fail first time28.2202415072
October25.5% fail first time30.3202414451
November26.6% fail first time30.6202412310
December26.2% fail first time29.320249148

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 23,936 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Not enough tests for… (and why)

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

layer not yet computed for this model (covers 211 of 761 models). 23,936 initial Smart Forfour tests are in the published model cohort.

Source: NHTSA, US market; covers 211 of 761 models · Window: NHTSA · n = 23,936 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

See the Ford EcoSport, a car of the same inspection class with 4.3× 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). 23,936 initial Smart Forfour tests are in the published model cohort.

Source: European Commission OBFCM; covers 19 of 761 models · Window: 2021+ cohorts · n = 23,936 (initial tests) · Method: computed estimate, not measured · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

See the Ford EcoSport, a car of the same inspection class with 4.3× the tests · Check your car by registration

How to cite this page

MOT Risk Index (2026). Smart 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-forfour/

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

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Smart Forfour MOT: quick answers

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

72.5% of first attempts passed in 2024 (23,936 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 23,936 primary tests: 27.54% failed first time and 78.4% passed when cars fixed at the test centre (PRS) count as passes. The age-adjusted MOT Risk Index 115 is shown separately.