2018 Smart Fortwo · 12,348 MOT tests
2018 Smart Fortwo reliability
2018 Smart Fortwos fail 13.9% of first MOT tests, 14% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 12 Fortwo years (12,348 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Smart Fortwos: 20.8%)
- 13.9%
- first-time fail rate (all Smart Fortwos: 20.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 14% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 5
- 21,289
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 5
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 12,348
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2018 against the years either side
- 2017 cars: 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2018 car does better)
- 2019 cars: 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2018 car does worse)
- Weak spot: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 5% of tests fail here (62% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Plates: a 2018 car carries a 67 plate (January–February 2018), or a 18 plate (March–August 2018), or a 68 plate (September–December 2018).
Common problems
What fails on a 2018 Smart Fortwo
Fail rate by area
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5%
- Tyres4.7%
- Lights and electrics2.8%
- Brakes2.7%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.8%
- Suspension0.7%
- Number plates and VIN0.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 3.06%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.48%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.37%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 1.15%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 0.81%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Headlamp aim set too low 0.7%
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (9.27%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.59%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (4.39%) · Brake pads wearing thin (4.1%) · Brake discs showing some wear (2.38%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (2.23%)
Other years
Every Smart Fortwo year
The full picture: Smart Fortwo reliability. Before you pay for any Smart Fortwo, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2018 Smart Fortwo reliable?
2018 Smart Fortwos fail 13.9% of first MOT tests, 14% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 12 Fortwo years (12,348 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2018 Smart Fortwo MOT?
Most often wiper blade not clearing windscreen (3.06% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.48% of tests), brake pads worn below 1.5mm (1.37% of tests).
How many miles should a 2018 Smart Fortwo have done?
At its MOT aged about 5, a typical 2018 Smart Fortwo shows 21,289 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2018 car?
A car first registered in 2018 carries a 67 plate (January–February 2018), or a 18 plate (March–August 2018), or a 68 plate (September–December 2018).
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