Smart (mcc) Fortwo car check
Find out if a Fortwo has outstanding finance, has been written off or stolen, how many owners it’s had, and which known problems apply to the generation you’re looking at.
Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian. Results in under a minute.
- MOT failure rate
- 15.1%48k tests
- Known problems
- 5across 450 to 453
- Full report
- £7.49one-off, no subscription
Which Fortwo are you looking at?
Each Fortwo generation has its own weak spots. Pick the one you’re viewing to see what to check.
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Engine mount failure
Wear item 451, 453The engine mounting brackets on 1.0L petrol engines deteriorate and crack, causing excessive engine movement. MOT data shows this model fails at 16.4x the national average for engine mount defects between 20,000-80,000 miles. The rear mount is particularly prone to failure due to vibration from the three-cylinder engine layout. Failed mounts cause harsh vibration through the cabin, poor gear selection, and can damage surrounding components.
What to check: Open the bonnet and visually inspect the top engine mount for cracks in the rubber or separation from the metal bracket. The mount sits on top of the engine bay. Look for excessive corrosion or stress fractures around the mount attachment points on the engine block. Check for any obvious engine m...
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Emissions system failure - lambda sensor
Engine damage risk 451, 453Lambda sensor failures cause emissions to exceed manufacturer limits and trigger management light illumination. MOT data shows this model fails emissions tests at 8.6x the national average, with particular issues on 0.9L turbo engines from 20,000 miles. The three-cylinder engine layout creates uneven exhaust pulses that stress the lambda sensors, causing premature failure. Failed sensors result in poor fuel economy, rough running, and MOT failure.
What to check: Check if the engine management light (MIL) is illuminated on the dashboard - this often indicates lambda sensor or emissions system faults. Ask the seller when the car last passed an MOT emissions test and whether any emissions-related work has been done recently. Look for black sooty deposits ar...
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Fluid leaks affecting safety
Engine damage risk 451, 453Smart Fortwo models from the 451 and 453 generations (2007-2020) can develop significant oil leaks from various engine seals and gaskets, particularly affecting the oil pan, valve cover, and transmission areas where the compact engine bay concentrates heat and accelerates seal deterioration. These leaks typically emerge between 20,000-80,000 miles and may progress from minor seepage to substantial fluid loss that can create hazardous road conditions or lead to catastrophic engine damage if oil levels drop critically low. Oil leaks can result in MOT failure under dangerous defects if they pose a risk to other road users or significantly affect braking components. Professional inspection should assess leak severity and source, as some repairs may require engine removal due to the Fortwo's unique rear-mounted engine configuration.
What to check: Check the ground where the car has been parked for any oil stains, coolant marks, or fluid puddles - even small leaks are significant on these engines. Open the bonnet and visually inspect around the oil filler cap, oil filter area, and visible hoses for signs of seepage or crystallised coolant d...
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Suspension component wear
Wear item 451, 453Suspension bushes and joints wear at 3.8x the national average, typically affecting front suspension components from 40,000 miles. The short wheelbase and firm suspension setup on Smart cars places higher loads on bushes and ball joints. Front anti-roll bar bushes and track rod ends are most commonly affected. Worn components cause poor handling, tyre wear, and MOT failure.
What to check: Visually inspect the front wheels for uneven tyre wear patterns - inside or outside edge wear indicates suspension alignment issues from worn components. Check for any obvious play by gripping the wheel at 9 and 3 o'clock positions and trying to rock it horizontally. Look under the car for any ob...
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Exhaust system noise suppression failure
Wear item 451, 453The exhaust noise suppression system fails at 12.1x the national average, typically affecting cars from 20,000 miles with the problem worsening over time. Heat shields become loose or corroded, and exhaust mounting points deteriorate due to the compact engine bay design and vibration from the three-cylinder engine. This causes rattling, excessive noise, and MOT failure for insecure exhaust components.
What to check: Visually inspect the exhaust system for any obviously loose heat shields, corroded mounting brackets, or damaged flexible sections. Look for excessive corrosion around exhaust mounting points and clamps. Check that no parts of the exhaust are touching the chassis or hanging low.
We haven’t flagged any common problems for this generation in our data yet. A history check still tells you about finance, write-offs and theft, and the MOT history shows how this particular car has been looked after.
Fortwo MOT results
of Fortwo MOT tests end in a fail, from 48,301 tests.
Most common reasons for failing
- Emissions failureExhaust & Emissions
- Engine mounting/bracket severely damaged or det...Bodywork
- Any part of the noise suppression system insecureExhaust & Emissions
Check the Fortwo you’re buying
One report covers outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and previous owners from Experian, plus MOT history, mileage and the known problems for its generation.
Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian.
What the check includes
- Outstanding finance Experian
- Write-off status Experian
- Stolen vehicle check Experian
- Previous owners and keeper history Experian
- MOT history and advisories DVSA
- Mileage check DVSA
- Known problems for its generation GetCarWise
- How many are left on the road DVLA
Fortwo questions
Is the Smart (mcc) Fortwo reliable?
15.1% of Fortwo models fail their MOT based on 48,301 tests analysed. That’s about average for the class. There are 5 known problems to watch for, the most serious being engine mount failure. A full history check shows whether a specific car has had related write-offs or insurance claims.
What are the main problems with a Smart (mcc) Fortwo?
The most serious known issues are engine mount failure, emissions system failure - lambda sensor, fluid leaks affecting safety. Problems vary by generation, so check which apply to the year you’re looking at. Our car check flags whether a specific Fortwo has been written off or had insurance claims linked to these faults.
How do I check if a Smart (mcc) Fortwo has outstanding finance?
Enter the registration on this page. We query Experian’s finance database and return any outstanding agreements within a minute. If finance is still owed, the finance company can legally repossess the car even after you’ve paid the seller. At £7.49 it’s the cheapest way to avoid a car that isn’t legally for sale.
How do I check if a Smart (mcc) Fortwo has been written off?
Our check queries Experian’s insurance write-off database for Cat A, B, S and N markers. A Cat S or N Fortwo has been structurally or non-structurally damaged and repaired. This doesn’t mean it’s unsafe, but it affects resale value and some insurers won’t cover it. The check costs £7.49.
Can I check a Smart (mcc) Fortwo for free?
You can check MOT history free on GOV.UK, which shows past test results and advisories. What it won’t show is outstanding finance, write-offs or theft markers, which are the things that actually cost you money after you’ve bought. Our full check adds all of that for £7.49, using Experian data.
Is a Smart (mcc) Fortwo HPI check worth it?
HPI is one brand of car check. Our check uses the same Experian data covering finance, stolen, write-off and keeper history, plus MOT analysis and known Fortwo faults that HPI doesn’t include. At £7.49 it’s typically less than half the price of an HPI check.
What does a Smart (mcc) Fortwo fail its MOT on?
The most common MOT failure on the Fortwo is emissions failure. 15.1% of Fortwo models fail overall, based on 48,301 tests. Checking a car’s full MOT history before buying shows you recurring problems the seller might not mention.
More on the Fortwo
Other Smart (mcc) car checks
Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian. MOT data from DVSA. Known problems from GetCarWise analysis. Updated October 2026.