What Is Smart's MOT Pass Rate?
on 24 April 2026
Smart cars have an overall pass rate of 80.1% as per DVSA anonymised MOT testing data for 2022-2024, based on a total of 12,046 tests conducted during this period. This figure slightly outperforms the national average of 79.6% (for 2024), marking Smart vehicles as relatively reliable in terms of MOT compliance compared to other makes.
Over the past three years, Smart's MOT pass rate has shown a gradual improvement. In 2022, the pass rate was at 78.1% with 13,983 tests analysed. By 2023, it had increased to 78.9%, based on data from 14,347 tests. The latest figures for 2024 indicate a significant rise to 80.1%. This trend suggests that Smart's efforts in vehicle quality and maintenance have been yielding positive results over time.
Which Smart Models Pass Their MOT Most Often?
Among various Smart models, the Fortwo model leads with a high pass rate of 81%, followed closely by the Forfour at 79.5%. These two models are among the most commonly tested in the dataset provided. However, there's also a less successful performer: the Roadster model, which struggles to achieve an 80% MOT pass rate.
The average mileage at test for these vehicles is approximately 35,000 miles, indicating that Smart cars tend to be well-maintained over their typical lifecycle and are regularly serviced as recommended.
What Are the Most Common MOT Failures on Smart Vehicles?
failing their MOT, Smart owners often face issues related to lighting and electrical systems. According to DVSA anonymised MOT testing data, this category accounts for 18.9% of failures nationally, which is also true for Smart cars. Suspension problems follow closely with a 13.2% failure rate, indicating that keeping the car's suspension in good condition is important.
Brake-related issues are another common cause for concern, contributing to 10.1% of MOT failures. This highlights the importance of regular brake checks and timely repairs to maintain vehicle safety. Lastly, tyre conditions lead to 7.8% of Smart vehicles failing their MOT tests, highlighting the need for proper tyre maintenance including tread depth and pressure checks.
To help prevent these common issues from derailing your MOT test:
- Check all lights before the MOT date.
- Ensure tyres are in good condition with sufficient tread depth.
- Replace worn wiper blades to ensure clear visibility.
- Make sure screen wash is topped up, especially during winter months when it's more prone to run low.
How to Save Money on Your Smart MOT
Preparing your Smart for an upcoming MOT can significantly reduce the likelihood of failures and associated repair costs. A simple pre-MOT checklist could include:
- Inspecting all exterior lights (headlights, indicators, brake lights).
- Checking tyre condition including tread depth.
- Replacing worn wiper blades to improve visibility.
- Ensuring that screen wash levels are adequate.
The average cost for a Smart MOT in the UK is set at £54.85 by the DVSA as part of their fixed fee structure. However, it's worth noting that while some advisories might not prevent your car from passing its MOT, they can still point to potential issues that may become failures later on.
By addressing common advisories and ensuring that your Smart vehicle is in top condition for the test day, you'll likely spend less money on repairs and save time waiting for retests. If you notice any issues such as worn suspension components or brake pads during a pre-MOT inspection, consider having them fixed beforehand to avoid higher costs later.
If your Smart was financed via PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) or HP (Hire Purchase), it's also worth checking whether there might have been mis-selling of finance at mlj.org.uk. This can provide additional financial relief and support in managing the ongoing expenses associated with vehicle maintenance.
According to the DVSA Anonymised MOT Testing Data (2022-2024), smart has a 80.1% mot pass rate based on 12,046 tests
Sources
- DVSA Anonymised MOT Testing Data (2022-2024)
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