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Smart (mcc) Roadster car check

Find out if a Roadster 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
24.4%8k tests
Known problems
5across R452
Full report
£7.49one-off, no subscription

Which Roadster are you looking at?

Each Roadster generation has its own weak spots. Here are the known problems.

  1. Brake hose deterioration

    Safety risk R452

    The Roadster's flexible brake hoses are exposed to road debris and weather due to the car's low stance and minimal body protection. MOT data shows this model fails at 15.4 times the fleet average for brake hose damage, with the problem worsening over recent years. Hose failure can cause sudden brake fluid loss and complete brake system failure, making this a critical safety issue.

    What to check: Inspect all visible brake hoses for cracking, bulging, or fraying of the outer rubber cover. Pay particular attention to where hoses bend near the wheels. Look for any signs of brake fluid weeping or staining around hose connections - this appears as a brown or clear oily residue. Check that hose...

  2. Brake pipe corrosion

    Safety risk R452

    The Roadster's exposed brake pipe routing and minimal underbody protection make the metal brake lines particularly vulnerable to corrosion. MOT data shows this model fails at 5.4 times the fleet average for brake pipe corrosion, with failures occurring even at lower mileages from 20,000 miles. The problem is worsening year-on-year, likely due to the age of remaining vehicles and increased winter salt use.

    What to check: Examine all visible brake pipes under the car for surface rust, pitting, or scale formation on the metal lines. Use a torch to inspect areas where pipes run close to the chassis or suspension components. Look for any white or brown crusty deposits around pipe joints which indicate active corrosio...

  3. Suspension component corrosion and damage

    Wear item R452

    The Roadster's exposed chassis design and low ground clearance make suspension components particularly vulnerable to corrosion and impact damage. MOT data shows this model fails at 21.6 times the fleet average for suspension component damage or corrosion, with the highest failure rates between 40,000-60,000 miles. The front lower control arms and their mounting points are most commonly affected, along with subframe corrosion where salt and debris accumulate.

    What to check: Inspect the front lower control arms for surface rust, flaking paint, or structural corrosion where they connect to the subframe. Look for any cracks or distortion in the metal. Check the rear suspension trailing arms for similar corrosion, particularly where they mount to the chassis. Examine th...

  4. Shock absorber bush excessive wear

    Wear item R452

    The Roadster's firm sports suspension and limited wheelbase place high loads on shock absorber mounting bushes. MOT data shows this model fails at 16.7 times the fleet average for shock absorber bush wear, with the problem worsening over recent years. The rear shock absorber top mounts are particularly prone to failure, causing handling deterioration and potentially unsafe suspension geometry.

    What to check: Visually inspect the top of each shock absorber for cracked, perished, or displaced rubber bushes. Look for rust staining around the mounting points which indicates water ingress. Check for any obvious separation of the rubber from the metal components. Push down on each corner of the car and rel...

  5. Front wheel bearing wear

    Wear item R452

    The Roadster's wide front track and low-profile tyres place high lateral loads on the front wheel bearings during cornering. MOT data shows this model fails at 9.2 times the fleet average for wheel bearing play, with the problem worsening over recent years. The front bearings are more commonly affected than the rear, typically developing play or roughness between 40,000-80,000 miles.

    What to check: Jack up the front of the car and secure on axle stands. Grasp each front wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock and try to rock it - any noticeable play indicates bearing wear. Spin each wheel by hand and listen for grinding, rumbling, or irregular noise from the bearing area. Check for any heat discoloration...

Roadster MOT results

24.4%

of Roadster MOT tests end in a fail, from 8,369 tests.

Most common reasons for failing

  1. Electrical wiring faultLights & Electrics
  2. Suspension component damaged or corrodedSuspension
  3. Light unit faultLights & Electrics

Check the Roadster 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

Roadster questions

Is the Smart (mcc) Roadster reliable?

24.4% of Roadster models fail their MOT based on 8,369 tests analysed. That’s about average for the class. There are 5 known problems to watch for, the most serious being brake hose deterioration. 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) Roadster?

The most serious known issues are brake hose deterioration, brake pipe corrosion, suspension component corrosion and damage. Our car check flags whether a specific Roadster has been written off or had insurance claims linked to these faults.

How do I check if a Smart (mcc) Roadster 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) Roadster 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 Roadster 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) Roadster 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) Roadster 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 Roadster 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) Roadster fail its MOT on?

The most common MOT failure on the Roadster is electrical wiring fault. 24.4% of Roadster models fail overall, based on 8,369 tests. Checking a car’s full MOT history before buying shows you recurring problems the seller might not mention.

More on the Roadster

Other Smart (mcc) car checks

Smart (mcc) Cabriolet26% MOT failure rate Smart (mcc) City Cabriolet27.8% MOT failure rate Smart (mcc) City Coupe27.6% MOT failure rate Smart (mcc) Forfour20.8% MOT failure rate Smart (mcc) Fortwo15.1% MOT failure rate Smart (mcc) Fortwo Cabriolet22.9% MOT failure rate

Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian. MOT data from DVSA. Known problems from GetCarWise analysis. Updated October 2026.