Smart (mcc) Fortwo (2014)

4,019 real MOT outcomes analysed • 85.1% first-time pass rate

2014 Smart (mcc) Fortwo

CarHunch analysed 4,019 real MOT records for the 2014 Smart (mcc) Fortwo. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2014 Smart Fortwo passes its MOT at 85.1%, beating the UK average of 80%, which is a solid result for a decade-old city car—though the 25.3% of vehicles that have suffered dangerous defects is a legitimate concern for any buyer. Both petrol and electric variants perform nearly identically, so fuel type isn't a reliability differentiator here.

These cars are running at just 35,076 miles on average, suggesting they've been lightly used or mostly urban runabouts, which partly explains the stronger-than-average pass rate. The typical failure tally of 1.64 per vehicle and 7.6 advisories signals that wear items (brakes, suspension, lights) are the real issue rather than structural problems—so budget for maintenance but don't expect catastrophic failures. When shopping, get a pre-purchase inspection focused on the electrical systems and brake condition, as these minor advisories add up.

The 2014 Smart (mcc) Fortwo has a decent first-time pass rate (85.1%), but a higher-than-average share of vehicles have had serious defects recorded — the individual vehicle's history matters a lot here.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
85.1%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
25.3%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
1.64
Over 10 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
33k
Middle half: 23k–45k
For context
Good baseline reliability. A 85.1% first-time pass rate puts this well above the UK average — it's a well-sorted vehicle in this age bracket.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 7.6 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 4,019 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Watch for defects — worth knowing

What tends to go wrong

Across 4,019 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 35.1%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Brake wear 29.9%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material · Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Other issues 16.1%
Oil leak, but not excessive · Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread · Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view
Exhaust & emissions 8.7%
Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2014.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 4,019 Smart (mcc) Fortwo cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2014 Smart (mcc) Fortwo

Based on MOT data from 4,019 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 25.3% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (97%) 3,884 85.1% 1.65
Electric (3%) 110 85.7% 1.42

Colour Breakdown

Based on 23,991 Smart (mcc) Fortwo vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Black 41.4%
9,943
White 26.2%
6,278
Silver 10.5%
2,518
Grey 5.5%
1,315
Red 4.9%
1,164
Blue 4.8%
1,148
Orange 4.4%
1,053
Yellow 1.5%
354
Green 0.4%
103
Brown 0.4%
98
Pink 0%
9
Multi-colour 0%
8

Mileage Distribution

Most 2014 Smart (mcc) Fortwo vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

32,813
typical
22,973
low mileage
44,981
high mileage

Half of all 2014 Smart (mcc) Fortwo vehicles fall between 22,973 and 44,981 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 22,973 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
22,973–44,981 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2014 Smart (mcc) Fortwos sit.
Over 60,724 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2014 Smart (mcc) Fortwo — Still on the Road

Almost all 2014 Smart (mcc) Fortwos are still on the road.

Strong survival — 3,513 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 94% of the peak.

3,744 3,513 2017 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

10
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.64
Avg failures per vehicle
7.6
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Smart (mcc) Fortwo: All Fortwo years → Which year to buy? →
2013 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Or browse all models: Smart (mcc) →

Compare with another model

See how the 2014 Smart (mcc) Fortwo stacks up against a rival.

Watch for defects — worth knowing