🇩🇪 Deutsch
Smart · Supermini · 2014–2022

Smart ForFour 453

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.7 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

90–109 PS

0.9L Turbo Benzin

Four-seater with turbo punch

Fun to Drive!
Most Reliable Engine

61–71 PS

1.0L Benzin

4 weaknesses

Good Choice

Generations

Engine Overview

The Smart ForFour 453 is available with 3 engine variants — from 61 to 109 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

0.9L Turbo · Benziner· 90–109 PS Engine Change
2014 2019
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
2016 2019
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.0L · Benziner· 61–71 PS Engine Change
2014 2019
Good Choice 4 weaknesses
2015 2017
Good Choice 4 weaknesses
EQ ForFour · Elektro· 82 PS
2017 2021
Be Careful 0 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Smart 0.9L Turbo (Benziner, 90–109 PS) comes with 2 different engines: H4B (2014–2019, Be Careful) und H4B (2016–2019, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 0.9L Turbo!

The Smart 1.0L (Benziner, 61–71 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M281 (2014–2019, Good Choice) und M281 (2015–2017, Good Choice). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.0L!

The Smart EQ ForFour (Elektro, 82 PS) has the Smart-ED (Elektromotor) — rated: "Be Careful".

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Twinamic Dual Clutch Judders on Pull-Away

The 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox (twinamic) judders and lurches when pulling away in city traffic, especially in cold conditions. Identical issue to the ForTwo 453. Software updates only provide temporary relief; at severe wear, repair including fitting costs approx. €3,500.

Symptoms: Judder on pull-away, gear changes interrupted, three dashes on display instead of gear readout, limp mode
from 60,000 km
Ad Smart ForFour 453 DoppelclutchSmart forfour twinamic clutch
 High

Alternatives

Same Segment

Fiat 500e 332

Kleinwagen (2020–2026)

Same Segment

Honda Jazz GR

Kleinwagen (2020–2024)

Same Segment

Honda e ZC7

Kleinwagen (2020–2024)

Same Segment

Hyundai i20 BC3

Kleinwagen (2020–2026)

Same Segment

Suzuki Swift VI-FL

Kleinwagen (2020–2024)

Same Segment

Toyota Yaris XP210

Kleinwagen (2020–2025)

Known Problems and Issues

A total of 19 weaknesses have been documented for the Smart ForFour 453 (2014–2022) — 8 engine-related and 11 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Suspension, Brakes, Electronics. Considered reliable: M281 (1.0L).

ForFour (H4B, 2014–2019) — Be Careful: Wastegate actuator faulty — moisture and crown gear failure, Twinamic dual clutch — wear in city traffic, Coolant loss at hose connections. Power: 90 PS.

ForFour (H4B, 2016–2019) — Be Careful: Wastegate actuator faulty — moisture and crown gear failure, Twinamic dual clutch — wear in city traffic, Coolant loss at hose connections. Power: 109 PS.

What to watch out for with the Smart ForFour? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Smart ForFour 453 have? +
The Smart ForFour 453 has 8 known engine weaknesses and 11 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Smart ForFour 453? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: M281 (1.0L). The most reliable engine is the M281 (1.0L) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the H4B (0.9L Turbo).
Which Smart ForFour 453 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Smart ForFour 453. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 4 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Smart ForFour 453 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Smart ForFour 453 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 90 hp turbo in the ForFour — the longer wheelbase makes it calmer than the ForTwo. Rear-wheel drive produces entertaining lift-off oversteer in corners.
Is the Smart ForFour 453 worth buying used? +
The Smart ForFour 453 is a good choice as a used car — 1 of 3 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Smart ForFour 453? +
The Smart ForFour 453 is available with engine variants from 61 to 109 hp. Petrol: H4B (0.9L Turbo), M281 (1.0L).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee