MOT failure data · 2025
Smart Roadster MOT problems
Across every Smart Roadster that failed its 2025 MOT, the defect testers recorded most often was position lamp not working, on 5.69% of failure items. The broadest problem area was lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment at 39.09%. These are recorded defects across the model, not a diagnosis of any one car.
Most common Smart Roadster MOT failures
| # | Recorded defect | Area | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Position lamp not working | Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 5.69% |
| 2 | Rigid brake pipes excessively corroded | Brakes | 5.32% |
Shares are of all recorded failure items for this model, so they sum to less than 100% — a single failed test often records several defects, and the long tail below the top 2 is not shown.
What this means if you are buying one
Use it as a viewing checklist. If you are looking at a Smart Roadster, these are the areas worth inspecting and worth asking about — and worth reading the car's own MOT history for, since a defect that keeps reappearing as an advisory is a better signal than any model-wide average.
The MOT record also has hard limits: it does not check the engine, clutch or gearbox, and it says nothing about outstanding finance, insurance write-off history, stolen markers or whether the mileage is genuine. Our used Smart Roadster buying guide covers what to check beyond the MOT.
Checking a specific Smart Roadster?
Enter its registration for finance, write-off, stolen, mileage and keeper history.
Other Smart models
Smart Roadster MOT FAQs
What does a Smart Roadster most commonly fail its MOT on?
The single most recorded defect on Smart Roadster cars failing their 2025 MOT was "position lamp not working", appearing on 5.69% of failure items.
Does this mean my Smart Roadster will fail?
No. This is what testers recorded across every Smart Roadster that failed in 2025. It shows where this model tends to need attention, not the condition of any individual car. The Smart Roadster passed 76.34% of its initial tests.
How do I see a specific Smart Roadster's MOT history?
Enter its registration on our free MOT history check to see that car's own test results, advisories and recorded mileages.
See also: Smart Roadster MOT pass rate · used Smart Roadster buying guide · free MOT history check
Defect counts from the DVSA MOT Anonymised test-item data for 2025 (class 4 initial tests, failure items only — advisories and minor defects excluded), licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.