Smart · Coupé · 2007–2014
Smart ForTwo 451 Coupé
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
★★★★★
2.3 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants Most Fun Engine
75–82 PS
Elektromotor Elektro
City runabout without noise
Decent Problem Engine
41–54 PS
0.8L CDI Diesel
4 weaknesses
Stay Away!Engine Ratings
Stay Away! 4 weaknesses
Be Careful 9 weaknesses
Be Careful 0 weaknesses
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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Smart ForTwo 451 Coupé have? +
The Smart ForTwo 451 as Coupé has 25 known weaknesses, 12 vehicle-related.
Which engine is recommended? +
Be Careful: 3B21 (1.0L), Smart-ED (Elektromotor). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'.
Is the Smart ForTwo 451 Coupé worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Smart ForTwo 451 Coupé — 1 of 3 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'.
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee