Smart EQ reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Smart EQ is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 74 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 417 of 442, and 12.2% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is wipers (4.5% of tests).
Ranked 417 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 2,149 Smart EQs aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 12.2% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Smart EQ is 35% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 10.9% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
12.2%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
10.9%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
3,900
Typical age at test: 3 years
Smart EQ MOT failure rate by age
Most common Smart EQ MOT faults
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.5% of tests
- Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.9% of tests
- Condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.1% of tests
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed1.0% of tests
- Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.9% of tests
- Headlamp aim: too high0.6% of tests
What the Smart EQ fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | 5.6% | ▲ 2.2× as often |
| Tyres | 4.9% | ▲ 1.5× as often |
| Lights and electrics | 1.7% | ▼ 16% less often |
| Brakes | 1.0% | ▲ 1.1× as often |
| Suspension | 0.3% | ▼ 25% less often |
| Body and structure | 0.1% | ▼ 18% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.1% | ▼ 81% less often |
| Wheels | 0.1% | ▼ 48% less often |
| Steering | 0.1% | ▼ 32% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 0.0% | ▼ 100% less often |
What MPG does the Smart EQ do?
Electric versions average 4 miles per kWh, with an official range of 76 to 76 miles.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Smart EQ?
Any Smart EQ first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates).
Work out tax for a specific carSmart EQ specs and running costs
Official figures for 3 versions sold in the UK between 2024 and 2024.
Fuel types
Electric
Electric range
76 miles
Efficiency
4.0 mi/kWh
Power
60 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EQ fortwo cabrio MY2022 Fortwo60 PS · N/A · listed 2024 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| EQ fortwo coupe MY2022 Fortwo60 PS · N/A · listed 2024 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| EQ fortwo cabrio MY2024 Fortwo60 PS · N/A · listed 2024 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
Economy and CO2 are official WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate.
What a Smart EQ costs to fuel
- Electric, typical official 4 miles per kWh…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out your charging costsBuying a used Smart EQ?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Other Smart models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Smart EQ reliable?
Its MOT record is worse than average: the Smart EQ is 35% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 74 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Smart EQ?
The most common MOT fault is “Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively”, found in 4.5% of tests. It fails on visibility and tyres more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Smart EQ do?
Electric versions average 4 miles per kWh, with an official range of 76 to 76 miles.
›How much is road tax on a Smart EQ?
Any Smart EQ first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates).
›How many Smart EQs fail their MOT?
12.2% of Smart EQs aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 10.9% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Smart EQ combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.