2019 Smart Forfour: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2019 Smart Forfour?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2019 Smart Forfour than on all cars registered in 2019.

• Wipers1.9× usual
  Smart Forfour

  5% All 2019 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1.6% of all 2019 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

• Ball joint3.1× usual
  Smart Forfour

  3.1% All 2019 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 0.4% of all 2019 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2019 Smart Forfour MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2019 Smart Forfour MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  31% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  19% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  9% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Lights and electrics
  8% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Suspension
  6% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Seats and seatbelts
  2% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2019 Smart Forfour

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the wipers? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2019 Smart Forfour as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2019 Smart Forfour as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?