Does the Smart Roadster fail the MOT on suspension more than it should?
The Smart Roadster records 13.23 suspension failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 32.05 expected for a car of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−18.82, 95% interval −20.29 to −17.35). It ranks 676 of 701 models on suspension (1 = most failures above expected).
Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on suspension · check a Smart Roadster by registration
What exactly fails on suspension?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Smart Roadster is “A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn”, recorded 227 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 227 | 3.98 |
| A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened | 100 | 1.75 |
| A suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc | 97 | 1.70 |
| A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated | 97 | 1.70 |
| A wheel bearing excessively rough | 70 | 1.23 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 5,699 (initial tests) · Method: failure items (major and minor) grouped by DVSA's defect tree; wordings with 30+ items · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
If a Smart Roadster gets a suspension advisory, how often does it fail next time?
12.4% of Smart Roadster MOTs with a suspension advisory were followed by a fail in the same group at the next MOT, typically 12 months and 1,659 miles later (1,033 advisories followed).
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 1,033 (advisories followed) · Method: the same vehicles followed to their next ordinary MOT · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Other pages for this model
Smart Roadster 2005 · Smart Roadster 2006 · Smart Roadster by postcode area · Smart Roadster body, chassis and structure failures · Smart Roadster brakes failures · Smart Roadster lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · Smart Roadster noise, emissions and leaks failures · Smart Roadster seat belts and airbags failures · Smart Roadster steering failures · Smart Roadster tyres failures · Smart Roadster visibility failures