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Smart ForFour Mk1 (454) (2004-2006) reliability

At a glance

Smart ForFour Mk1 (454) built around 2006: about average at the MOT

Smart ForFour Mk1 (454) models built around 2006 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Smart ForFour Mk1 (454) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

32% of MOT tests on Smart ForFour Mk1 (454) models built around 2006 ended in a fail (retests included), against 34% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Smart ForFour Mk1 (454) models built around 2006 involves the tyres.

Smart ForFour Mk1 (454)
No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate2004-2006HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 2,593 tests of ForFour models registered 2004-2006.

About 1 in 12 ForFour Mk1 (454) MOTs (8.7%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2006 (19 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 1,330 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 15 ForFour Mk1 (454) MOTs (7.4%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2006 (19 years old).

Based on 1,330 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk1 (454) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
37730.0%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,33032.5%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
79230.4%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
9436.2%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 21 years old.

How the ForFour Mk1 (454) compares

At each age below, see how the ForFour Mk1 (454) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 3,745 tests across 5 Smart models, built around 2006 (19 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateSmart average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
37730.0%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,33032.5%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
79230.4%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
9436.2%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Suspension springs

Worth checking

Check ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the ForFour Mk1 (454).

  1. 1

    Suzuki Ignis

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    32.3%

    No clear edge over the Smart ForFour Mk1 (454) on these figures.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,318 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

  2. 2

    Vauxhall Agila

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    28.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.4%
    Dangerous
    7.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.5%

    Lower fail rate: 28.9%, against 32.5% for the Smart ForFour Mk1 (454), both built around 2006.

    1,320 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

  3. 3

    Volkswagen Beetle

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    36.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    97.1%

    No clear edge over the Smart ForFour Mk1 (454) on these figures.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    3,464 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

  4. 4

    Suzuki Alto

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    37.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    92%

    No clear edge over the Smart ForFour Mk1 (454) on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.

    1,001 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

92%of all Smart ForFour cars first registered in 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · The same

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

DVSA's recall list has no recalls filed under the Smart ForFour name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.

What has gone wrong on ForFour Mk1 (454) cars built around 2006

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 83 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
43%
Emissions
18%
Drivetrain
11%
Steering
2%

Wear items

Lighting
66%
Tyres
61%
Brakes
53%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 6% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

How ForFour Mk1 (454) cars have aged

How ForFour Mk1 (454) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%15161718192021Age at MOTBuilt around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (1,534 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 30.0% (1,313 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 31.7% (1,169 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 31.2% (898 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.9% (756 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 31.4% (1,312 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (1,098 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 31.3% (902 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 31.3% (681 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 29.3% (526 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (339 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.1% (245 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 28.1% (139 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 28.8% (104 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 36.2% (94 tests, 2025 data)2004
First registered around 2006First registered around 2005First registered around 2004
Mk1 (454) variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Smart ForFours of this age

This list covers every Smart ForFour built around 2006, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 (454) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    17.7%
    Advisory: 297Fail: 45 (13% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    17.3%
    Advisory: 282Fail: 20 (7% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    16.3%
    Advisory: 248Fail: 40 (14% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    15.8%
    Advisory: 236Fail: 61 (21% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    15.0%
    Advisory: 284Fail: 8 (3% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,330 tests

Looking at a Smart ForFour Mk1 (454) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2006 (19 years old), the Smart ForFour Mk1 (454) (2004-2006) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 1,330 19-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 2,593 MOT tests on Smart ForFours first registered between 2004-2006. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.