Used car guide

2002 Smart Fortwo: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Smart Fortwo first registered in 2002: we looked at the 228 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 228 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

228MOTs of 2002 cars, done in 2023–2025
59%pass first time (all 2002 cars: 58%)
3,000typical miles a year
37%had brakes flagged

Common 2002 Smart Fortwo MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Smart Fortwo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    37% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Lights and electrics
    36% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Suspension
    31% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Tyres
    21% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    17% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    15% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2002 Smart Fortwo

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Smart Fortwo?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Smart Fortwo compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2024–Too new for MOT data
2023–Too new for MOT data
2022–Too few tests
2021–Too few tests
2020–Too few tests
20195,575Tyres 24%
20189,966Tyres 27%
201714,234Tyres 27%
201616,973Tyres 26%
20156,533Tyres 26%
201410,991Tyres 26%
20132,713Tyres 29%
20125,472Brakes 29%
20119,133Tyres 28%
201013,296Brakes 30%
200914,337Brakes 35%
200811,719Brakes 34%
20075,628Brakes 34%
20062,481Suspension 39%
20051,991Lights and electrics 40%
20041,759Brakes 39%
2003456Brakes 38%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Smart Fortwo cars first registered in 2002. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score