Smart Forfour years to avoid? MOT pass rate by year
All 5 Smart Forfour years have MOT pass rates below the average for vehicles first used in the same year.
- Below the average for their first-use year2015–2019
- Above the average for their first-use yearNone
- Can't be told apart from averageNone
The MOT pass rate is one signal, not the whole story. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't record gearbox or engine faults, and a pass rate also reflects mileage and upkeep, so the table shows median mileage too. Whatever the year, the car in front of you matters more than its model's average.
First-time pass rate, all years together: initial tests passed with no repairs. 95% range 72.6% to 73.8%.
In 2025, 73.2% of the 21,160 initial MOT tests on Smart Forfour cars were passed with no repairs. The same-age average, for all vehicles first used in the same years, was 76.7%. That is 3.6 points below the same-age average.
Check a specific Forfour
Smart Forfour MOT pass rate by year
| Year | Chart | Testsmedian miles | Passed first time | Against all vehicles that year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019age 6 | 1,95027,900 | 80.9%±1.9 | −2.6 ptsall: 83.5% | |
| 2018age 7 | 3,78534,000 | 79.5%±1.4 | −1.4 ptsall: 80.9% | |
| 2017age 8 | 4,74340,900 | 75.8%±1.3 | −2.4 ptsall: 78.2% | |
| 2016age 9 | 5,26446,600 | 70.6%±1.3 | −4.3 ptsall: 74.9% | |
| 2015age 10 | 5,41853,100 | 66.1%±1.3 | −5.8 ptsall: 71.9% |
Tests are initial MOT tests in 2025, not retests. Median miles is the middle odometer reading at the test: half had more, half had less. ± is the 95% margin of error in points (Wilson interval): a difference smaller than that could be chance. Years without a link have fewer than 10,000 tests, so they are listed here but don't have their own page.
When a car's mileage doesn't add upDoes mileage matter?
84.4% of Smart Forfour tests under 30,000 miles passed first time, against 63.0% at 60,000 to 89,999 miles. For all vehicles of the same age and mileage, the figures are 87.6% and 73.0%.
| Miles at the test | Tests | Passed first time | Against all vehicles, same age and mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 30,000 | 5,521 | 84.4%±1.0 | −3.2 ptsall: 87.6% |
| 30,000–59,999 | 10,716 | 72.4%±0.9 | −7.1 ptsall: 79.6% |
| 60,000–89,999 | 4,089 | 63.0%±1.5 | −10.0 ptsall: 73.0% |
Against all vehicles of the same age and mileage, Forfour tests were below average in every band shown.
Mileage is only one factor. How a car has been driven and looked after matters too. These figures show an association across all Smart Forfour tests in 2025, not what mileage does to a particular car.
Mileage is the odometer reading at the initial test. Each band is compared with all vehicles first used in the same year with a reading in the same band, weighted by this model's own tests in each year. Bands need at least 1,000 tests. Not shown, with fewer than 1,000 tests: 90,000–119,999 and 120,000 or more. 9 tests (under 0.1%) had no usable odometer reading and are left out. How we count
Common Forfour problems at the MOT
MOT records show roadworthiness faults, not engine or gearbox problems. Each year page compares that year's failure areas with all vehicles first used in the same year.
Most common MOT failures on the Smart Forfour
| Defect | Share of failed tests | All vehicles, same age |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mmTyres | 12.3%699 tests | 9.1% |
| Suspension arm ball joint excessively wornSuspension | 12.2%691 tests | 4.4% |
| Stop lamp not workingLights and electrics | 12.0%679 tests | 4.8% |
| Catalyst emissions lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limitsNoise, emissions, leaks | 11.5%651 tests | 1.2% |
| Wiper does not clear the windscreen effectivelyWindscreen, wipers, mirrors | 10.3%584 tests | 6.6% |
| Coil spring fractured or brokenSuspension | 7.2%411 tests | 9.2% |
| Washer provides insufficient washer liquidWindscreen, wipers, mirrors | 7.1%402 tests | 4.7% |
| Malfunction indicator lamp inoperative or indicates a malfunctionNoise, emissions, leaks | 6.5%368 tests | 6.0% |
| Tyre has ply or cords exposedTyres | 6.0%341 tests | 4.8% |
| Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gasesBody, chassis, structure | 5.7%324 tests | 1.3% |
These are failures recorded at initial MOT tests in 2025. Retests are not counted. "All vehicles, same age" is the same defect's share of failed tests for all vehicles first used in the same years, weighted by the Forfour's failed tests in each year. How we count
What to check when viewing a Forfour
Tyres
- Check the tread on every tyre. The legal minimum for cars is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread.
- Look for cuts, bulges, and wear on only the inner or outer edge, which can point to an alignment problem.
- Check that the spare wheel or the tyre repair kit is there.
Suspension
- Push down hard on each corner. The car should rise once and settle, not keep bouncing.
- On the test drive, listen for knocks or clunks over speed bumps and potholes.
- The car should sit level when parked on flat ground.
Lights and electrics
- Ask the seller to help you check every light: dipped and main beam, brake lights, indicators, fog lights and the number plate lamp.
- Look for cracked, misted or yellowed headlight lenses.
- Warning lights on the dashboard should come on with the ignition and go out once the engine starts.
Noise, emissions, leaks
- Ask to see the car start from cold. Heavy smoke from the exhaust is worth asking about.
- Listen for blowing or rattling from the exhaust with the engine running.
- Look under the car for drips of oil, coolant or other fluids.
Then read the car's own MOT history. Advisories in the same area at several tests are worth asking about.
Check a Forfour's MOT historyAfter an MOT advisory
Tyres
Of Smart Forfour cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a tyre advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 10.8% failed on tyres, against 5.5% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 3,181 and 10,118 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 12.0% of those with a tyre advisory and 10.8% of the others.
Brakes
Of Smart Forfour cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a brake advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 6.8% failed on brakes, against 2.3% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 1,998 and 11,268 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 11.8% of those with a brake advisory and 11.0% of the others.
Similar cars are the same model, first-use year and mileage band. Areas are the DVSA's top-level groups, so the later fail may not be the fault that was advised. These figures describe what happened to these cars. They don't show what a repair would have changed.
How we worked this outAll models compared, with the dataSmart Forfour questions
Which Smart Forfour years have lower MOT pass rates?
Compared with all vehicles first used in the same year, these model years have below-average MOT pass rates: 2015–2019. None is clearly above average. A pass rate is one signal: it also reflects mileage and upkeep, and doesn't record engine or gearbox faults.
Is the Smart Forfour reliable?
MOT results show only part of the picture. In 2025, 73.2% of initial MOT tests on Smart Forfour cars were passed with no repairs, against a same-age average of 76.7%. That is 3.6 points below average. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't measure breakdowns, engine or gearbox faults, or repair costs.
What are the most common Smart Forfour problems at the MOT?
The most common failure areas are tyres (in 29.1% of failed tests), suspension (in 27.0% of failed tests) and lights and electrics (in 25.7% of failed tests). A failed test can count in more than one area.
What mileage is normal for a 10-year-old Smart Forfour?
At their 2025 MOT tests, Smart Forfour cars first used in 2015, about 10 years old, had a median of 53,100 miles. Half had more and half had less.
How do I check a specific Forfour's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free check. It lists that car's own MOT results, the faults and advisories recorded and the mileage at each test, and flags repeated advisories and mileage that goes down.
Check a car's MOT history for freeWhat MOT data can't tell you about any Smart Forfour
Outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and plate changes aren't in MOT records. For a particular car, you need a history check.
Compare history checksWhat MOT history doesn't showOther Smart models
Points above (+) or below (−) the same-age average for all vehicles.
Cars ranked by MOT pass rate, by ageSource: DVSA anonymised MOT tests, 2025. For guidance only: these figures describe all Smart Forfour cars tested, not the one you're looking at. How we count