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Smart · Micro Car · 2014–2022

Smart ForTwo 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

Urban sports car

Fun to Drive!
Most Reliable Engine

61–71 PS

1.0L Benzin

4 weaknesses

Good Choice

Body Variants

The Smart ForTwo 453 is available as Coupé and Cabrio — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Coupé
3 Engines 1× Good Choice
view Coupé →
Cabrio
3 Engines 1× Good Choice
view Cabrio →

Generations

Engine Overview

The Smart ForTwo 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
1.0L · Benziner· 61–71 PS Engine Change
2014 2019
Good Choice 4 weaknesses
2015 2017
Good Choice 4 weaknesses
EQ ForTwo · Elektro· 82 PS
2017 2022
Be Careful 0 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 ForTwo (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 bucks especially when pulling away in city traffic and in cold conditions. Mainly affects the 66 kW engine. Software updates help partially; at heavy wear, clutch replacement is necessary (approx. €3,500).

Symptoms: Judder on pull-away, noticeable shift interruptions, three horizontal bars instead of gear readout, vehicle enters limp mode
from 60,000 km
Ad Smart 453 DoppelclutchSmart fortwo 453 twinamic clutch
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above Average
9 complaints · 2014–2022
Electrical
4
Steering
2
Seat Belts
2
Suspension
1
Wheels
1

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Electrical (4 complaints)
⚠ Steering (2 complaints)
⚠ Seat Belts (2 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 20 weaknesses have been documented for the Smart ForTwo 453 (2014–2022) — 8 engine-related and 12 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Electronics, Brakes, Suspension. Considered reliable: M281 (1.0L).

ForTwo (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.

ForTwo (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 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 453 have? +
The Smart ForTwo 453 has 8 known engine weaknesses and 12 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Smart ForTwo 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 ForTwo 453 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Smart ForTwo 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 ForTwo 453 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Smart ForTwo 453 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 90 hp Renault turbo, direct steering, under 8-metre turning circle — city driving in the 453 feels like a kart race. Twinamic better than softtouch, but not perfect.
Is the Smart ForTwo 453 worth buying used? +
The Smart ForTwo 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 ForTwo 453? +
The Smart ForTwo 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