Does the Smart Roadster fail the MOT on visibility more than it should?
The Smart Roadster records 7.69 visibility failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 12.65 expected for a car of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−4.96, 95% interval −5.89 to −4.04). It ranks 688 of 746 models on visibility (1 = most failures above expected).
Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on visibility · check a Smart Roadster by registration
What exactly fails on visibility?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Smart Roadster is “Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen”, recorded 138 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen | 138 | 2.42 |
| Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view | 120 | 2.11 |
| Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen | 65 | 1.14 |
| Wiper blade defective | 61 | 1.07 |
| Wiper not operating or missing | 35 | 0.61 |
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
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 suspension failures · Smart Roadster tyres failures