Smart ForTwo 451
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
75–82 PS
Elektromotor Elektro
City runabout without noise
Decent41–54 PS
0.8L CDI Diesel
4 weaknesses
Stay Away!Body Variants
The Smart ForTwo 451 is available as Coupé and Cabrio — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Generations
Engine Overview
The Smart ForTwo 451 is available with 4 engine variants — from 41 to 102 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Smart 0.8L CDI (Diesel, 41–54 PS) comes with 2 different engines: OM660 (2007–2014, Stay Away!) und OM660 (2009–2014, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 0.8L CDI!
The Smart 1.0L (Benziner, 61–102 PS) comes with 4 different engines: 3B21 (2007–2014, Be Careful) und 3B21 (2007–2014, Be Careful) und 3B21 (2007–2014, Be Careful) und 3B21 (2007–2014, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.0L!
The Smart ForTwo ED (Elektro, 75 PS) has the Smart-ED (Elektromotor) — rated: "Be Careful".
The Smart ForTwo ED Brabus (Elektro, 82 PS) has the Smart-ED (Elektromotor) — rated: "Be Careful".
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Clutch Actuator Defective (3-Bar Fault) The electric clutch actuator (part no. A4512500062) frequently fails from 80,000–100,000 km. The shaft of the internal electric motor breaks, and gears can no longer be selected. Three dashes on the display, limp mode, or vehicle completely undriveable. Symptoms: Three dashes/bars on display instead of gear readout, gearbox does not clutch or judders heavily, vehicle in limp mode from 90,000 km | Medium | |
| Gearbox Shift Actuator Defective The shift actuator (part no. A4518290201) controls the electronic gear selection. When it fails, individual gears are lost or the gearbox no longer shifts at all. Typical problem on older examples from 100,000 km. Symptoms: Individual gears cannot be engaged, shifting problems, limp mode, error message on display from 100,000 km | Medium |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 27 weaknesses have been documented for the Smart ForTwo 451 (2007–2014) — 13 engine-related and 14 vehicle-related. One problem engine: OM660 (0.8L CDI). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Rust, Electronics, Steering.
ForTwo (OM660, 2007–2014) — Stay Away!: Turbocharger damage from icing in the intake tract, Injectors coked up or faulty, Diesel particulate filter clogged. Power: 41–45 PS.
ForTwo (OM660, 2009–2014) — Stay Away!: Turbocharger damage from icing in the intake tract, Injectors coked up or faulty, Diesel particulate filter clogged. Power: 54 PS.
ForTwo (3B21, 2007–2014) — Be Careful: Timing chain tensioner and guide wear, Clutch actuator wears out — electric motor shaft shears off, Ignition coil failure — misfires on individual cylinders. Power: 61 PS.
ForTwo (3B21, 2007–2014) — Be Careful: Timing chain tensioner and guide wear, Clutch actuator wears out — electric motor shaft shears off, Ignition coil failure — misfires on individual cylinders. Power: 71 PS.
ForTwo (3B21, 2007–2014) — Be Careful: Timing chain tensioner and guide wear, Clutch actuator wears out — electric motor shaft shears off, Ignition coil failure — misfires on individual cylinders. Power: 84 PS.
ForTwo (3B21, 2007–2014) — Be Careful: Timing chain tensioner and guide wear, Clutch actuator wears out — electric motor shaft shears off, Ignition coil failure — misfires on individual cylinders. Power: 98–102 PS.
What to watch out for with the Smart ForTwo? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Smart ForTwo 451 have? +
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Which Smart ForTwo 451 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Smart ForTwo 451 worth buying used? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee