2011 Smart Fortwo diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Smart Fortwo first registered in 2011 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 411 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 411 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Smart Fortwo diesel?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Smart Fortwo diesel than on all cars registered in 2011.
- Braking performance2.3× usualSmart Fortwo12.2% All 2011 cars5.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 7.1%, against 2.1% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
Brake discs: 5.6% here, against 14.1% of all 2011 cars.
Common 2011 Smart Fortwo diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2011 Smart Fortwo diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes30% 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.
- Tyres28% 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.
- Lights and electrics19% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension19% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks10% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors8% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Known faults on the 2011 Smart Fortwo diesel
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Cabriolet
Roof leaks (cabriolet)
Cabriolets have had leaks and water damage from the roof.
At the viewing: On a cabriolet, check the roof seals and feel the carpets and seats for damp.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 Smart Fortwo diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2011 Smart Fortwo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
- 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
| Year | MOT tests | Most 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 |
| 2019 | 5,575 | Tyres 24% |
| 2018 | 9,966 | Tyres 27% |
| 2017 | 14,234 | Tyres 27% |
| 2016 | 16,973 | Tyres 26% |
| 2015 | 6,533 | Tyres 26% |
| 2014 | 10,991 | Tyres 26% |
| 2013 | 2,713 | Tyres 29% |
| 2012 | 5,472 | Brakes 29% |
| 2010 | 13,296 | Brakes 30% |
| 2009 | 14,337 | Brakes 35% |
| 2008 | 11,719 | Brakes 34% |
| 2007 | 5,628 | Brakes 34% |
| 2006 | 2,481 | Suspension 39% |
| 2005 | 1,991 | Lights and electrics 40% |
| 2004 | 1,759 | Brakes 39% |
| 2003 | 456 | Brakes 38% |
| 2002 | 228 | Brakes 37% |
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 2011. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score