Most Reliable Smart Models: Real MOT Data Analysis
We analysed 12,620 real UK MOT tests to reveal which Smart models pass most often, which years to buy, and which to avoid entirely.
12,620 MOT tests analysed
Real DVSA data covering every Smart model from 2000-2023
Key Findings
Most Reliable Model
Smart FORTWO PULSE MHD AUTO
72.3% pass rate
Best Single Year
ROADSTER 80 AUTO(RHD) 2004 Petrol
69.2% pass rate
Smart vs National Average
68.9% vs 71.5%
-2.6% below average
Proven Durability Champion
ROADSTER 80 AUTO(RHD) 2004
+11.9% at 13+ years
Smart has built its reputation on reliability, but does the data back it up? We analysed 12,620 real MOT tests from the DVSA database to find out exactly which Smart 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 model sold in the UK from 2000 to 2023.
How Smart Compares to Rivals
Smart ranks #49 out of 75 manufacturers with a 68.9% average MOT pass rate. That's below the national average of 71.5%:
| Manufacturer | Pass Rate | Rank | Tests Analysed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota | 74.0% | #31 | 1,606,300 |
| Volkswagen | 72.2% | #43 | 2,967,545 |
| Smart | 68.9% | #49 | 12,620 |
| 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 sits at #49. However, newer Smart models significantly outperform this average.
Best Smart Models by MOT Pass Rate
Looking at overall reliability across all years, here's how Smart's core models rank against the 71.5% national average:
| Model | Pass Rate | vs National (71.5%) | Tests | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FORTWO PULSE MHD AUTO | 72.3% | +0.8% | 535 | 2010-2013 |
| ROADSTER 80 AUTO(RHD) | 69.0% | -2.5% | 939 | 2003-2005 |
| FORTWO PASSION MHD AUTO | 69.0% | -2.6% | 2,738 | 2009-2013 |
| CITY PASSION 61 AUTO | 60.9% | -10.6% | 604 | 2004-2007 |
Proven Durability Champions: Which Smart Models Age Best?
These Smart 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROADSTER 80 AUTO(RHD) | 2004 | Petrol | +11.9% | 13+ years | 69.2% |
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.
Smart Hybrids vs Petrol vs Diesel
Smart's fuel type comparison shows clear differences in reliability:
| Fuel Type | Average Pass Rate | vs National | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | 90.0% | +18.5% | 1,017 |
| Petrol | 67.5% | -4.0% | 6,921 |
| Diesel | 64.1% | -7.4% | 418 |
Smart Models to Avoid
Not all Smarts are reliable. These specific model/year combinations have failure rates well above average:
| Model | Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FORTWO PASSION MHD AUTO | 2013 | Petrol | 71.0% (-0.2% vs same-age) | 1,151 |
| ROADSTER 80 AUTO(RHD) | 2004 | Petrol | 69.2% (+9.3% vs same-age) | 523 |
Pattern to avoid
These vehicles fail MOTs more often than they pass.
What Goes Wrong on Smarts?
When Smarts fail MOTs, these are the most common causes:
| Failure Category | Total Failures |
|---|---|
| 1. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 1,181 |
| 2. Brakes | 639 |
| 3. Suspension | 629 |
| 4. Tyres | 445 |
| 5. Visibility | 443 |
| 6. Noise, emissions and leaks | 304 |
| 7. Body, chassis, structure | 241 |
Pre-MOT checklist for Smart owners:
- Check all bulbs (number plate lights are commonly missed)
- Check brake pad thickness and disc condition
- Inspect suspension bushes and anti-roll bar links
- Ensure tyres meet 1.6mm tread requirement
- Clean windscreen and check wiper blade condition
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
- ROADSTER 80 AUTO(RHD) 2004: +12% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
Smart 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 12,620 tests on Smart 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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