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Smart ForTwo Mk3 (453) (2015-2024) reliability

At a glance

Smart ForTwo Mk3 (453) built around 2018: about average at the MOT

Smart ForTwo Mk3 (453) models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Smart ForTwo Mk3 (453) right now?

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

Key figure

16% of MOT tests on Smart ForTwo Mk3 (453) models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 16% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Smart ForTwo Mk3 (453) models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Smart ForTwo Mk3 (453)
average reliability2015-2024HatchbackELECTRICITY / PETROL

Based on 21,364 tests of ForTwo models registered 2015-2024.

About 1 in 40 ForTwo Mk3 (453) MOTs (2.6%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 4,381 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 20 ForTwo Mk3 (453) MOTs (4.9%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 4,381 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk3 (453) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
62510.4%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
3,07513.7%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
4,38115.8%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
6,58818.1%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
5,28918.4%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
1,40621.2%

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 10 years old.

How the ForTwo Mk3 (453) compares

At each age below, see how the ForTwo Mk3 (453) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 9,346 tests across 2 Smart models, built around 2018 (7 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateSmart average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
62510.4%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
3,07513.7%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
4,38115.8%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
6,58818.1%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
5,28918.4%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
1,40621.2%

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.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Tyres

Worth checking

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

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 Mk3 (453).

  1. 1

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    Lower fail rate: 12.3%, against 15.8% for the Smart ForTwo Mk3 (453), both built around 2018.

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

    50,561 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Suzuki SX4

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13.5%

    Lower fail rate: 13.5%, against 15.8% for the Smart ForTwo Mk3 (453), both built around 2018.

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

    3,314 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Lexus CT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.1%
    Dangerous
    4.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.2%

    Lower fail rate: 10.5%, against 15.8% for the Smart ForTwo Mk3 (453), both built around 2018.

    3,255 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Toyota Prius

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    11.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    0.9%
    Dangerous
    3.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.4%

    Lower fail rate: 11.1%, against 15.8% for the Smart ForTwo Mk3 (453), both built around 2018.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    17,367 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

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.

What has gone wrong on ForTwo Mk3 (453) cars built around 2018

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 254 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
7%
Emissions
2%

Wear items

Tyres
19%
Brakes
13%
Lighting
8%
How ForTwo Mk3 (453) cars have aged

How ForTwo Mk3 (453) 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%345678910Age at MOTBuilt around 2019, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 9.2% (1,753 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2019, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 11.3% (1,632 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2019, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 11.9% (1,569 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2019, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 13.4% (1,540 tests, 2025 data)2019Built around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 10.3% (2,956 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 11.5% (2,646 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 12.9% (2,510 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 13.9% (2,413 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 15.0% (2,388 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 10.5% (3,872 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 13.6% (3,796 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 14.4% (3,705 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 16.8% (3,700 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 16.8% (3,648 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 12.9% (4,331 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 14.1% (4,174 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 15.8% (4,087 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 18.5% (4,091 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 18.5% (4,014 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 14.5% (1,493 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 14.0% (1,469 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 18.8% (1,455 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 19.3% (1,412 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 21.2% (1,406 tests, 2025 data)2015
First registered around 2019First registered around 2018First registered around 2017First registered around 2016
How each part holds up as Mk3 (453) cars age

How each part holds up as Mk3 (453) cars age

The share of petrol cars built 2017-2020 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car6 years7 years8 years
Suspension1%7%6%
Brakes12%13%13%
Emissions1%2%12%
Tyres12%19%20%
Lighting3%8%9%
Steering1%No figureNo figure

Based on petrol cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 121 to 386 cars at each age.

Mk3 (453) variants compared

ForTwo Mk3 (453) variants built around 2018

The fail rate for each ForTwo Mk3 (453) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • FORTWO16.0%4,140 tests

Electricity

  • FORTWO11.5%227 tests
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Smart ForTwos of this age

This list covers every Smart ForTwo built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk3 (453) 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

    16.2%
    Advisory: 1,034Fail: 124 (11% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    14.7%
    Advisory: 1,059Fail: 73 (6% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

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

    7.7%
    Advisory: 402Fail: 8 (2% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    6.8%
    Advisory: 273Fail: 75 (22% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Number plate worn, but not likely to be misread

    4.2%
    Advisory: 184Fail: 3 (2% of the times it was found)

Based on 4,381 tests

Looking at a Smart ForTwo Mk3 (453) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Smart ForTwo Mk3 (453) (2015-2024) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 4,381 7-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 21,364 MOT tests on Smart ForTwos first registered between 2015-2024. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.