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Smart ForTwo Mk2 (451) (2007-2014) reliability

At a glance

Smart ForTwo Mk2 (451) built around 2014: about average at the MOT

Smart ForTwo Mk2 (451) models built around 2014 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Smart ForTwo Mk2 (451) right now?

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

Key figure

22% of MOT tests on Smart ForTwo Mk2 (451) models built around 2014 ended in a fail (retests included), against 24% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Smart ForTwo Mk2 (451) models built around 2014 involves the tyres.

Smart ForTwo Mk2 (451)
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2007-2014HatchbackELECTRICITY / PETROL / DIESEL

Based on 39,119 tests of ForTwo models registered 2007-2014.

About 1 in 20 ForTwo Mk2 (451) MOTs (5.2%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2014 (11 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 5,000 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 25 ForTwo Mk2 (451) MOTs (4.4%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2014 (11 years old).

Based on 5,000 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk2 (451) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
1,65519.6%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
5,00021.8%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
3,10223.2%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
4,31423.8%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
5,54225.6%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
7,28926.4%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
6,31628.2%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
4,90428.3%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
99727.8%

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 17 years old.

How the ForTwo Mk2 (451) compares

At each age below, see how the ForTwo Mk2 (451) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 5,000 tests across 1 Smart models, built around 2014 (11 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateSmart average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
1,65519.6%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
5,00021.8%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
3,10223.2%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
4,31423.8%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
5,54225.6%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
7,28926.4%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
6,31628.2%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
4,90428.3%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
99727.8%

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 pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Brakes

Worth checking

Inspect the brakes carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

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 ForTwo Mk2 (451).

  1. 1

    Honda Fit

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    11.4%

    Lower fail rate: 11.4%, against 21.8% for the Smart ForTwo Mk2 (451), both built around 2014.

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

    1,364 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

  2. 2

    Lexus CT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.6%
    Dangerous
    5.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.2%

    Lower fail rate: 16.2%, against 21.8% for the Smart ForTwo Mk2 (451), both built around 2014.

    4,180 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

  3. 3

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    Lower fail rate: 19.4%, against 21.8% for the Smart ForTwo Mk2 (451), both built around 2014.

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

    38,174 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

  4. 4

    Mini Cooper D

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    24.4%

    No clear edge over the Smart ForTwo Mk2 (451) on these figures.

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

    1,657 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

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

89%of all Smart ForTwo cars first registered in 2014 to 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% · About typical

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 ForTwo name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.

How ForTwo Mk2 (451) cars have aged

How ForTwo Mk2 (451) 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%7911131517Age at MOTBuilt around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 16.8% (3,039 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 18.8% (3,030 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 18.6% (2,914 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 19.0% (2,852 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 21.0% (2,882 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 18.7% (2,414 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 19.4% (2,278 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 20.6% (2,231 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 22.8% (2,212 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 23.5% (2,127 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 20.4% (2,419 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 21.3% (2,361 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 22.1% (2,325 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 22.0% (2,318 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 22.6% (2,229 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 23.0% (3,094 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 23.5% (3,032 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 25.0% (2,966 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 25.2% (2,791 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 24.1% (2,687 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 26.6% (4,701 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 26.2% (4,571 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 27.0% (4,364 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 26.2% (4,043 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 25.7% (3,801 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 26.5% (4,479 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 26.3% (4,233 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 26.5% (4,035 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 27.7% (3,845 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (3,648 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 28.3% (3,938 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 26.7% (3,767 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 28.5% (3,641 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 28.1% (3,399 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 27.7% (3,185 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 28.2% (1,470 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 27.2% (1,329 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 29.6% (1,309 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 28.8% (1,134 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 27.8% (997 tests, 2025 data)2007
First registered around 2014First registered around 2013First registered around 2012First registered around 2011
Mk2 (451) variants compared

ForTwo Mk2 (451) variants built around 2014

The fail rate for each ForTwo Mk2 (451) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • FORTWO21.1%3,425 tests
  • FORTWO PASSION MHD AUTO22.7%612 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Smart ForTwos of this age

This list covers every Smart ForTwo built around 2014, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk2 (451) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

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

    14.3%
    Advisory: 1,020Fail: 95 (9% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    13.6%
    Advisory: 1,017Fail: 115 (10% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    12.4%
    Advisory: 759Fail: 88 (10% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake binding slightly

    6.9%
    Advisory: 246Fail: 146 (37% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    6.8%
    Advisory: 347Fail: 4 (1% of the times it was found)

Based on 5,000 tests

Looking at a Smart ForTwo Mk2 (451) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2014 (11 years old), the Smart ForTwo Mk2 (451) (2007-2014) fails MOTs slightly less often than typical for this age. This is based on 5,000 11-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 39,119 MOT tests on Smart ForTwos first registered between 2007-2014. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.