Smart #5 HX51 — Problems & Common Faults
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The smart #5 (HX51, from 2024) is so far the largest model of the new, Geely-based smart generation and a break with the brand's small-car image: a 4.70 m long, family-friendly electric SUV with an angular, off-road-flavoured design. The technical highlight is the 800-volt architecture, which, combined with batteries up to around 100 kWh, enables very high DC charging rates (peaking above 400 kW) and ranges of over 500 km – a clear step up from the #1 and #3. It is offered as rear-wheel drive and as a powerful all-wheel-drive / Brabus variant with over 430 kW. The #5 positions itself as a full-size electric SUV in the upper segment with a large amount of space and extensive equipment. As the model only launched in 2024, there is barely any solid long-term data; expected and typical for new electric platforms are early software issues: infotainment bugs, fine-tuning of assistance, and refinement of charging curves and pre-conditioning, which are improved via over-the-air updates. Geely's fundamental drivetrain and charging technology is considered mature. Anyone buying early should expect that detail functions and charging behaviour will still change noticeably via updates in the first model years – a car with a current software level and documented update history is clearly preferable. Also check the recall history via the VIN. The high purchase price and the steep initial depreciation usual for new electric SUVs argue rather for buying as a young used car once supply grows. Market status 2026: as a very young vehicle it is available almost only as new or nearly-new stock; the used market and reliable dependability figures still have to develop. For buyers seeking a modern, fast-charging 800-volt SUV with a large amount of space it is technically interesting – given the thin base of experience, patience, a thorough test drive and a check of the software and update status are advisable.
Engine Overview
The Smart #5 HX51 is available with 4 engine variants — from 340 to 646 hp.
The drive platform of the larger SUV uses 800-volt technology and batteries up to around 100 kWh, enabling very short charging times at fast chargers and stable charging power across a broad charge window. The larger vehicle is naturally heavier, so efficiency and real-world range depend strongly on driving style, load and temperature. When buying it is worth checking the actually achieved charging power, the battery state of health and current software levels. The drive is low-maintenance; the usual points of attention are charging electronics, thermal management, the 12-volt battery and software.
- ! Charging power drops off unusually fast on 400 kW chargers
On some cars, charging power at high-power chargers falls off more steeply after a short time than the advertised charging curve suggests. Workshops recommend checking the DC charging module and software version rather than blaming the charger.
Symptoms: Charging power at 400 kW stations drops noticeably faster after a few minutes than other owners report, with real 10-80% charge times closer to 20 minutes instead of the advertised roughly 15 minutes. - ! Shudder when the front motor engages/disengages (AWD versions)
On the dual-motor AWD versions, a noticeable shudder occurs at low speed in Eco and Comfort mode when the front motor engages or disengages via its switchable clutch. It does not occur in Sport/Brabus mode.
Symptoms: Noticeable jolt/shudder at the front axle at walking pace up to about 20 km/h, especially in stop-and-go traffic; absent in Sport or Brabus drive mode. - ! Increased HV battery standby drain in cold weather
Individual cars lose an unusually large amount of charge while parked in cold weather - one documented case showed about 9 percent in 24 hours despite all consumers being off. A battery management system that fails to enter deep sleep is suspected.
Symptoms: Noticeable charge loss overnight or over a weekend in cold weather, even though consumers like the auxiliary heater and seat heating are off and the car is not being driven.
The drive platform of the larger SUV uses 800-volt technology and batteries up to around 100 kWh, enabling very short charging times at fast chargers and stable charging power across a broad charge window. The larger vehicle is naturally heavier, so efficiency and real-world range depend strongly on driving style, load and temperature. When buying it is worth checking the actually achieved charging power, the battery state of health and current software levels. The drive is low-maintenance; the usual points of attention are charging electronics, thermal management, the 12-volt battery and software.
- ! Charging power drops off unusually fast on 400 kW chargers
On some cars, charging power at high-power chargers falls off more steeply after a short time than the advertised charging curve suggests. Workshops recommend checking the DC charging module and software version rather than blaming the charger.
Symptoms: Charging power at 400 kW stations drops noticeably faster after a few minutes than other owners report, with real 10-80% charge times closer to 20 minutes instead of the advertised roughly 15 minutes. - ! Shudder when the front motor engages/disengages (AWD versions)
On the dual-motor AWD versions, a noticeable shudder occurs at low speed in Eco and Comfort mode when the front motor engages or disengages via its switchable clutch. It does not occur in Sport/Brabus mode.
Symptoms: Noticeable jolt/shudder at the front axle at walking pace up to about 20 km/h, especially in stop-and-go traffic; absent in Sport or Brabus drive mode. - ! Increased HV battery standby drain in cold weather
Individual cars lose an unusually large amount of charge while parked in cold weather - one documented case showed about 9 percent in 24 hours despite all consumers being off. A battery management system that fails to enter deep sleep is suspected.
Symptoms: Noticeable charge loss overnight or over a weekend in cold weather, even though consumers like the auxiliary heater and seat heating are off and the car is not being driven.
The drive platform of the larger SUV uses 800-volt technology and batteries up to around 100 kWh, enabling very short charging times at fast chargers and stable charging power across a broad charge window. The larger vehicle is naturally heavier, so efficiency and real-world range depend strongly on driving style, load and temperature. When buying it is worth checking the actually achieved charging power, the battery state of health and current software levels. The drive is low-maintenance; the usual points of attention are charging electronics, thermal management, the 12-volt battery and software.
- ! Charging power drops off unusually fast on 400 kW chargers
On some cars, charging power at high-power chargers falls off more steeply after a short time than the advertised charging curve suggests. Workshops recommend checking the DC charging module and software version rather than blaming the charger.
Symptoms: Charging power at 400 kW stations drops noticeably faster after a few minutes than other owners report, with real 10-80% charge times closer to 20 minutes instead of the advertised roughly 15 minutes. - ! Shudder when the front motor engages/disengages (AWD versions)
On the dual-motor AWD versions, a noticeable shudder occurs at low speed in Eco and Comfort mode when the front motor engages or disengages via its switchable clutch. It does not occur in Sport/Brabus mode.
Symptoms: Noticeable jolt/shudder at the front axle at walking pace up to about 20 km/h, especially in stop-and-go traffic; absent in Sport or Brabus drive mode. - ! Increased HV battery standby drain in cold weather
Individual cars lose an unusually large amount of charge while parked in cold weather - one documented case showed about 9 percent in 24 hours despite all consumers being off. A battery management system that fails to enter deep sleep is suspected.
Symptoms: Noticeable charge loss overnight or over a weekend in cold weather, even though consumers like the auxiliary heater and seat heating are off and the car is not being driven.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation Stops Working After First Route Several test drivers report that navigation fails after the first calculated route and then only shows previously visited charging stations. OTA update OS 2.1.0 (Feb. 2026) is expected to bring improvements. Symptoms: Navigation shows 'offline', route guidance stops after the first destination | Low | |
| Adaptive cruise control brakes despite indicator during overtaking Adaptive cruise control and the lane-change assist sometimes keep braking even though the turn signal is set and the driver accelerates to overtake. The behaviour occurs on several vehicles regardless of software version. Symptoms: Unexpected braking or failure to accelerate while overtaking despite an active turn signal, driver has to override manually with the accelerator. | Low | |
| Driver Assistance Settings Reset After Restart As with the #1 and #3, warning sounds and ADAS settings must be deactivated again after every restart. Pre-conditioning does not stop automatically. Symptoms: Warning beeps active after every start, app-controlled pre-conditioning does not stop automatically | Low | |
| Traffic sign recognition is unreliable The traffic sign recognition works very unreliably. It sometimes wrongly adopts the speed limit shown on the vehicle ahead or displays incorrect speeds, which makes the intelligent speed assist a nuisance. Symptoms: Wrong speed limit shown in the instrument cluster, unnecessary speed warnings, limit of a different vehicle mistakenly adopted. | Low | |
| Key fob battery drains unusually fast The key fob battery runs flat after only about three months on a number of vehicles. In addition, the car sometimes has to re-pair with the key repeatedly before it will unlock. Symptoms: Key stops responding or only works after several attempts, low-battery warning after just a few months, car needs to be re-paired with the key. | Low |
Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 10 weaknesses have been documented for the Smart #5 HX51 (2025–2026) — 3 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Electronics, Suspension, Brakes. Considered reliable: SEA-250 (Elektromotor).
What to watch out for with the Smart #5? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Smart #5 HX51 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Smart #5 HX51? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Smart #5 HX51 engine is the most reliable? +
Which Smart #5 HX51 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Smart #5 HX51 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Smart #5 HX51? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee