Most Reliable Smart (Mcc) Models: Real MOT Data Analysis
We analysed 77,231 real UK MOT tests to reveal which Smart (Mcc) models pass most often, which years to buy, and which to avoid entirely.
77,231 MOT tests analysed
Real DVSA data covering every Smart (Mcc) model from 2000-2023
Key Findings
Most Reliable Model
Smart (Mcc) FORFOUR
75.8% pass rate
Best Single Year
FORTWO CABRIOLET 2011 Petrol
70.6% pass rate
Smart (Mcc) vs National Average
72.5% vs 71.5%
+0.9% above average
Proven Durability Champion
FORTWO CABRIOLET 2009
+9.2% at 13+ years
Smart (Mcc) has built its reputation on reliability, but does the data back it up? We analysed 77,231 real MOT tests from the DVSA database to find out exactly which Smart (Mcc) models live up to the hype and which ones fall short.
This isn't survey data or owner opinions. These are actual pass/fail results from UK garages, covering every Smart (Mcc) model sold in the UK from 2000 to 2023.
How Smart (Mcc) Compares to Rivals
Smart (Mcc) ranks #40 out of 75 manufacturers with a 72.5% average MOT pass rate. That's above the national average of 71.5%:
| Manufacturer | Pass Rate | Rank | Tests Analysed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota | 74.0% | #31 | 1,606,300 |
| Smart (Mcc) | 72.5% | #40 | 77,231 |
| Volkswagen | 72.2% | #43 | 2,967,545 |
| Nissan | 68.7% | #50 | 1,612,552 |
| Ford | 68.5% | #51 | 4,432,652 |
| Vauxhall | 65.4% | #59 | 3,038,498 |
The verdict: Toyota maintains a lead among competitors, while Smart (Mcc) sits at #40. However, newer Smart (Mcc) models significantly outperform this average.
Best Smart (Mcc) Models by MOT Pass Rate
Looking at overall reliability across all years, here's how Smart (Mcc)'s core models rank against the 71.5% national average:
| Model | Pass Rate | vs National (71.5%) | Tests | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FORFOUR | 75.8% | +4.3% | 22,785 | 2004-2019 |
| ROADSTER | 73.0% | +1.5% | 753 | 2004-2006 |
| FORTWO | 72.8% | +1.3% | 45,487 | 2003-2019 |
| CITY CABRIOLET | 61.1% | -10.4% | 676 | 2002-2006 |
| CITY COUPE | 57.9% | -13.6% | 4,689 | 2001-2009 |
Proven Durability Champions: Which Smart (Mcc) Models Age Best?
These Smart (Mcc) models have proven their durability with 11+ years of real-world MOT data. They're compared against the national average for cars of the same age:
High-confidence data: Only vehicles with 11+ years of MOT history and 500+ tests are included in this ranking.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FORTWO CABRIOLET | 2009 | Petrol | +9.2% | 13+ years | 66.5% |
| FORTWO COUPE | 2012 | Petrol | +8.9% | 11-12 years | 71.7% |
| FORTWO COUPE | 2010 | Petrol | +8.1% | 13+ years | 65.3% |
| FORTWO COUPE | 2009 | Petrol | +7.8% | 13+ years | 65.1% |
| FORTWO CABRIOLET | 2011 | Petrol | +7.8% | 11-12 years | 70.6% |
| FORTWO COUPE | 2006 | Petrol | +5.3% | 13+ years | 62.6% |
| FORTWO COUPE | 2008 | Petrol | +5.2% | 13+ years | 62.5% |
| FORTWO COUPE | 2011 | Petrol | +4.4% | 11-12 years | 67.3% |
| FORTWO COUPE | 2010 | Petrol | +3.8% | 11-12 years | 66.6% |
| FORTWO COUPE | 2011 | Diesel | +3.6% | 11-12 years | 66.4% |
How to read this: A score of "+15%" means the model passes MOTs 15 percentage points more often than the average car of the same age. These are proven results from vehicles that have genuinely aged well.
Early Performers: Strong Start, Unproven Durability
These newer Smart (Mcc) models (3-6 years old) show strong early results, but haven't yet proven long-term durability:
Important caveat: Durability NOT yet proven - these vehicles have not been tested at older ages. Older versions of the same model may tell a different story at 11+ years.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FORTWO | 2018 | Petrol | +2.1% | 5-6 years | 83.3% |
| FORTWO | 2017 | Petrol | +1.9% | 5-6 years | 83.0% |
| FORTWO | 2019 | Petrol | +1.8% | 3-4 years | 87.6% |
| FORFOUR | 2018 | Petrol | +0.6% | 5-6 years | 81.8% |
| FORTWO | 2016 | Petrol | +0.6% | 5-6 years | 81.8% |
| FORTWO | 2018 | Petrol | +0.4% | 3-4 years | 86.3% |
What this means: These models are performing well in their early years, but we recommend checking the Durability Champions section above to see how older versions of the same model family have fared over time.
Smart (Mcc) FORTWO: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The FORTWO has 45,487 tests in our database with an overall 72.8% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Electric | 92.5% | +6.3% | 348 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 87.6% | +1.4% | 1,562 |
| 2018 | Electric | 90.9% | +6.7% | 264 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 85.2% | +1.0% | 3,119 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 83.0% | +1.4% | 4,720 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 80.8% | +2.2% | 5,707 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 78.6% | +3.1% | 2,164 |
| 2014 | Petrol | 77.8% | +6.1% | 3,621 |
| 2013 | Petrol | 75.9% | +7.6% | 779 |
| 2012 | Petrol | 72.9% | +7.3% | 1,603 |
| 2012 | Diesel | 69.1% | +3.5% | 230 |
| 2011 | Petrol | 68.0% | +5.0% | 2,552 |
| ... | ||||
| 2005 | Petrol | 54.8% | -1.5% | 754 |
| 2004 | Petrol | 58.5% | +2.5% | 687 |
| 2003 | Petrol | 57.0% | +0.4% | 149 |
FORTWO verdict: The 2019 electric model achieves an excellent 92.5% pass rate. Avoid the 2005 petrol (54.8%).
Avoid early FORTWO models
The 2005 petrol FORTWO has a 54.8% pass rate, failing MOTs more often than passing.
Smart (Mcc) FORFOUR: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The FORFOUR has 22,785 tests in our database with an overall 75.8% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Electric | 85.1% | -1.1% | 161 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 85.0% | -1.3% | 1,794 |
| 2018 | Electric | 83.6% | -0.6% | 165 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 83.5% | -0.8% | 3,698 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 79.4% | -2.3% | 4,736 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 74.4% | -4.2% | 5,279 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 70.4% | -5.1% | 5,547 |
| 2006 | Petrol | 59.3% | +3.1% | 464 |
| 2005 | Petrol | 56.8% | +0.5% | 597 |
| 2005 | Diesel | 52.6% | -3.7% | 135 |
| 2004 | Petrol | 56.9% | +0.9% | 209 |
| ... | ||||
| 2006 | Petrol | 59.3% | +3.1% | 464 |
| 2005 | Petrol | 56.8% | +0.5% | 597 |
| 2005 | Diesel | 52.6% | -3.7% | 135 |
FORFOUR verdict: Avoid the 2006 petrol (59.3%).
Avoid early FORFOUR models
The 2006 petrol FORFOUR has a 59.3% pass rate, failing MOTs more often than passing.
Smart (Mcc) Hybrids vs Petrol vs Diesel
Smart (Mcc)'s fuel type comparison shows clear differences in reliability:
| Fuel Type | Average Pass Rate | vs National | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | 89.2% | +17.7% | 938 |
| Petrol | 72.9% | +1.4% | 70,497 |
| Diesel | 62.9% | -8.6% | 3,229 |
Smart (Mcc) Models to Avoid
Not all Smart (Mcc)s are reliable. These specific model/year combinations have failure rates well above average:
| Model | Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FORFOUR | 2015 | Petrol | 70.4% (-6.9% vs same-age) | 5,547 |
| FORFOUR | 2016 | Petrol | 74.4% (-5.5% vs same-age) | 5,279 |
| FORTWO COUPE | 2005 | Petrol | 52.6% (-7.3% vs same-age) | 559 |
| FORFOUR | 2017 | Petrol | 79.4% (-2.7% vs same-age) | 4,736 |
| FORFOUR | 2019 | Petrol | 85.0% | 1,794 |
| FORFOUR | 2018 | Petrol | 83.5% | 3,698 |
| CITY COUPE | 2003 | Petrol | 56.2% (-3.7% vs same-age) | 1,120 |
| CITY COUPE | 2002 | Petrol | 57.3% (-2.6% vs same-age) | 749 |
| CITY COUPE | 2007 | Petrol | 57.2% (-2.7% vs same-age) | 523 |
| FORFOUR | 2005 | Petrol | 56.8% (-3.1% vs same-age) | 597 |
Pattern to avoid
Early 2005-2019 petrol FORFOURs, 2002-2007 petrol CITY COUPEs are the models that drag down Smart (Mcc)'s average. These vehicles fail MOTs more often than they pass.
What Goes Wrong on Smart (Mcc)s?
When Smart (Mcc)s fail MOTs, these are the most common causes:
| Failure Category | Total Failures |
|---|---|
| 1. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 8,037 |
| 2. Suspension | 5,140 |
| 3. Visibility | 4,689 |
| 4. Brakes | 4,509 |
| 5. Tyres | 4,416 |
| 6. Noise, emissions and leaks | 3,166 |
| 7. Body, chassis, structure | 1,779 |
Pre-MOT checklist for Smart (Mcc) owners:
- Check all bulbs (number plate lights are commonly missed)
- Inspect suspension bushes and anti-roll bar links
- Clean windscreen and check wiper blade condition
- Check brake pad thickness and disc condition
- Ensure tyres meet 1.6mm tread requirement
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Buying Recommendations
Best If Buying Nearly New
2019-2023 models with highest early pass rates
- Limited data for recent models
Note: Long-term durability not yet proven for these newer models
Best If Buying Used (Proven)
11+ years of proven durability data
- FORTWO CABRIOLET 2008-2011: +7% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
- FORTWO COUPE 2006-2012: +5% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
Smart (Mcc) Models to Avoid (Proven Poor)
Proven below average at 11+ years - not just old, genuinely problematic
- No major proven reliability concerns
About This Data
This analysis uses real MOT test results from the DVSA database, covering 77,231 tests on Smart (Mcc) vehicles between 2000 and 2023.
Year-Adjusted Scoring (v2.1): In year-by-year breakdowns, each vehicle is compared against the national average for vehicles of the same model year. This removes the natural bias where newer cars pass more often, allowing fair comparisons across eras.
Evidence-Tiered Durability: We separate "proven durability" (vehicles tested at 11+ years old) from "early performers" (3-6 years old). Only vehicles with proven long-term data are used for durability claims. Age-band comparisons use weighted national averages.
Minimum thresholds: 500 tests for proven durability rankings, 1,000 tests for early performer rankings. Pass rates are calculated as first-time passes, excluding retests.
The overall national average MOT pass rate is 71.51% based on 32.3 million tests across all manufacturers. Year-specific averages range from ~59% (2009 vehicles) to ~88% (2020 vehicles).
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