Smart ForFour 453
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Smart ForFour 453 (2014–2019) is the four-seat sibling of the ForTwo 453, co-developed with Renault on the Twingo platform. Rear-wheel drive, rear-mounted engine, and a compact footprint — an unusual layout for a city car. Engine options: the M281 1.0L naturally aspirated (45 or 52 kW) and the H4B 0.9L turbo (66 kW).
The engines: Both units are fundamentally sound, but the H4B turbo is the clear pick. It gives four occupants enough push, and the well-known wastegate actuator failure (plastic crown gear breaks, €220–600 for the actuator alone) affects the ForFour just as it does the ForTwo. Watch for yellow warning lights between 10,000–50,000 km. The M281 naturally aspirated unit is low-maintenance, but four passengers on a motorway will expose its limits.
Twinamic gearbox: The 6-speed dual-clutch judders at low-speed pull-aways — this is a system characteristic, not a defect, but expect it when buying used. From around 60,000–80,000 km, clutch actuators can corrode. Actuator-motor-only repair: €500–1,500 at an independent specialist.
ForFour-specific points: The steering rack can fail at very low mileage — cases from as little as 8,000 km are documented, mainly on 2014–2017 production. Later builds (2019 onwards) appear to have resolved this. Tailgate Bowden cable can detach, preventing the hatch from unlocking properly. Rear seat anchorage recall (2014–2015 build dates): check via VIN. Rear drum brakes rust quickly in stop-start use — visually unpleasant but not a functional concern; drums cost around €40.
Recalls to check: Four recalls affect the ForFour 453: front steering knuckle manufacturing defect (2014–2017), handbrake cable adjustment nut (2014–2015), rear seat backrest anchorage (2014–2015), emergency braking assist software (2016–2019). Check all with the VIN before buying.
Test-drive checklist: Test the Twinamic from a standstill — heavy judder? Check steering for clicking or notchiness. Open all four doors and operate the tailgate. Boot the infotainment and watch for freezes. Inspect the rear drums.
2026 market: ForFour 453 M281 from €7,000. H4B turbo from €9,500. Best buy: H4B 66 kW manual, 2018–2019, under 70,000 km — all recalls completed, later steering rack production run, no warranty surprises.
109 PS
ForFour · Benzin
Little firecracker
Fun to Drive!61–71 PS
1.0L Benzin
4 weaknesses
Good ChoiceGenerations
Engine Overview
The Smart ForFour 453 is available with 5 engine variants — from 61 to 109 hp.
The turbocharged Renault three-cylinder ranks among the best drivetrains ever fitted in this vehicle class: peppy, eager-revving, economical and robust. Turbo torque arrives early, making the car agile in town and on country roads, and the Brabus stage adds noticeably more punch off the line. Structurally mature, with manageable weaknesses: ignition coils, wastegate rattle and charge-air hoses are the usual suspects. Keep an eye on clean boost pressure, a tight cooling circuit and regular oil changes to the correct spec, then the engine easily covers high mileage.
- !! Wastegate actuator faulty — moisture and crown gear failure from 50,000 km
The known wastegate fault also affects the facelifted H4B. Moisture in the plastic housing destroys the electronics and crown gear. Renault has offered the wastegate as a separate spare part from 2020.
Symptoms: Yellow engine warning light, power loss, no boost pressure, limp mode - !! Twinamic dual clutch — wear in city traffic from 80,000 km
The DCT gearbox in the Smart 453 shifts at high revs, which reduces comfort. In stop-and-go traffic the clutch slips continuously in 2nd gear.
Symptoms: Harsh shifting, juddering on pull-away, clutch smell, delayed engagement, gearbox fault message - ! Coolant loss at hose connections from 80,000 km
Isolated cases of coolant loss at hose connections. In the Smart with the engine at the rear and the radiator at the front, the coolant lines run the full length of the underfloor.
Symptoms: Dropping coolant level, coolant warning light, damp patches on hoses, steam from a hot engine
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The turbocharged Renault three-cylinder ranks among the best drivetrains ever fitted in this vehicle class: peppy, eager-revving, economical and robust. Turbo torque arrives early, making the car agile in town and on country roads, and the Brabus stage adds noticeably more punch off the line. Structurally mature, with manageable weaknesses: ignition coils, wastegate rattle and charge-air hoses are the usual suspects. Keep an eye on clean boost pressure, a tight cooling circuit and regular oil changes to the correct spec, then the engine easily covers high mileage.
- !! Wastegate actuator faulty — moisture and crown gear failure from 50,000 km
The known wastegate fault also affects the facelifted H4B. Moisture in the plastic housing destroys the electronics and crown gear. Renault has offered the wastegate as a separate spare part from 2020.
Symptoms: Yellow engine warning light, power loss, no boost pressure, limp mode - !! Twinamic dual clutch — wear in city traffic from 80,000 km
The DCT gearbox in the Smart 453 shifts at high revs, which reduces comfort. In stop-and-go traffic the clutch slips continuously in 2nd gear.
Symptoms: Harsh shifting, juddering on pull-away, clutch smell, delayed engagement, gearbox fault message - ! Coolant loss at hose connections from 80,000 km
Isolated cases of coolant loss at hose connections. In the Smart with the engine at the rear and the radiator at the front, the coolant lines run the full length of the underfloor.
Symptoms: Dropping coolant level, coolant warning light, damp patches on hoses, steam from a hot engine
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The naturally aspirated Renault three-cylinder is fundamentally solid and mechanically undemanding but suffers from its scant output of around 52 kW. On the motorway and when fully loaded it noticeably lacks pull, whereas in pure city use the drivetrain is perfectly adequate. The engine is reliable, economical and cheap to run, with no known critical weaknesses. Typical items are age-related ignition coils, engine mounts and the valve-cover gasket. Anyone who regularly drives cross-country or loaded is better served by the turbocharged 0.9 variant with far greater reserves.
- !! Timing chain stretches with neglected oil changes from 95,000 km
The timing chain of the three-cylinder can rattle from around 90,000 km with poor oil maintenance. Reports show rattling after extended oil change intervals. Rare with regular servicing.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, metallic clattering, engine warning light with advanced wear - ! Sump gasket leaking — bonded sheet-metal sump from 50,000 km
The thin sheet-metal sump is only bonded with sealant and starts leaking from around 40,000 km. A new sump costs about €70; the old one warps on removal.
Symptoms: Oil patches under the vehicle, oil-coated sump, dropping oil level between services - ! Lambda sensor faulty — increased consumption and engine warning light from 40,000 km
The lambda sensor on the M281 can also fail at low mileage. Fuel consumption rises noticeably, petrol smell at the exhaust. Some vehicles had the sensor replaced under warranty.
Symptoms: Engine warning light, petrol smell, juddering under load changes, consumption rises to up to 10 l/100km
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The naturally aspirated Renault three-cylinder is fundamentally solid and mechanically undemanding but suffers from its scant output of around 52 kW. On the motorway and when fully loaded it noticeably lacks pull, whereas in pure city use the drivetrain is perfectly adequate. The engine is reliable, economical and cheap to run, with no known critical weaknesses. Typical items are age-related ignition coils, engine mounts and the valve-cover gasket. Anyone who regularly drives cross-country or loaded is better served by the turbocharged 0.9 variant with far greater reserves.
- !! Timing chain stretches with neglected oil changes from 95,000 km
The timing chain of the three-cylinder can rattle from around 90,000 km with poor oil maintenance. Reports show rattling after extended oil change intervals. Rare with regular servicing.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, metallic clattering, engine warning light with advanced wear - ! Sump gasket leaking — bonded sheet-metal sump from 50,000 km
The thin sheet-metal sump is only bonded with sealant and starts leaking from around 40,000 km. A new sump costs about €70; the old one warps on removal.
Symptoms: Oil patches under the vehicle, oil-coated sump, dropping oil level between services - ! Lambda sensor faulty — increased consumption and engine warning light from 40,000 km
The lambda sensor on the M281 can also fail at low mileage. Fuel consumption rises noticeably, petrol smell at the exhaust. Some vehicles had the sensor replaced under warranty.
Symptoms: Engine warning light, petrol smell, juddering under load changes, consumption rises to up to 10 l/100km
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The electric drive is mechanically simple, low-maintenance and delivers the typical instant EV torque from a standstill in city traffic, ideal for the compact usage profile. Different battery sizes were used across the generations, so range varies considerably. The central purchase point is the condition of the high-voltage battery, whose capacity fades with age and charge cycles; a state-of-health readout is mandatory. The early models charge comparatively slowly. A frequently underestimated weak point is the 12-volt auxiliary battery, whose failure can trigger charging problems and a refusal to start.
No known weaknesses documented.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | High |
Test Reports
TÜV Report 2024
The Smart ForFour 453 broadly mirrors its ForTwo sibling at the MOT. Brake disc corrosion is a typical finding on low-mileage examples. Oil seepage at the engine and rear shock absorber weaknesses appear from the second MOT onwards. Overall defect rate is average for the segment.
2024-01AUTO BILD TÜV-Report 2025
The facelifted ForFour 453 shares the ForTwo's MOT weaknesses: lighting faults, occasional oil seepage on older examples and handbrake issues. Suspension components and driveshafts remain unproblematic.
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 29 weaknesses have been documented for the Smart ForFour 453 (2014–2022) — 8 engine-related and 21 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? +
What should I look for when buying a used Smart ForFour 453? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Smart ForFour 453 engine is the most reliable? +
Which Smart ForFour 453 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Smart ForFour 453 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Smart ForFour 453? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee