At a Glance
The Smart Roadster has 31 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the Roadster (2003-2006) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 88K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Smart Roadster common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Smart Roadster generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Smart Roadster Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Most Common Smart Roadster MOT Failures
Every reason Smart Roadster vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 10.69% |
| 2 | Brake performance below minimum | 10.27% |
| 3 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 10.10% |
| 4 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 9.81% |
| 5 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 6.04% |
| 6 | Windscreen washer not working | 5.61% |
| 7 | Brake disc or drum worn | 5.50% |
| 8 | Position lamp not working | 4.55% |
| 9 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 4.21% |
| 10 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 3.74% |
| 11 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.84% |
| 12 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.46% |
| 13 | Number plate lamp not working | 2.20% |
| 14 | Tyre condition | 1.99% |
| 15 | Wheel bearing worn | 1.85% |
| 16 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.70% |
| 17 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.48% |
| 18 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 1.47% |
| 19 | Rear suspension fault | 1.22% |
| 20 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.83% |
| 21 | Fog lamp not working | 0.77% |
| 22 | Exhaust system fault | 0.76% |
| 23 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.76% |
| 24 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.70% |
| 25 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.51% |
| 26 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 0.51% |
| 27 | Driveshaft fault | 0.50% |
| 28 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.38% |
| 29 | Seat belt condition | 0.36% |
| 30 | Engine oil leak | 0.34% |
| 31 | Brake lever fault | 0.34% |
| 32 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.33% |
| 33 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.29% |
| 34 | Electrical switch fault | 0.27% |
| 35 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.26% |
| 36 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.22% |
| 37 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.21% |
| 38 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.20% |
| 39 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.19% |
| 40 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.19% |
| 41 | Steering lock fault | 0.18% |
| 42 | Steering column fault | 0.17% |
| 43 | Indicator fault | 0.17% |
| 44 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.15% |
| 45 | Headlamp fault | 0.13% |
| 46 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.13% |
| 47 | Speedometer fault | 0.13% |
| 48 | Brake fluid leak | 0.12% |
| 49 | Steering rack fault | 0.12% |
| 50 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.11% |
| 51 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.10% |
| 52 | Stop lamp not working | 0.10% |
| 53 | Steering operation fault | 0.08% |
| 54 | Indicator warning light fault | 0.08% |
| 55 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.08% |
| 56 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.08% |
| 57 | Driver seat fault | 0.07% |
| 58 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.07% |
| 59 | Brake caliper fault | 0.06% |
| 60 | Dip switch fault | 0.06% |
| 61 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.05% |
| 62 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.05% |
| 63 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 64 | Track rod end worn | 0.05% |
| 65 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.05% |
| 66 | Body security fault | 0.03% |
| 67 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.03% |
| 68 | Front lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 69 | Horn not working | 0.03% |
| 70 | Headlamp aim defect | 0.03% |
| 71 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.03% |
| 72 | Drag link end worn | 0.03% |
| 73 | Passenger airbag fault | 0.03% |
| 74 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 75 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 76 | Front passenger door fault | 0.02% |
| 77 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.02% |
| 78 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 79 | Steering free play excessive | 0.02% |
| 80 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 81 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 82 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.02% |
| 83 | Main beam warning light fault | 0.02% |
| 84 | Radius arm worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 85 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 86 | Exhaust leak | 0.02% |
| 87 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 88 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 89 | Hazard warning light fault | 0.02% |
| 90 | Steering arm worn | 0.02% |
| 91 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.02% |
| 92 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 93 | Transmission drive belt fault | 0.02% |
| 94 | Chassis condition | 0.01% |
| 95 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.01% |
| 96 | Front suspension fault | 0.01% |
| 97 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.01% |
| 98 | Seat belt anchorage fault | 0.01% |
| 99 | Steering lock stop fault | 0.01% |
| 100 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.01% |
| 101 | Airbag warning light on | <0.01% |
| 102 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 103 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 104 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 105 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 106 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 107 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 109 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 110 | Subframe corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 111 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 112 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 113 | Bonded suspension condition | <0.01% |
| 114 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 115 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | ABS fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 119 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 120 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Front suspension joint worn | <0.01% |
| 122 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 123 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Propshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Rear fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 126 | Rear lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 127 | Reversing lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 128 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 129 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 131 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 132 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 133 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 134 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 134 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Smart Roadster MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Smart Roadster, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Smart Roadster problems?
Based on analysis of 88K Smart Roadster MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 31 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Number plate lamp not working". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Smart Roadster generation has the most problems?
The Smart Roadster Roadster (2003-2006) (2003–2006) has the highest number of identified common problems (40). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Smart Roadster?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Smart Roadster owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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