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Smart Fortwo reliability, MPG and running costs

Figures updated

The Smart Fortwo is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 98 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 274 of 442, and 32.3% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is coil spring (4.5% of tests).

98Average

Ranked 274 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League

In 2024, 6,804 Smart Fortwos aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 32.3% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Smart Fortwo is about as likely to fail as the average car of the same age and mileage.

First-time fail rate

32.3%

UK 28.5%

Fail rate at 3 years

–

UK 12.7%

Average miles a year

4,700

Typical age at test: 12 years

Smart Fortwo MOT failure rate by age

0%10%20%30%40%50%369121518UK average 44%Fortwo 41%

Most common Smart Fortwo MOT faults

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.5% of tests
  2. Service brake performance: excessively binding4.0% of tests
  3. Stop lamp: not working3.6% of tests
  4. Position lamp: not working3.5% of tests
  5. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam3.3% of tests
  6. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.3% of tests

What the Smart Fortwo fails on

AreaTests failingvs similar cars
Lights and electrics14.6%▲ 1.1× as often
Brakes9.2%▲ 1.3× as often
Suspension8.6%▼ 20% less often
Tyres5.7%About average
Visibility5.0%About average
Exhaust and emissions4.9%▲ 1.6× as often
Body and structure3.1%▼ 18% less often
Steering0.5%▼ 76% less often
Seat belts and airbags0.3%▼ 61% less often
Wheels0.2%▼ 31% less often

What MPG does the Smart Fortwo do?

Official economy for the Smart Fortwo ranges from 49.6 to 85.6mpg across the 148 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2006–2021). A typical petrol version manages 62.8mpg. Electric versions average 4.8 miles per kWh, with an official range of 74 to 98 miles. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.

Work out a journey's fuel cost

How much is road tax on a Smart Fortwo?

Any Smart Fortwo first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Smart Fortwo registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £200 a year.

Work out tax for a specific car

Smart Fortwo specs and running costs

Official figures for 148 versions sold in the UK between 2006 and 2021.

Fuel types

Diesel, Electric, Petrol

Official economy

49.6–85.6 mpg

Electric range

74–98 miles

Efficiency

4.0–4.8 mi/kWh

CO2

86–136 g/km

Power

82 PS

VersionFuelEconomyCO2Car tax
fortwo cabrio EQ82 PS · N/A · listed 2021Electric4 mi/kWh0g£200
fortwo cabrio .5 EQ82 PS · N/A · listed 2021Electric4 mi/kWh0g£200
fortwo coupe EQ82 PS · N/A · listed 2021Electric4 mi/kWh0g£200
fortwo coupe .5 EQ82 PS · N/A · listed 2021Electric4 mi/kWh0g£200
fortwo cabrio electric drive with 15'' rear wheelsN/A · listed 2019Electric4.8 mi/kWh0g£200
fortwo cabrio electric drive with 16'' rear wheelsN/A · listed 2019Electric4.8 mi/kWh0g£200
fortwo coupé electric drive with 15'' rear wheelsN/A · listed 2019Electric4.8 mi/kWh0g£200
fortwo coupé electric drive with 16'' rear wheelsN/A · listed 2019Electric4.8 mi/kWh0g£200
fortwo coupé 71hp (52kW) with 15'' & 16'' wheelsM5 · listed 2018Petrol68.9 mpg93g£200
fortwo coupé 71hp (52kW) twinamic with 15'' & 16'' wheelsA6 · listed 2018Petrol68.9 mpg94g£200
fortwo coupé 90hp (66kW) turbo with 15'', 16'' & 17'' rear wheelsM5 · listed 2018Petrol67.3 mpg97g£200
fortwo coupé 90hp (66kW) turbo twinamic with 15'', 16'' & 17'' rear wheelsA6 · listed 2018Petrol68.9 mpg96g£200
fortwo coupé BRABUS 109hp (80kW) with 17'' rear wheelsA6 · listed 2018Petrol62.8 mpg102g£200
fortwo cabrio 71 hp (52kW) with 15'' & 16'' wheelsM5 · listed 2018Petrol65.7 mpg99g£200
fortwo cabrio 71hp (52kW) twinamic with 15'' & 16'' wheelsA6 · listed 2018Petrol65.7 mpg99g£200

Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or 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. Showing the 15 most recent of 148 versions.

What a Smart Fortwo costs to fuel

  • petrol, typical official 62.8mpg…
  • Electric, typical official 4.8 miles per kWh…

Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.

Work out your charging costsWork out a journey in a Smart Fortwo

Buying a used Smart Fortwo?

Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.

Other Smart models

Frequently asked questions

›Is the Smart Fortwo reliable?

Its MOT record is about average: the Smart Fortwo is about as likely to fail as the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 98 in our 2024 league (100 is average).

›What are common problems with the Smart Fortwo?

The most common MOT fault is “Coil spring: fractured or broken”, found in 4.5% of tests. It fails on exhaust and emissions more often than similar cars.

›What MPG does the Smart Fortwo do?

Official economy for the Smart Fortwo ranges from 49.6 to 85.6mpg across the 148 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2006–2021). A typical petrol version manages 62.8mpg. Electric versions average 4.8 miles per kWh, with an official range of 74 to 98 miles. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.

›How much is road tax on a Smart Fortwo?

Any Smart Fortwo first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Smart Fortwo registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £200 a year.

›How many Smart Fortwos fail their MOT?

32.3% of Smart Fortwos aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.

Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Smart Fortwo 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.