Smart ForTwo 453-FL
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
Body Variants
The Smart ForTwo 453-FL is available as Coupé and Convertible — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Generations
Engine Overview
The Smart ForTwo 453-FL is available with one engine variant at 75 hp.
Electric variants of the ForTwo and ForFour. Various battery sizes depending on generation and facelift.
No known weaknesses documented.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| DC-DC Converter Defective — Charging Abort A faulty DC-DC converter prevents the 12V battery from charging; without sufficient 12V voltage, the HV contactors cannot close. Vehicle no longer moves under its own power. Symptoms: Fault message 'charging not possible – visit workshop', vehicle stationary, 12V voltage measurable below 13 V from 70,000 km | High | |
| 12V Battery Drains Quickly The 12V lead-acid battery is not designed for the charge/discharge conditions of a BEV and sulphates. After 3–4 years a complete failure that renders the vehicle undriveable is typical. Symptoms: App shows 12V warning, vehicle cannot be started, charging aborts with red battery symbol from 40,000 km | Low | |
| Sporadic Charging Aborts at Wallboxes Charging aborts without warning, especially with managed charging current or mains disturbances. Statistically occurs approximately every 30,000 km and usually resolves itself after a 15-minute wait. Symptoms: Charge cable LED flashes red, error message 'charging not possible', clears after unplugging/replugging and a 15-minute pause from 30,000 km | Low | |
| Smart Control App — Connection Errors and Pre-Conditioning The official app regularly loses the vehicle connection. The immediate boost for pre-conditioning functions reliably in only about 50% of cases after overnight parking. Symptoms: App shows vehicle as offline, pre-conditioning does not start, daily re-login required | Low |
Test Reports
AUTO BILD TÜV-Report 2025
The facelifted ForTwo 453 shows the typical weaknesses of the model line at the MOT: dipped headlight defect rates climb above average from the second MOT onwards. Driveshafts remain fault-free; steering and track rods are rarely flagged.
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 7 weaknesses have been documented for the Smart ForTwo 453-FL (2020–2024). Typical issues affect Electronics, HVAC, Other.
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-FL have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Smart ForTwo 453-FL? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Smart ForTwo 453-FL engine is the most fun? +
Is the Smart ForTwo 453-FL worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Smart ForTwo 453-FL? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee